The Chinese Chongqing Dog is a rare breed of dog native to the Chongqing province of China, somewhat like a Boxer-mastiff mix (not, however, descended from either of these) but with a distinct tail, color, and coat. In its early years, it was used for hunting wild boar and rabbits, but it's now used in China to protect families and belongings. They are an ancient, natural breed said to have existed for 2,000 years since the time of the Han Dynasty in Ancient China. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the dog was almost eliminated, leaving only peasants and rural people to keep the dog, which is why the breed is rare even in China. Chongqing (Simplified Chinese: , Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: Chóngqìng; Postal System Pinyin: Chungking) is the largest and most populous of the Peoples Republic of Chinas four provincial-level municipalities, and the only one in the less densely populated western half of China. ... Boxers are a breed of stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog with a smooth fawn or brindled coat and square-jawed muzzle. ... Mastiffs are a group of large, solidly built breeds of dogs typically with heavy bones, pendant ears, a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. ... The Han Dynasty (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Han Chau; 206 BC–AD 220) followed the Qin Dynasty and preceded the Three Kingdoms in China. ...

Temperament

The Chongqing dog may be protective of its family and owners, but if a stranger to the dog is kind and the owner is present, the dog will grow to respect it. They are usually a good family companion. However, these dogs are said to be wary of unknown strangers, and if it senses fear, it will prepare for action and attack if any false moves or suspicious actions are made.

Height and Weight

Males are usually 16-19 and a half inches (40-50 cm) tall and Females are from 14 to 16 inches (35-40 cm). Males way from 44-54 pounds (20-25 kilograms) and Females are 33-44 pounds (15-20 kilograms).

Health

No known major health problems occur in this breed, because there has been no inbreeding. However, because of the thin coat, some individual dogs develop skin problems. The life expectancy is 18 years for both males and females. No specific grooming is required, as this is a short-haired breed and not known for showing.

External links

• www.chongqingdog.org