Dogs have become an important part of modern life in China. Walk through cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen and you’ll spot every breed — from fluffy Toy Poodles to energetic Corgis — enjoying cafés, parks and neighbourhood walks with their owners.
As China’s pet culture continues to grow, certain breeds have become especially popular thanks to their friendly personalities, compact size and suitability for apartment living. If you’re learning Mandarin, they’re also a great way to expand your everyday vocabulary.
In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the most popular dog breeds in China, learn their Chinese names and discover why these breeds have become favourites among pet owners across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Poodles, Corgis and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in China.
- Small dog breeds are especially popular because they’re well-suited to apartment living in China’s major cities.
- China is also home to several famous native breeds, including the Pekingese, Chow Chow and Shar-Pei.
- Learning the Mandarin names for popular dog breeds is a fun way to build your everyday Chinese vocabulary.
Top 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds in China
1. Poodle 贵宾犬 (Guìbīnquǎn)
If you’ve spent any time in China, chances are you’ve seen plenty of Poodles. Known as 贵宾犬 (Guìbīnquǎn) in Mandarin, they’re one of the country’s most popular companion dogs and a familiar sight in parks, shopping districts and residential neighbourhoods.
While Poodles come in several sizes, Toy and Miniature Poodles are especially common because they’re perfectly suited to apartment living. Their curly coats, intelligence and friendly personalities make them a favourite among first-time dog owners.
Interestingly, many people in China also call them 泰迪 (Tàidí), short for “Teddy Dog,” because their fluffy appearance resembles a teddy bear after grooming. It’s one of the most commonly used nicknames you’ll hear among Chinese pet owners.
2. Bichon Frise 比熊 (Bǐxióng)
The Bichon Frise, or 比熊 (Bǐxióng), is another incredibly popular small dog breed in China. Their bright white coats, round faces and cheerful personalities have made them favourites with families and young professionals alike.
Bichons are known for being affectionate, intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal companions for city life. Although their fluffy coats require regular grooming, many owners are happy to invest the extra time because of their charming appearance and gentle temperament.
If you’re walking through a park, you’ll likely spot plenty of beautifully groomed Bichons enjoying an afternoon stroll.
3. Corgi 柯基 (Kējī)
Few dog breeds have become as popular on Chinese social media as the Corgi, known in Mandarin as 柯基 (Kējī).
Their short legs, playful personalities and unmistakable fluffy backsides have made them internet celebrities, and it’s easy to find Corgi-themed cafés, merchandise and accessories throughout China.
Despite their small size, Corgis are energetic, intelligent dogs that enjoy plenty of exercise and attention. Their adaptability to apartment living has helped make them one of the most popular dog breeds in China.
4. Golden Retriever 金毛 (Jīnmáo)
When it comes to larger dogs, few breeds are as well-loved as the Golden Retriever, or 金毛 (Jīnmáo) in Chinese.
The name 金毛 literally means “golden fur,” a fitting description of their beautiful golden coats. They’re famous for their gentle temperament, intelligence and loyalty, making them one of the best choices for families.
Although smaller breeds dominate many Chinese cities, Golden Retrievers remain one of the country’s favourite large dog breeds thanks to their friendly nature and excellent reputation as companion animals.
5. French Bulldog 法国斗牛犬 (Fǎguó Dòuniúquǎn)
Rounding out the list is the French Bulldog, known in Chinese as 法国斗牛犬 (Fǎguó Dòuniúquǎn).
Among younger pet owners, French Bulldogs have become increasingly popular thanks to their compact size, distinctive bat-like ears and playful personalities. Most Chinese owners simply shorten the breed’s name to 法斗 (Fǎdòu), a nickname you’ll often hear in everyday conversation.
Their relatively low exercise needs and suitability for apartment living make French Bulldogs another excellent choice for modern city life in China.
More Popular Dog Breeds in China
While the five breeds above are among the most common dogs you’ll see across China, they’re certainly not the only favourites. As China’s pet culture continues to grow, several other breeds have become increasingly popular with families and young professionals alike.
Labrador Retriever 拉布拉多 (Lābùlāduō)
Labrador Retrievers are loved for their friendly personalities, intelligence and loyalty. Their Chinese name, 拉布拉多 (Lābùlāduō), is simply a phonetic translation from English, making it surprisingly easy to remember. Although they’re larger than many apartment-friendly breeds, Labradors remain a favourite among families with more outdoor space.
Samoyed 萨摩耶 (Sàmóyē)
With their fluffy white coats and famous “Samoyed smile,” Samoyeds have become one of China’s most recognisable large dog breeds. They’re especially popular on Chinese social media thanks to their cheerful appearance and playful personalities.
Pomeranian 博美 (Bóměi)
The Pomeranian, or 博美 (Bóměi) in Mandarin, is another popular companion dog in China. Their compact size, fox-like face and energetic personality make them a great choice for city living, while their luxurious coats have made them favourites at pet cafés and grooming salons.
Chihuahua 吉娃娃 (Jíwáwá)
Known as 吉娃娃 (Jíwáwá) in Chinese, Chihuahuas are among the smallest dog breeds in the world. They’re ideal for apartment living and are loved for their confident personalities despite their tiny size.
Shiba Inu 柴犬 (Cháiquǎn)
Although originally from Japan, the Shiba Inu has become increasingly popular in China. Their independent personality, fox-like appearance and internet fame have made them especially popular with younger pet owners.
Native Chinese Dog Breeds
China isn’t just home to popular international breeds; it has also given the world several iconic dog breeds with centuries of history!
Pekingese 京巴狗 (Jīngbāgǒu)
The Pekingese is one of China’s oldest and most famous native dog breeds. Once kept exclusively by Chinese emperors, these small “Lion Dogs” remain a symbol of China’s imperial history and are admired for their flowing coats and confident personalities.
Chow Chow 松狮犬 (Sōngshīquǎn)
Instantly recognisable by its thick mane and distinctive blue-black tongue, the Chow Chow has been a loyal companion in China for thousands of years. Originally used for hunting and guarding, today they’re known for their calm, independent temperament.
Chinese Shar-Pei 沙皮犬 (Shāpíquǎn)
Famous for its loose wrinkles and unique appearance, the Shar-Pei originated in southern China more than 2,000 years ago. Today, it’s admired around the world for its loyalty, intelligence and unmistakable look.
Why Are Small Dog Breeds So Popular in China?
If you’ve visited cities like Shanghai, Beijing or Shenzhen, you’ve probably noticed one thing, most dogs are surprisingly small.
One of the biggest reasons is apartment living. With many people living in high-rise buildings where space is limited, smaller breeds are simply easier to care for. Dogs such as Poodles, Bichon Frises and Corgis adapt well to city life and require less living space than larger breeds.
China’s growing pet culture has also influenced the popularity of smaller dogs. Younger generations increasingly see pets as members of the family, leading to a huge rise in pet cafés, grooming salons and boutique pet stores across the country.
In some cities, local regulations also encourage people to choose smaller breeds by placing restrictions on larger dogs in certain residential areas.
Whether you’re a dog lover or learning Mandarin, understanding China’s favourite breeds offers an interesting glimpse into modern Chinese culture. If you’d like to learn even more pet-related vocabulary, check out our guide to 13 Chinese Words to Take Care of Your Pet, where you’ll learn practical Mandarin words and phrases every pet owner should know.
Learn More About Chinese Culture
From learning the Mandarin names of your favourite dog breeds to exploring China’s traditions and customs, language and culture go hand in hand.
If you’re interested in discovering more about Chinese animals, don’t miss our guide to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals, where you can learn the stories behind each zodiac sign while expanding your Chinese vocabulary.
FAQ Popular Dog Breeds in China
What dog breeds are popular in China?
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Small breeds: Bichon Frise, Corgi, French Bulldog.
Big breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador
