You’ve probably seen a Pekingese waddling through a park or a Shih Tzu looking like a living floor mop and thought they were just cute, spoiled lapdogs. Honestly, that's only half the story. These small Chinese dog breeds aren't just pets; they are living artifacts of an imperial history that almost got wiped off the map during the Cultural Revolution. Most people assume they’ve always been luxury items for the West, but their roots go back thousands of years to Buddhist monasteries and the forbidden corridors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
If you’re looking for a dog that treats you like an equal—or, let's be real, like their personal servant—you’re looking at the right group of animals.
The Royal Ego of the Pekingese
The Pekingese is basically a lion trapped in a ten-pound body. Legend says the Buddha shrunk a lion down to dog size so it could stay with its mate, and if you've ever met one, you know they believe that story 100%. For centuries, these dogs were so sacred that commoners had to bow to them. Stealing one was a literal death sentence.
They are heavy. Surprisingly heavy. When you pick up a "Peke," you aren't picking up a hollow fluff ball; you’re lifting a dense, muscular little tank. They have this "rolling gait" that looks like they’re swaggering. It’s a genetic trait caused by their bowed front legs. They weren't bred to run marathons or fetch sticks. They were bred to sit on silk pillows and look important.
But here is the catch. Because of that flat face—what vets call being brachycephalic—they struggle in the heat. A humid summer afternoon in New York or London can be genuinely dangerous for them. You’ll hear them snort and sneeze, a condition called "reverse sneezing" that sounds terrifying but is usually just their elongated soft palate getting in the way.
Why the Shih Tzu Isn't Actually From China (Sort Of)
Here is a bit of trivia that usually trips people up: the Shih Tzu probably started in Tibet.
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The Dalai Lama used to send these "lion dogs" as gifts to the Chinese emperors. Once they hit Beijing, the royal breeders crossed them with Pekingese and Pugs to create the modern look we see today. They are the quintessential "chrysanthemum dog" because their hair grows upward from the bridge of the nose in every direction.
They are much sturdier than people give them credit for. While a Pekingese is aloof and cat-like, a Shih Tzu is a professional friend. They want to be in your lap. They want to be in your face. They want to know what you’re eating.
However, the grooming is a nightmare if you aren't prepared. You’ve got two choices: spend two hours a week brushing or pay a groomer every six weeks for a "puppy cut." If you let that coat mat, it pulls on their skin and causes sores. It’s not just an aesthetic thing; it’s a health requirement.
The Pug: China’s Greatest Export
Pugs are weird. Let’s just admit it. Those giant, bulging eyes and the corkscrew tail are a result of centuries of selective breeding by Chinese masters who wanted a dog that fit in a sleeve.
Actually, the "diamond" wrinkle on a Pug's forehead was highly prized because it resembled the Chinese character for "prince." They weren't just random pets; they were status symbols. When the Dutch East India Company started trading with China, they fell in love with these little weirdos and brought them back to Europe, where they became the mascots of the House of Orange.
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Pugs are food-motivated to a fault. They will trick you into feeding them three dinners if you aren't careful. Obesity is the number one killer of this breed. Because they can't breathe as efficiently as a long-snouted dog, carrying an extra two pounds puts massive strain on their heart.
The Chinese Crested: Not Just a Bald Face
There are two versions of the Chinese Crested, and people usually only know the one that looks like a 1980s hair metal singer. That’s the "hairless" variety. The other is the "powderpuff," which is covered in soft, silky fur. They can both be born in the same litter.
These dogs weren't just for royalty; they were sailors. They were used on Chinese trading ships to hunt rats. They don't have "dog breath" in the traditional sense, and they don't smell like dog because they don't have the same oily coat as a Lab or a Golden Retriever.
But their skin is sensitive. You have to treat a hairless Crested like a human toddler. They need sunscreen in the summer and sweaters in the winter. They are prone to blackheads and acne. Yes, dog acne. It's a real thing.
Health Realities and Genetic Quirks
If you're serious about bringing one of these small Chinese dog breeds into your home, you have to look past the "cute" factor. These breeds have been inbred for thousands of years. That creates specific issues.
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- IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease): Long backs and short legs (like the Peke) mean they shouldn't be jumping off high couches. Use ramps.
- Eye Proptosis: Their eye sockets are shallow. A sharp bump to the head or a neck collar that’s too tight can literally cause an eyeball to pop out. Always use a harness, never a neck lead.
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): This is the snoring and panting. It can require surgery if the nostrils are too pinched (stenotic nares).
The Modern Survival of the Breeds
It’s a miracle these dogs even exist today. During the mid-20th century in China, pet ownership was seen as a "bourgeois" hobby. Many of these ancient lines were destroyed. We have these dogs today primarily because British soldiers smuggled them out of the Summer Palace during the Second Opium War in 1860.
One Pekingese was found guarding the body of an imperial aunt who had committed suicide rather than be captured. That dog was named "Looty" and given to Queen Victoria. It’s a dark, complicated history for such a small animal.
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Life
If you want a shadow that follows you from room to room, get a Shih Tzu. They are the most "forgiving" of the group in terms of temperament.
If you want a dog that acts like a retired colonel who is slightly disappointed in your life choices, get a Pekingese. They are independent and stubborn. Training them is less about "commanding" and more about "negotiating."
If you live in a tiny apartment and want a clown, the Pug is your best bet. Just watch the weight. Seriously.
The Chinese Crested is for the person who wants something truly unique and doesn't mind the skin-care routine. They are incredibly athletic—much faster than they look—and can jump surprisingly high fences.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Check the Nares: When looking at a puppy, ensure the nostrils are wide open. If they look like tiny slits, that dog will have trouble breathing for its entire life.
- Bloodlines Matter: Ask for DNA testing for "Pug Dog Encephalitis" (PDE) if you’re going the Pug route. It’s a fatal inflammatory brain disease that is hereditary.
- Invest in a High-Quality Harness: Protect their necks and eyes. Avoid "choke" collars at all costs.
- Find a Specialist Vet: Not all vets are comfortable with the anesthesia risks associated with flat-faced breeds. Find one who understands the nuances of short-muzzle intubation.
- Grooming Budget: If you aren't going to do it yourself, set aside at least $70–$100 every two months for professional maintenance.
These dogs are high-maintenance, stubborn, and occasionally snort in your face. But they are also some of the most loyal, ancient companions in the canine world. They don't see themselves as small dogs; they see themselves as the center of the universe. If you can handle that ego, you've got a friend for life.