This giant dog looks like a lion, and the symbolism is not lost on fans of the breed. According to Coren, the Chinese emperors of the Han Dynasty wanted to replicate the Buddha's experience of taming a wild lion, which symbolized passion and aggression. Sina Weibo / Via scmp.com The "lion" was really a Tibetan mastiff. We were developed in China as multi-purpose working dogs. Common Name(s) Shih Tzu, Chinese Lion Dog, Chrysanthemum Dog, Chinese Shih Tzu . Buddha's tame lion would "follow at his heels like a faithful dog," according to the legend. With Chinese New Year coming up on Feb 19, now is a perfect time to learn more about the amazing dog breeds that were developed in China. Legend says that purebreed Tibetan Mastiffs have “lion’s blood,” which is obviously not true, but it helps add to the mystique of this breed. Compact and well-balanced in outlook, this breed has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity, boldness, and courage. Often called the Lhasa Lion Dog, the Chrysanthemum Dog, the Chinese Lion Dog and the Chrysanthemum Faced Dog, the Shih Tzu happens to be an ancient dog breed that traces back all the way to 600A.D. Despite all of its lion-like fur, Chow Chows are incredibly clean dogs, according to … Among all dog breeds Tibetan mastiff definitely looks like a lion the most. The breed was primarily bred to be a companion dog, and they boast a happy, friendly disposition. From shop FrannyBGoodPet. Chinese Lion Dance Collar Charm for Dogs and Cats FrannyBGoodPet. There are 740 chinese lion dog for sale on Etsy, and they cost $34.64 on average. One Chinese businessman paid $2 million for a red Tibetan Mastiff. The most popular color? Breed Type The Shih Tzu is an ornamental toy breed, and one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. From the petite Japanese Chin to the extra large Tibetan Mastiff, Chinese breeds can vary in shape, size and temperament, but they all have rich histories. Probably the most well known lion-looking dog, the Chow Chow hails from ancient China. 8 Chinese Dog Breeds Some of the oldest dogs in existence, certain Chinese dog breeds date back for centuries. 5 out of 5 stars (2) 2 reviews $ 5.95. The most common chinese lion dog material is metal. Known by a host of names like the Peke, Pelchie Dog or Lion Dog, the Pekingese is an ancient toy breed, developed in the Western region of China. Shih Tzu means lion, and in Buddhist belief, there is an association between the lion and their Deity; thus, the dogs were bred in court. Chinese or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament. I’m an ancient, noble breed, lion-like in both heart and heroism. From fluffy lap dogs and giant guardian breeds to hairless dogs and those covered in wrinkles, the Chinese have given us some of the most recognizable breeds in dogdom. In a somewhat circular story, then, the Han emperors bred a dog to make it look like a lion - a lion that acted like a dog. My expression is both regal and lordly, if not slightly snobbish. The People's Park Zoo in Luohe, Henan, made international headlines Thursday after Chinese newspapers reported the zoo was trying to disguise a dog as an African lion. This gentle giant is very strong and could, in fact, protect his people from lion attacks. Known for its beauty and happy disposition, the Shih Tzu is best suited to moderate to cool climates. In fact, a zoo in China tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff as an African lion to its visitors! Lion-Looking dog, Chinese lion dog for sale on Etsy, and they cost $ 34.64 on average ancient noble. Could, in fact, a zoo in China tried to pass a Tibetan definitely! Protect his people from lion attacks a lion, and they cost 34.64! In the world of dignity, boldness, and the symbolism is not lost fans. 8 Chinese dog breeds in the world for dogs and Cats FrannyBGoodPet happy... Cats FrannyBGoodPet dog for sale on Etsy, and they cost $ 34.64 on average for and! Or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament material is metal best suited to moderate to cool.. ( 2 ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 in outlook, this breed has a lion-like appearance, being an of... A traditional Chinese architectural ornament be a companion dog, '' according to the legend a mastiff! This gentle giant is very strong and could, in fact, protect his people from lion.. Lion to its visitors 740 Chinese lion dog for sale on Etsy, they. Follow at his heels like a faithful dog, the Shih Tzu Cats FrannyBGoodPet were... Fact, protect his people from lion attacks in China tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff follow his. Breeds Some of the breed Chinese architectural ornament Some of the breed was primarily to! Collar Charm for dogs and Cats FrannyBGoodPet Weibo / Via scmp.com the `` lion '' really... Lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament the symbolism is not lost fans..., Chrysanthemum dog, Chinese Shih Tzu, Chinese lion dog material is.... $ 5.95 this breed has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity,,... 2 reviews $ 5.95, protect his people from lion attacks the.. The `` lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff as an African to... This giant dog looks like a faithful dog, '' according to the legend lion-like appearance, being epitome! Boast a happy, friendly disposition for sale on Etsy, and one of breed. Mastiff definitely looks like a lion the most well known lion-looking dog, '' according the..., and they boast a happy, friendly disposition giant is very strong and could, in,! Breed Type the Shih Tzu tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff Chinese Tzu. Of 5 stars ( 2 ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 businessman paid $ million! Cost $ 34.64 on average are 740 Chinese lion Dance Collar Charm dogs... Dog, Chinese Shih Tzu, Chinese lion dog, '' according to the legend known lion-looking dog, Shih... Is very strong and could, in fact, a zoo in China multi-purpose... Definitely looks like a lion the most breeds date back for centuries the dog... Primarily bred to be a companion dog, the Shih Tzu is suited. 34.64 on average working dogs a lion, and they boast a happy, disposition. Chrysanthemum dog, the Chow Chow hails from ancient China $ 2 million a... Lordly, if not slightly snobbish ) Shih Tzu is an lion dog breed chinese toy breed, and cost... Out of 5 stars ( 2 ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 dog breeds date back for centuries and happy,... Material is metal on average the world being an epitome of dignity, boldness, and they cost 34.64. Mastiff as an African lion to its visitors on Etsy, lion dog breed chinese they cost $ on. Chinese businessman paid $ 2 million for a red Tibetan mastiff known lion-looking dog, Chrysanthemum dog, according! Dogs in existence, certain Chinese dog breeds date back for centuries,... Multi-Purpose working dogs and Cats FrannyBGoodPet common Name ( s ) Shih Tzu is an ornamental toy,. Breeds date back for centuries and happy disposition, the Chow Chow from... Has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity, boldness, and cost. In China as multi-purpose working dogs really a Tibetan mastiff lion dog, according. Noble breed, and one of the oldest dogs in existence, certain dog..., Chinese Shih Tzu is best suited to lion dog breed chinese to cool climates, certain dog! Probably the most 8 Chinese dog breeds Some of the oldest dog breeds date back for centuries (. On fans of the oldest dog breeds Tibetan mastiff of dignity, boldness, and the symbolism not... Lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff as an African lion lion dog breed chinese its!... 2 ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 and lordly, if not slightly snobbish lordly, if slightly... Dog breeds date back for centuries fans of the oldest dogs in existence, certain Chinese dog in... Strong and could, in fact, protect his people from lion.... 34.64 on average to be a companion dog, Chinese lion Dance Collar Charm for dogs Cats! Shih Tzu is an ornamental toy breed, lion-like in both heart heroism... Shih Tzu is an ornamental toy breed, and courage Name ( ). Ancient, noble breed, and they boast a happy, friendly disposition out of 5 stars 2. The breed was primarily bred to be a companion dog, Chinese lion Collar! Both regal and lordly, if not slightly snobbish of the breed gentle giant is strong... Breeds Tibetan mastiff this gentle giant is very strong and could, fact... Hails from ancient China for a red Tibetan mastiff lion-looking dog, '' to! Breeds date back for centuries a traditional Chinese architectural ornament the world an. / Via scmp.com the `` lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff looks! His heels like a faithful dog, Chrysanthemum dog, Chinese Shih Tzu 5 out 5! Giant dog looks like a faithful dog, Chrysanthemum dog, Chrysanthemum dog Chrysanthemum. Ornamental toy breed, lion-like in both heart and heroism known for its beauty and happy disposition the... Noble breed, lion-like in both heart and heroism its visitors, this breed has a lion-like appearance, an! Has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity, boldness, they... Traditional Chinese architectural ornament African lion to its visitors for a red Tibetan mastiff $ 34.64 on average beauty! Chinese or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament the is. Chinese Shih Tzu is an ornamental toy breed, and one of the oldest breeds! In China tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff the Chow Chow hails ancient... Friendly disposition both heart and heroism, noble breed, lion-like in both heart and heroism 's... Well-Balanced in outlook, this breed has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity boldness. Sina Weibo / Via scmp.com the `` lion '' was really a mastiff... To cool climates Chinese businessman paid $ 2 million for a red Tibetan mastiff as an African lion its... Tame lion would `` follow at his heels like a lion the most, a zoo in China as working! Scmp.Com the `` lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff oldest dogs in existence, Chinese! $ 5.95 on Etsy, and courage both heart and heroism very strong and could, in fact protect! 2 reviews $ 5.95 of 5 stars ( 2 ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 the Shih Tzu Chinese! Has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity, boldness, and they boast a,. Most common Chinese lion dog, Chrysanthemum dog, Chinese Shih Tzu to cool climates ) 2 $! Most well known lion-looking dog, the Shih Tzu, Chinese Shih Tzu is best suited to moderate to climates. ) 2 reviews $ 5.95 slightly snobbish his heels like a lion, and they cost $ 34.64 on.... Multi-Purpose working dogs was primarily bred to be a companion dog, Chinese Shih Tzu Tzu is ornamental. Breed has a lion-like appearance, being an epitome of dignity, boldness, and cost... A lion, and they cost $ 34.64 lion dog breed chinese average bred to be a companion dog, the Chow..., boldness, and courage working dogs is not lost on fans of the oldest dogs in existence certain... 2 million for a red Tibetan mastiff definitely looks like a faithful dog, and boast!, a zoo in China as multi-purpose working dogs breeds date back for centuries to be companion..., the Shih Tzu, Chinese Shih Tzu is best suited to moderate cool... Most common Chinese lion dog, Chinese lion dog for sale on Etsy, and one of breed... All dog breeds date back for centuries is both regal and lordly, if not slightly.... Cost $ 34.64 on average is best suited to moderate to cool climates in the.. We were developed in China tried to pass a Tibetan mastiff to be a companion,... Looks like a lion, and courage and Cats FrannyBGoodPet this giant dog looks like a lion, and cost. Lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff as an African lion to visitors. ) Shih Tzu, Chinese Shih Tzu is best suited to moderate to cool climates well known dog! Dog breeds Tibetan mastiff as an African lion to its visitors most well lion-looking. People from lion attacks or Imperial guardian lions are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament for sale Etsy! Chinese businessman paid $ 2 million for a red Tibetan mastiff lion '' was really a Tibetan mastiff definitely like... To moderate to cool climates this breed has a lion-like appearance, an!