15 Adorable Asian Dog Breeds With History From Siberia to Japan and Everywhere in Between

Just when you suppose you know all the coolheaded fact about frankfurter , just wait until you chance upon the heritage of these various breed .

The profoundness of the human - animal bond is unendingly captivating . In fact , Asian dog breeds have an all-inclusive account with people . Research indicate thathumans migrated with dogsfrom East Asia to the New World more than 15,000 geezerhood ago , and some experts advise that canines have been our blessing companions for almost 25,000 age .

A Brief History of Asian Dog Breeds

Aaron Sams , Ph.D. , is the director of research and development , scientific product atEmbark Veterinary , which provide genetic information for wiener breeders andDNA testsfor pet parent . He enjoin Daily Paws that by 11,000 geezerhood ago , there were three major filiation of dogs :

" Many of today ’s intimate breeds with Asian and Arctic origins can follow their origins back at least over 1,000 yr — some quite a act further , " Sams says . " In line , most of the stock that we love today with European origins were formed in the preceding 200 years , get with the origin of modern dog breed practices in Victorian Europe . " While there ’s a fate of diversity in European stock ( after all , retrievers do n’t face like bulldogs ! ) Sams adds they ’re still more genetically related to each other than they are to Asian dogs . " The division of European and Asian line of descent was one of the earliest and recondite genetic splits . "

In a word , cool . We imagine knowing this history makes choosing the right Asiatic dog breed for your family all the more interesting ! Let ’s take a closer look at a few of them .

Tibetan Spaniel being held by woman in a hat and winter coat

Kseniia Vorobeva / Shutterstock

Central Asian Shepherd

The ancientCentral Asian shepherdhails from mod - mean solar day Kazakhstan , Afghanistan , Iran , and Tajikistan . The strain is believed to have evolved on its own ( rather than being breed ) for more than 5,000 twelvemonth . Also known as the Central Asian alabai , alabay , or ovcharka , this large , muscular breed is a diligentflock guardianand a tranquil , faithful furry doggo who , with the help ofearly socializationand positive reinforcement training , can accommodate to sept life .

Shiba Inu

Dedicated but sovereign , Sams says theShiba Inuwas closely extinct after World War II . It regained popularity in 2008 , when million watched a springy webcam of Shiba Inu puppies being born . This trustyJapanese heel strain , which originated around 300 BC , is a assign Nihon Ken : one of six autochthonal dogs consider national born repository . Bright butslightlymischievous , Shiba Inu dog be their natural hunting inherent aptitude and scare away in a jiffy , so invest in a qualityleashandfencing .

Shar-Pei

With inheritance that date back to 200 BC , the uniqueChinese shar - peihas rolls of crease , a ' hippopotamus ' muzzle , and harsh , sandpaper fur ( shar - pei means ' backbone skin ' ) . Be prepared for double remove ondaily paseo , especially since this loving but sheer breed israrein the U.S. She ’s probably not up for a bounce at thedog park , butalwayseager to play with you , especially whentraining with treats .

Japanese Chin

If your warmness is set on atoy dog , theJapanese Chinmight be your ' indoorsy ' pup of pick . Sams suppose although they ’re Chinese in origin , these dogs were brought to Japan to swear out as the comrade of Japanese high-up . So they ’re obviously skilled in Laptime 101 and Advanced FluffyDog Bed , and even passedCat ToleranceLevel 2 : consummate requirements for mature favored parents who want a mellisonant , low - care puppy .

Siberian Husky

One of the best Asian frump breeds for individuals withactive lifestyles , a hoi polloi - lovingSiberian huskyhas two speed : run and cuddle ! Famous for hissledding abilities(and his tendency to talk back ) , breed historian conceive his ancestors date back toSiberian Taimyr wolvesin Northeastern Siberia .

And ticktack this box during your next trivia game : Sams state some huskies havedistinctive blue eyesdue to a genetic mutation that ’s different thanAustralian sheepman ' merle gene chromosomal mutation — likely because the Aussie has Eurasiatic roots .

Tibetan Spaniel

AreTibetan spanielsdescended from the eponymous dogs of Spain ? Nope . As theirothername paint a picture , they ’re in reality from the Himalayas of Tibet , where they guarded Buddhist monasteries more than 2,000 year ago ( well , with a niggling help from their elephantine mastiff buddies below ! ) Friendly , smart , and affectionate , urban andapartment livingis easy for them . But consult a veterinarian about how best to give care for this wizardly smooshy - facedbrachycephalic breed .

Tibetan Mastiff

One of the bad Asian weenie on our list ( ever attempt to squeeze oneinto a car ? ) , aTibetan mastiffis brilliant , hard - willed , and an unstoppable shielder . According to legend , explorer Marco Polo once meet a Tibetan mastiff and said it was as " tall as a Equus asinus with a voice like a Leo . " Sounds about correct . We ’ll take a 3XLdog crateplease ! SAM says this stock loves to be around the people they care about , and having one lately became a sign of social status in China .

Black Russian Terrier

Sams saysBlack Russian terrierswere one of the firstRussian purebredsto be revived after the Russian Revolution and World War II . Highly well-informed , they ’re prized do work frump in military and police department . This means their workplace ethic ismuchbetter than ours and as such , they prosper with constantpositive reinforcement trainingand extensive day-to-day exercise . Oh ! And they ’re not really terriers . They have about 17 breeds contributing to theirgenetic line .

Shih Tzu

Shih tzushave an intriguing 1,000 year - oldChinese breedbackstory : one that includes monastic , majestic fellowship … and Marco Polo ( this dude again ? ) . Whew ! turn over one of themost popularAsian cad strain — and consistently on the top 20 list in the U.S.—shih tzus are snuggly buds to just about every two- and four - legged creature in the house , but especially adore kids .

Afghan Hound

warm ofgroomingfleet - footed pets ? Then you ’ll swoon over anAfghan hound . Not only do theselong - hairy beautiesreportedly predate Christianity , but as incredible sighthounds from Afghanistan , they can sprint up to 40 mph — quicker than many racehorses ! hold yet quite risible with their owner , Afghani hounds are also rather free - spirited with astrong prey effort , so extensiveleash traininghelps both of you , even if you need to be on Rollerblade to keep up .

Akita

AnAkitais a treasured and nimble large breed arise in the craggy northern region of Japan . " They have webbed toes to help walk onsnowby distributing their weight more evenly . Historically , they keep their front dew claws because they function as ice picks , helping them climb out of polar water , " Sams sound out . Also one of the six distinguished Nihon Ken , Akitas are alert , levelheaded , andloyalworking dogs keen onconsistent education .

Japanese Spitz

Nicknamed ' cloud dog ' , theagileand comedicJapanese spitzis one of the few Asiatic clean cad . But here ’s the kicker : she ’s actually an ancient lineage crossbreed , as research shows the first of this breed was bred from the whiteGerman spitz , brought to Japan by room of Northeastern China sometime around 1920 . She ’s one of thesmartest frump breedswho loves to be fighting , so set the agenda withdaily interactional game .

Chinese Crested

Oh sure , aChinese crestedmaybe not the pretty dog out there , but few puppy are as darling and cheerful . They ’re super - snugglers andgood dogs for seniors , too . While famed as small Asian wienerwurst strain , genetics let on they ’re probable cousin-german of the Mexican hairless andiron or xoloitzcuintli ( we sorta see the resemblance)—who might really be fromAfrica . They ’re delightfully quirky , too . Sams order they ’re ' cat - like ' , favour to sit in high places , and they have sweat glands , which allow them to chill off withoutpanting .

Borzoi

Once known as the Russian wolfhound , an elegantborzoi(from the Russian wordborzyi , which intend swift ) is another quick pooch on this lean — darting off at 35–40 mph . Exceptional sighthound Hunter from as far back as the 15th one C , they ’re also quite adept atnose workanddock diving . While they opt to be fighting ( insensate weather ? Sure ! ) they ’re really not playful , and atadaloof . One Russian wolfhound breeder describe them as " not jump - through - hoop - case hotdog " , but they ’re mellow and sweet - tempered .

Korean Jindo

A low - key but daring Asianhunting dogfor 1000 of years , Sams says the Korean Jindo is anational monumentin that country and protected by law . Renowned for his loyalty , he ’s turn over to be an affectionate ' one person dog ' , more devoted than most for hislong lifespanof 12–14 eld .

central asian shepherd standing in grass