The native dog is one of the oldest local dog types in China. Why is it treated as less desirable than many other breeds today? A major reason is social image. Many people think keeping a native dog lacks status, and they assume foreign breeds are more valuable simply because they are less common. As a result, the Chinese Rural Dog is often placed far below other breeds in people’s minds. In reality, the Chinese Rural Dog is highly intelligent, alert, quick to react, and deeply understands people. It knows how to protect its owner and guard the home, so we should reject discrimination against native dogs and become true dog lovers.
The difference between native dogs and pet dogs
The biggest difference lies in the way they are raised. Native dogs, which are the Chinese Rural Dog commonly seen in China, are extremely loyal to their owners and are generally easy to keep. As long as they are given enough food, they can watch the house and guard the yard. Most native dogs are not vaccinated, and many are kept mainly for guarding rather than companionship. Unlike typical pet dogs, native dogs have a certain level of vigilance. They can often find food by themselves and retain a degree of wildness, so if you encounter one, it is better not to provoke it, because being bitten can cause serious trouble.
How to tell native dogs and pet dogs apart
When puppies are born, you can often see the difference in the birth coat. Native dogs usually have uneven-looking birth hair, less pure color, and lower gloss, while pet dogs usually have neater and more attractive-looking coats. Another major difference is temperament. Native dogs are not spoiled in the same way pet dogs often are, so they tend to be more cautious around people. Pet dogs, because they are well protected by their owners, are usually gentler and more obedient and seldom attack strangers. Native dogs are common in rural areas, and the Chinese Rural Dog is especially good at guarding homes. It is extremely loyal to its owner, and even if its appearance is not as refined as that of some pet breeds, many people still love it.
Chinese Rural Dog
The Chinese Rural Dog is the most commonly kept local dog type in China. It has strong guarding ability, is easy to raise, survives very well, understands people, and can accompany its owner. It does not need a special place to live or fancy food, and it can be found almost everywhere in the countryside, becoming part of local culture. Because the types are mixed and varied, the market price is usually not high, and a puppy can often be bought for a small amount of money. These dogs also reproduce strongly, so many owners simply give puppies away, making it relatively easy to adopt one.