27 Asian Dog Breeds [most popular Asian dogs with pictures]

[Asia is an incredibly vast continent with many different cultures and traditions offering a wide range of amazing dog breeds. From the tiny Shih Tzu to the giant Tibetan Mastiff, Asian dog breeds serve a variety of purposes and they possess unique characteristics.

Here is a list of some of the most popular Asian dog breeds.

Afghanistan Dog Breed

Afghan Hound

These ancient sighthounds have an incredibly rich history. In fact, some claim that Afghan Hounds were among one of the first breeds of dogs in existence.

Today these dogs with their luxurious long coats are a picture of grace and elegance.

Afghan Hounds were traditionally used as agile and effective hunters that could easily handle Afghanistan’s hot and unforgiving environment.

Today, these dogs are popular in the show ring and the home, and they can make an excellent companion for the right person.

Average Lifespan: 12-18 years
Size: 25-27 inches tall, 50-60 pounds
Grooming Requirements: High maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Chinese Dog Breeds

Chinese indigenous dogs date back centuries and are recognized as some of the oldest known dog breeds.

Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested is a dog breed with an incredibly rich and long history. Most notably, these dogs were used to get rid of vermin such as rats on Chinese trading ships.

This led them to be somewhat popular within coastal trade cities. Chinese Crested dogs are very affectionate with the members of their families.

These dogs tend to do fairly well around both children and other dogs as well when they have been properly socialized to them.

Average Lifespan: 13-18 years
Size: 11-13 inches tall, 8-12 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is yet another ancient breed on our list. It dates back to the Han dynasty in 206 BC and is one of the most popular Chinese dog breeds.

These dogs were used for a variety of purposes including as a hunting companion, a guard dog, and just a family pet.

This innate guardian instinct makes Chow Chows naturally aloof around strange people, and early socialization to many different kinds of people is a must when owning a Chow.

The Chow Chow dog can do alright around children, but they are not always the friendliest with other dogs when not properly socialized to them.

In addition to their unique appearance, Chow Chows are known for their distinctive blue-black tongues. This color tongue is part of their breed standard.

Average Lifespan: 8-12 years
Size: 17-20 inches tall, 45-70 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Shar-Pei

Like the Chow Chow, the Shar-Pei has ancient roots dating back to the Han dynasty in ancient China.

However, you would be much more likely to see the Shar-Pei around the farms and homes of the peasant crowd than in the lavish palaces of the elite.

These dogs were originally given a variety of jobs including as a herder and a guard dog for livestock. In addition to this, the Shar-Pei was also used as a hunting companion.

Shar-Pei dogs are incredibly loyal and loving towards their family, and they tend to do well around children and other dogs as well.

Note: Some spell Shar Pei without the hyphen but the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, as well as the American Kennel Club, use a hyphen.

Average Lifespan: 8-12 years
Size: 18-20 inches tall, 45-60 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Pug Dog

This ever-so-popular dog breed is actually one of the most ancient dog breeds.

They were popular among Chinese royalty, and this spread to European royalty as well when Pugs were acquired by members of the royal house of Orange in Holland.

It was from here that the English found out about the Pug and quickly made the breed popular among the English elite.

Today the Pug can be seen in many households as an affectionate companion dog. The Pug is a great family pet as well, and they do great around children and other dogs.

Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Size: 10-13 inches tall, 14-18 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

Pekingese

Like the Pug, the Pekingese dog has ancient origins that are widely unknown.

However, we do know that the Chinese nobility revered these dogs and had them as companions for years.

In fact, the western world did not find out about this dog breed until the British stormed the Chinese Summer Palace in the fateful event that took place in 1860.

Here they found five Pekingese dogs that they brought back as a gift to Queen Victoria.

Today these dogs make affectionate lap dogs and great companions, and they do fairly well around children and other dogs when properly socialized.

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 6-9 inches tall, About 14 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

Shih Tzu

Known as the “little lion dog”, these cute and cuddly dogs have warmed the hearts of many.

Shih Tzu dogs were originally bred from the small dogs that frequented the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.

From there these little companions found their way into the Chinese royal palaces where they were treated as prized pets along with the Pekingese and the Pug.

Today, these little dogs with fluffy coats remain popular and serve as great family pets.

Average Lifespan: 10-18 years
Size: 9-10.5 inches tall, 9-16 pounds
Grooming Requirements: High maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

India Dog Breeds

Chippiparai

The Chippiparai dog is a sleek, greyhound-looking dog from southern India that excels at hunting. They bond very closely with their owner and make excellent guard dogs.

They are usually found in the colors of brown, fawn, grey, or reddish-brown.

Because of their high energy levels and being hunters of small game they usually are not a good choice if you have children.

The Chippiparai dog was a favorite of royal families. Today, they are a fairly rare breed.

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 22-25 inches tall, 33-45 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance due to short coat
Energy Level: High

Pariah Dog

The Indian pariah dog is well known for being a highly veritable and intelligent animal that makes a great family pet.

This medium-sized dog has a short but fairly thick double coat and is mostly seen in the color brown.

The Pariah Dog has been used as guard dogs due to their alertness and desire to protect.

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 18-25 inches tall, 40-65 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance due to short coat
Energy Level: High

Indian Spitz

The Indian Spitz dog has a similar look to a Pomeranian dog and is often confused as such. The Indian Spitz is a smaller dog that was bred to do well in cold weather and to be a loving pet.

They are highly intelligent dogs and take well to training. Being full of energy and alertness Indian Spitz dogs do well announcing the presence of a stranger. The negative can be that they bark a lot.

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 13-15 inches tall, 12-15 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance due to their fluffy coat
Energy Level: High

Japanese Dog Breeds

Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is the most popular dog breed in their native home of Japan, and there is a very good reason for that.

On top of being cute, these dogs are also incredibly loyal and affectionate with the members of their families. However, they can be wary of strangers, so early socialization is a must.

These dogs tend to do fairly well around children and other dogs, and they can even be family members with cats when socialized to them from a young age.

This dog breed is great for anyone who is looking for an active small dog that can fit in anywhere. This is an ancient dog breed that has been used for hunting in the past.

Today, they are more often seen as a companion than a hunting partner.

Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Size: 13.5-16.5 inches tall, 17-23 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is a large, muscular dog that was originally bred to be a hunting companion in northern Japan.

Famous today for their intense loyalty to their owners, the Akita surely makes for a lifelong companion.

Although this is not the most outwardly affectionate breed of dog they definitely hold their family in the highest of esteem.

This is yet another dog breed that can be very reserved around strangers, so early socialization to many different people from a young age is recommended when owning this breed.

Akitas can do fairly well around children when properly socialized with them. However, this dog does not always do well around other dogs.

Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Size: 24-28 inches tall, 70-130 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low-medium maintenance
Energy Level: High

Tosa Inu

This giant and noble watchdog goes by many names including the Tosa Inu, the Japanese Mastiff, the Japanese fighting dog, and the Tosa Ken.

These dogs tend to be incredibly loyal and affectionate with the members of their family, and this includes the younger family members.

However, children should always be supervised when playing with a Tosa Inu due to the Tosa’s sheer size and build.

This dog does tend to be pretty reserved around strangers and other dogs, so you should always be cautious when having your Tosa interact with dogs and strange people.

These dogs make excellent watchdogs, so if you are looking for a dog to protect your house while also being your loyal best friend, then the Tosa Inu is for you.

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Size: 21.5-23.5 inches tall, 100-200 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Japanese Spitz

The Japanese Spitz is a relatively new Japanese dog breed that is derived from the German Spitz and some other small, white Spitz-type dogs such as the white Klein Wolfspitz.

However, not much more of this breed’s history is known today. These dogs tend to be very playful and affectionate, and, despite their small size, they tend to have a decent amount of energy.

This makes these dogs great for those with a semi-active lifestyle who are looking for a hiking companion on the weekends and a snuggle buddy during the workweek.

The Japanese Spitz tends to do alright around children and other dogs when socialized to them properly as well.

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 12-15 inches tall, 10-25 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Japanese Chin

These dogs were introduced to the western world from Japan in 1854 when they reopened for trade after a 200 year isolation period.

Although the exact origins of this tiny breed are unknown, it is common knowledge that the Japanese nobles kept these dogs as a companion and lapdogs.

In fact, legend says that Japanese Chins are actually Chinese dogs that were gifted from a Chinese emperor to a member of the Japanese royal family! How about that!

These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their owners, and they are great for those with a relatively indoorsy lifestyle.

Japanese Chin dogs love to cuddle on the couch, and even though they do still need exercise, they are much less energetic than some of the other breeds on this list.

They also tend to do well around children and behave great with other dogs.

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Size: 8-11 inches tall, 7-11 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low to medium maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

Korean Dog Breeds

Dosa Mastiff

The Korean Dosa Mastiff dog is a big dog and very recognizable by its wrinkly, droopy face. Even though the look of this dog is intimidating it is a very docile and friendly animal. You will love them!

These dogs are large and like to eat. Add that with their medium energy levels and tend to be lazy, you have to be careful not to feed them too much.

Always consult your vet for specific diet recommendations.

Due to their size, the Dosa Mastiff is at risk for developing hip dysplasia as well as eye disease. Watch the wrinkles on their faces for possible infections.

Average Lifespan: Eight to 12 years
Size: 25-30 inches tall, 140-180 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance because of their short coat
Energy Level: Medium but they tend to be lazy

Korean Jindo Dog

The Jindo dog breed originated from the island of Jindo off the coast of South Korea, and today they are considered to be a Korean national treasure.

The Jindo was originally bred to be a loyal and reliable hunting companion, and these dogs are definitely incredibly loyal to their owners.

These dogs can do alright around children and other dogs, but it is always recommended that you socialize them with both children and dogs when still young.

Average Lifespan: around 14 years
Size: 18-22 inches tall, 30-50 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Russian Dog Breeds

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was originally bred to pull sleds for long distances across the frozen landscape of Siberia.

Today they are most often seen as a loving companion and family pet. These dogs were originally bred to work in a pack, so they love being around people and other dogs.

Considering their outwardly friendly nature, Siberian Huskies do not make very good guard dogs.

In fact, a Husky is much more likely to embrace anyone new in your home as a new friend than to protect your property!

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 20-23.5 inches tall, 35-60 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance but do need grooming
Energy Level: High

Samoyed

The Samoyed is famous for their gorgeous white fluffy coats and their adorable smiles.

Like the Siberian Husky, the Samoyed was originally bred to help their owners pull sleds across freezing Siberia.

However, Samoyeds were commonly used as hunting companions, watchdogs, and a bed warmer during those freezing nights.

Samoyeds are normally incredibly friendly and affectionate dogs. Especially when it comes to their family.

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: 19-23.5 inches tall, 35-65 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Borzoi

These Greyhound-like dogs are members of the sighthound group, and they were a favorite among Russian royalty as swift and agile hunters in the 1800s.

Once called the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is most often seen today as a companion.

However, you can also often see these dogs performing a variety of dog sports that are popular among sighthound breeds.

Average Lifespan: 9-14 years
Size: 26+ inches tall, 60-105 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier was originally created by the Soviet Union to be a powerful and fierce military and police dog.

During the Soviet Union era, these dogs could be seen on border patrol, as guard dogs at prisons, and alongside guards at checkpoints.

Although terrier is a part of this dog breed’s name, only about 30% of the Black Russian Terrier’s DNA actually comes from breeds in the terrier group.

These are powerful and large dogs, but they still make great family pets when trained and well socialized.

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Size: 26-30 inches tall, 80-130 pounds
Grooming Requirements: High maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Taiwan Dog Breed

Formosan Mountain Dog

Also, known as the Taiwan dog, the Formosan Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog that is known to be a very loyal animal and a good hunter of small game. It originated in Taiwan.

The Formosan Mountain Dog is a rare breed and rarely seen outside of Taiwan but they have gained a presence in the United States due to the efforts of the Taiwan Dog Club of America.

While not large in stature, these dogs could make good guard dogs as they are fiercely loyal to their family and will protect them at all times.

The Taiwan Dog is a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Average Lifespan: Nine to 12 years
Size: 18-20 inches tall, 25-40 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium
Energy Level: High

Tibetan Dog Breeds

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is as ancient as it is massive. In fact, it is believed that the Tibetan Mastiff is the ancestor to all of the other mastiff breeds.

Often called the lion dog, these large, powerful, and loyal dogs are said to have the courage of a lion when it comes to guarding their owners and their property.

Proper socialization from a young age is extremely important when owning a Tibetan Mastiff. This is because they tend to be incredibly reserved around strangers.

It is recommended that you remain cautious when having your dog interact with new people, especially new children even if they have been well socialized.

As for other dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs tend to do alright with them, especially if you have other canine members of your family.

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Size: 24-26 inches tall, 70-150 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Tibetan Terrier

Despite what their name suggests, Tibetan terriers are not as terrier-like as you may think.

In fact, they are not even a part of the terrier group according to the AKC. Rather, Tibetan Terriers are members of the AKC’s non-sporting group.

These dogs were originally used as companions and small watchdogs by monks in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

However, these dogs have also sometimes been used for herding and as flock guardians.

The Tibetan Terrier is extremely loyal and loving towards their family, and they tend to do well around children and other dogs.

Did You Know? The Dalai Lama had a dog named “Senge” and it was a Tibetan Terrier! And it is said he had several Tibetan Mastiffs to protect him and guard his house.

Average Lifespan: 15-16 years
Size: 14-17 inches tall, 18-30 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a companion dog that was originally reserved for the monks and noblemen of the Himalayas.

These dogs are known to be sweet, loving, and intelligent. Daily brushing is a must to keep the Lhasa Apso’s long silky hair smooth and looking good.

This makes them not only a great companion but also a fun dog to have around. Lhasa Apsos tend to do fairly well around children and other dogs as well.

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 10-11 inches tall, 12-18 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Medium maintenance
Energy Level: Medium

Tibetan Spaniel

The Tibetan Spaniel was originally bred to sit on top of monastery walls and alert monks of people approaching.

As a result, these dogs often worked side by side with the giant Tibetan Mastiff.

In addition to watchdog potential, the Tibetan Spaniel also makes for a great companion, and they are incredibly affectionate with children and other members of their family.

Tibetan Spaniels tend to do fairly well around other dogs as well, especially when they have been well socialized to them.

Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Size: 10 inches tall, 9-15 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low-medium maintenance
Energy Level: Low-medium

Thailand Dog Breed

Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback is an ancient and primitive dog breed originating from Thailand.

These dogs were traditionally used for hunting and guarding the home, but they were also occasionally used to pull carts.

Thai Ridgeback dogs are definitely courageous, and they are even known to hunt cobras in Thailand to this day.

Due to their strong personalities, the Thai Ridgeback is not the best dog for first-time dog owners, and they require a dedicated trainer to train and properly socialize them.

That being said, with proper training a Thai Ridgeback can make a loving family pet that can happily share a home with children and other dogs.

Average Lifespan: 12-13 years
Size: 20-24 in 35-75 pounds
Grooming Requirements: Low maintenance
Energy Level: Medium-high

Conclusion

Asian breeds are popular because of their unique characteristics and interesting personalities.

If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal companion, loaded with personality, that can be easily trained to do just about anything, you would do well to consider an Asian dog breed.