Top 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds in China (2025) & Rising Pet Trends

Dogs in China are getting really popular, almost every Chinese family now owns a cute dog. Owning a dog in China is quickly becoming a symbol of a modern lifestyle – walk down any street and you’ll notice tiny white or brown toy poodles and other popular small dog breeds in China on every corner.

So what are the most popular dog breeds in China today?

And what do they call these famous Chinese dog breeds in Mandarin Chinese?

Let’s explore the top 5 dog breeds in China (2025) and uncover their Chinese names, their cultural significance and why these dogs have captured the hearts of so many pet lovers in China.

01. Poodle (贵宾犬 guìbīnquǎn)

If you’ve been to China you’ve probably noticed poodles, also known as 贵宾犬 guìbīnquǎn, walking around the streets. These popular small dogs in China are cute, tiny and fluffy, making them a favorite among urban pet owners.

Poodles in China come in a variety of colors including white, grey and black, but the most common color is brown. Their soft fur and compact size make them ideal for apartment.

The Chinese name 贵宾犬 literally means “distinguished dog”, but locals often refer to them as 泰迪犬 (tàidí), a nickname derived from the English word “teddy”. This is because poodles in China resemble adorable little teddy bears, especially the toy poodle and miniature poodle varieties.

Poodles are also highly intelligent and easy to train, making them perfect for first time dog owners. The cost of a poodle in China is relatively low – around 2000 yuan or less, which adds to their appeal in a country where pet ownership is on the rise.

With their cute looks affordable price and easy adaptability it’s no surprise that the poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds in China 2025.

02. Bichon Frise 比熊 bǐxióng

The second most popular dog breed in China is the adorable white Bichon Frise, known in Chinese as 比熊 (bǐxióng). With their fluffy dandelion-like heads and round black eyes Bichon Frises in China look like tiny cotton balls ready to float away with the wind.

The name 比熊 (bǐxióng) is a loanword from English, making it easy to remember for Chinese dog owners. These dogs are widely loved for their cute appearance, small size and friendly personality.

Bichon Frise dogs in China are intelligent affectionate and easy to train, perfect for families and city dwellers alike. However, their white coats require frequent grooming to stay clean, especially during the rainy season in China. Still many pet owners believe the effort is worth it because of how elegant and cheerful these dogs are.

Thanks to their good behavior, low shedding and charming look the Bichon Frise remains one of the top small dog breeds in China in 2025.

03. Corgi (柯基 kējī)

Next on the list is one of the most popular dog breeds in China and around the world – the Corgi. Known in Mandarin as 柯基 (kējī), with the help of Chinese social media and video platforms Corgis in China have skyrocketed in popularity due to their adorable faces, stubby legs and of course their famous fluffy butts.

If you search for Corgi products on Taobao, you’ll find thousands of items from Corgi shaped hair clips pajamas and bags to stickers and plush toys the Corgi has truly become an icon in Chinese pet culture and a favorite among the younger generation.

Despite their fame, Corgis are relatively affordable in China, you can find a purebred Corgi puppy in China for around 4000 yuan making them an accessible choice for many pet lovers in urban areas.

With their loyal nature playful personality and unmistakable appearance, it’s no wonder Corgis are among the top 5 dog breeds in China 2025.

04. Golden Retriever 金毛 jīnmáo

When it comes to large dog breeds in China, none are more beloved than the Golden Retriever or 金毛 (jīnmáo) in Mandarin. The Chinese name literally means “golden fur”, a perfect match for their shiny sun kissed coats that seem to glow in the sunlight.

Golden Retrievers in China are known for their gentle nature, high intelligence and obedience. They’re especially popular among families with children, pet lovers, looking for a loyal companion, and even pet therapy programs in China.

Thanks to their friendly personality and calm demeanor, Golden Retrievers have become one of the most popular large dog breeds in China in 2025. While smaller breeds dominate urban areas, many people in suburbs and larger homes still prefer these affectionate giants.

If you’re looking for a family friendly dog that’s smart easy to train and full of love, the Golden Retriever is the top choice for many pet owners in China.

05. French Bulldog 法国斗牛犬 fǎguó dòuniúquǎn

If you’re looking for a small dog with a bold personality, the French Bulldog is a top pick especially in urban China. Known in Mandarin as 法国斗牛犬 (fǎguó dòuniúquǎn), this breed is a favorite among young Chinese dog owners, while older generations tend to go for more traditional choices like Poodles or Bichon Frises.

The full Chinese name translates as “French Bullfighting Dog”, but most locals simply call them 法斗 (fǎdòu), a cute shortened nickname – that’s easy to remember and say.

French Bulldogs in China are loved for their compact size, muscular build and adorable snub nosed face. Despite their small stature, they have a bold confident personality that makes them a perfect fit for life in Chinese apartments or smaller living spaces.

With a price tag of around 5000 yuan, French Bulldogs are considered a premium dog breed in China. Their charming looks low maintenance grooming and quiet demeanor make them a go to for stylish young professionals in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.

🐾 Bonus China Native Breed: Pekingese (京巴狗 jīngbāgǒu)

While many popular dog breeds in China today come from abroad, one ancient Chinese dog breed still holds cultural significance – the Pekingese, also known as 京巴狗 (jīngbāgǒu).

Nicknamed the “lion dog” or 狮子犬 (shīziquǎn) because of its flowing mane like fur, the Pekingese looks just like the iconic Chinese guardian lions 石狮 (shíshī) that you often see at temples and palaces. These small but proud pups once held a royal status being exclusively owned by emperors and noble families during the Qing dynasty.

The breed’s alternative name 北京狗 (běijīnggǒu) means “Beijing dog” a nod to its imperial roots. In fact, Pekingese dogs were introduced to Europe in the 19th century after the Second Opium War when British and French troops looted the summer palace in Beijing and took several of these royal dogs back to the West.

Sadly in modern China the Pekingese has become a rare breed overshadowed by newer trendier small dogs. Purebred Pekingese dogs in China are nearly extinct and most available today are crossbreeds despite its fading popularity. The Pekingese remains one of the most iconic native dog breeds in Chinese history a symbol of status tradition and royal elegance.

🐶 Bonus: Just A Few More Small Dog Breeds in China

In China’s densely populated cities owning large dogs can be a challenge due to limited living space. With sky high real estate prices especially in cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, many people live in small apartments and that’s exactly why small dog breeds are extremely popular in China.

Aside from the top 5 dog breeds we’ve already mentioned, here are three more small dog breeds that have become favorites among Chinese pet lovers: chihuahua, pomeranian and maltese.

🐾 Chihuahua 吉娃娃 jíwáwá

The Chihuahua in China is known as 吉娃娃 (jíwáwá) a name borrowed directly from English.

Interestingly 吉 (jí) means “lucky” and 娃娃 (wáwá) means “baby” or “child”, so the name could be interpreted as “lucky baby”. These tiny dogs are perfect for apartment living and are loved for their playful personalities.

🐾 Maltese 玛尔济斯 mǎěrjìsī

The Maltese dog in China is called 玛尔济斯 (mǎěrjìsī), another phonetic translation from English. Known for their elegant white fur and gentle temperament, Maltese dogs are popular among Chinese women and young families looking for a gentle lapdog.

🐾 Pomeranian 博美 bóměi

Pomeranians are called 博美 (bóměi) in Chinese, with 美 (měi) meaning “beauty”. These fluffy companions are one of the most beautiful small dog breeds in China loved for their fox like face, luxurious fur and lively personality. You’ll often see them pampered in urban pet salons across major cities.

And when it comes to large breeds, the most popular breed is the golden retriever; then comes labrador and samoyed.

The word for Labrador is really easy to remember since it’s a calque from English 拉布拉多 (lābùlāduō). Similarly the word for Samoyed dogs is 萨摩耶 (sàmóyē). We wish Chinese was always that easy!

How about you? Do you like dogs?

Or perhaps you have a dog too. If that’s the case do you know what your dog is called in Chinese? Whether you have a Labrador, Retriever or a Samoyed, you can impress your friends with the Chinese names.

Let us know what you think in comments below – or tweet us at @thatsmandarin 🐶

FAQ Popular Dog Breeds in China

01. Which was dog breeds in China?
The most popular dog breeds in China include Poodles, Bichon Frises, Corgis, Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs. These dogs are loved for their cute appearance and affordable prices.

02. How to say “Poodle” in Chinese?
In Chinese a Poodle is called 贵宾犬 (guìbīnquǎn), which means “distinguished dog”. They are also affectionately known as 泰迪 (tàidí), a calque from “teddy bear”.

03. What was Chinese name for Bichon Frise?
The Bichon Frise is called 比熊 (bǐxióng) in Chinese, which is a playful and easy to remember name derived from the breed’s cute appearance.

04. Are Golden Retrievers popular in China?
Yes Golden Retrievers, or (金毛 jīnmáo) are one of the most loved large dog breeds in China. They are known for their friendly nature and intelligence, making them great family pets.

05. What was Chinese name for French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs are called 法国斗牛犬 (fǎguó dòuniúquǎn) in Chinese, though they are often referred to as 法斗 (fǎdòu) for simplicity.

06. Which was small dog breeds popular in China?
Apart from the main breeds, you’ll find small dog breeds like Chihuahuas (吉娃娃 jíwáwá), Pomeranians (博美 bóměi) and Maltese (玛尔济斯 mǎěrjìsī) are also quite popular in China due to their compact size perfect for apartment living.

07. Why small dog breeds are popular in China?
Small dog breeds are popular in China due to the high cost of living and limited space. In urban areas many people prefer small dogs that are easier to care for and fit well in apartments.

09. What was national dog of China?
National Dog of China Pekingese (京巴狗 jīngbāgǒu), royal breed also called Lion Dog (狮子犬 shīziquǎn).

10. Are Dogs Popular in China?
Yes, very popular. For example:
Small breeds: Bichon Frise, Corgi, French Bulldog.
Big breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador.