Chinese Rural Dog

There are also small differences in the size of Chinese rural dogs in different regions, but they all have common main characteristics. Some friends think that there are big differences in the local characteristics of rural dogs, and their free breeding and genetic instability, as if they have no characteristics, but in fact, as long as you observe carefully, you can still find their commonalities. When you can casually recognize a so-called "mongrel dog," you can already identify rural dogs through their commonalities. It's just that most people haven't specifically extracted these common characteristics of rural dogs. Just like the individual differences of Tibetan Mastiffs, some people also say that Tibetan Mastiffs have unstable genetics, but when you see a Tibetan Mastiff, you can easily recognize it as a Tibetan Mastiff, which means that their commonalities are greater than individual differences. The same goes for Chinese rural dogs.

The distribution of local dogs

Chinese rural dogs are mainly distributed south of the Great Wall,

Distribution range of Chinese rural dogs

east of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the low-altitude Han ethnic aggregation areas centered around Central Plains. This kind of distribution is important and clarifies that the living environment of Chinese rural dogs is in low-altitude agricultural areas, with a warm climate.

Of course, with the continuous migration of the Han ethnic group for thousands of years, the distribution range of Chinese rural dogs has also been expanding. For example, in northeastern China, due to the immigration of the Han ethnic group, there are also many rural dogs different from those in the pastoral areas of Northeast China, and some have hybridized with dogs from other regions to form new breeds. However, one thing is certain that Chinese rural dogs are the product of the Central Plains agricultural society.

Subspecies distribution

Chinese rural dogs are widely distributed in Chinese rural areas, and they have formed many different strains and subspecies due to factors such as geography, environment, and blood relationship. Based on the analysis of the external characteristics of dogs and the distribution area, Chinese rural dogs can be roughly divided into three major strains, namely the northern strain, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang strain, and the Guangdong-Guangxi strain.

Note: The three major strains are results obtained from macroscopic analysis. There are definitely some unique subspecies in many small places. There is also a large portion of transitional breeds appearing in the border areas between the distributions of the three major strains. The distribution areas of the three major strains form a triangle, with a large blank area in the middle, mainly in Hubei and Hunan. Whether the rural dogs in this region are independent strains or transitional breeds requires further research and verification.

Northern strain

Northern Folded Ear Dog

The distribution ranges from the Northeast to the Yellow River Basin, the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the Yungui Plateau (excluding ethnic minority areas). Although there are huge environmental differences in this vast region, especially different climates between the north and the south, it results in differences in individual size and coat quality of dogs. However, the appearance of the dogs in this region is very similar. For example, the dog commonly known as "clumsy dog" in the Northeast and the local dog in Sichuan Province are almost identical in appearance. The only difference is that the individuals in the Northeast are larger and have thicker and denser hair to withstand the cold; the individuals in Sichuan are smaller, and their hair is rough and sparse to adapt to the humid climate in the south. Interestingly, the distribution area of this strain coincides exactly with the distribution of the Northern Han dialect of the Han ethnic group in China.

Its characteristics are: various coat colors, with fewer dogs with solid color coats, with previous folded ears as the main characteristic (the so-called "folded ears" means that the ears are naturally drooping forward due to their higher position on the top of the head in a relaxed state), often with long hair and curled tails, retaining more characteristics of northern dog breeds.

Northern Folded Ear Dogs have folded-pendent ears, a majestic face, and are good guard dogs.

Jiangsu-Zhejiang strain:

Su Dog

Mainly distributed in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces, the characteristics of dogs in this region are: large and erect ears, high ear position, full inner ear hair, pointed mouth, long and slim limbs, white belly hair predominates, few mixed coat dogs, with medium-long, close-fitting, and dense hair.

The dogs in this region have a lot in common with dogs in Japan and Korea, which may be closely related to the frequent external exchanges between the ancient East China Sea and other countries. It not only spread Chinese culture abroad but also brought various Chinese products, including domestic dogs, to these places.

Guangdong-Guangxi strain

The distribution area is centered in Guangdong and includes parts of Guangxi and Fujian. The dog breeds in this region are the most well-known, and many excellent dog breeds originate from here, such as Shar-Pei, Chaozhou Big Head, and

Guangxi

Guangdong Shiba Inu. This is closely related to the unique dog culture in the Guangdong-Guangxi region. And these excellent dog breeds have deep origins with the local rural dogs, more or less sharing similar blood sources and external characteristics.

The "Zhou Li" Autumn Officials record that there are three types of dogs: field dogs, barking dogs, and eating dogs. It can be seen that in ancient China, dogs were classified mainly by their functions and not focused on their appearance. Due to differences in abilities, the best hunting dogs became field dogs, those that were not good at hunting but still fierce became barking dogs, and those that had no use were eaten. This artificial selection method resulted in the common dog breeds in China not having a fixed bloodline.

The Chinese traditional culture, mainly represented by the Han ethnic group, neglected dogs, and the ignorance of modern society towards this dog breed has led to a lack of a decent name for this breed that has been running on our land for more than five thousand years. It is commonly referred to as "tu gou" (meaning local dog), but "tu gou" cannot be a proper breed name. Hence, the name and concept of "Chinese Rural Dog" emerged.

Looking only at the rural dogs among these breeds, their characteristics are as follows: their coat colors are mainly solid colors with very few mixed fur dogs; due to the hot climate, dogs mainly have short hair that sticks to the body, but there are also some dogs with particularly long and thick fur; their ears are small and erect, and their tongues are often black or spotted, with a strong muscular body. Due to these physical features, combined with the large population of Guangdong Shih Tzu in this region, it is suspected that dogs in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions have been greatly influenced by the bloodline of Shih Tzus. Guangxi Dog, Guangxi Local Dog, hunting dog, erect ears, spotted or black tongue. It is frequently used for hunting wild boars.

Recommended for dog lovers

1. Heart disease

Dog heart disease is mainly related to obesity and old age. When a dog has heart disease, the main symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. It is difficult to detect heart disease in dogs, and by the time the owner notices it, the dog is already very sick.

2. Infectious diseases

Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common and deadly infectious diseases in dogs. Dogs that are not vaccinated in a timely manner are prone to these two infectious diseases. Once they get sick, they will experience symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

3. Kidney disease

When it comes to common diseases and symptoms in dogs, kidney disease cannot be ignored. The terrifying thing about dog kidney disease is the unconscious process of the disease. By the time the owner discovers it, the damage to the dog's kidney cells often exceeds 75%. When dogs have problems, the symptoms usually include bloody urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.

4. Parasites

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms are common parasites in dogs. When dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, the main symptoms are emaciation, lethargy, diarrhea, presence of worms in the feces, and pale gums. Heartworm is a parasite that lives in the dog's heart. Dogs infected with heartworm will experience symptoms such as poor vitality, coughing, anemia, wheezing, and ascites.

5. Canine pneumonia

Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but canine pneumonia is a complication of other diseases and often occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory system, bacterial infections, canine distemper infections, viral influenza, impaired lung function, and heartworm infections. Coughing, nasal congestion, and fever are the main symptoms of canine pneumonia.

Newborn Period: The newborn period for a dog is when the puppy is just born, mainly relying on mother's milk for survival. The body cannot regulate body temperature and needs the mother's heat for warmth. In the first day, there is no hearing or vision, only relying on weak touch to find the nipple. The eyes open at around day 13, auditory senses develop at day 15, and teething begins at day 20. From day 21 to day 28, the mother's milk is not enough, and the transition from liquid to semi-solid food is needed. At this time, diarrhea and constipation are common, so lactase, probiotics, or goat milk powder/pet milk should be provided. If constipation occurs when feeding milk powder, a small amount of vegetable oil can be given and massaging the abdomen can help with defecation. Deworming should be done for the first time at 14-28 days old.

Young Age: 1 month old - 2 months old. The puppy's digestive system is not fully developed yet, so it needs careful care from the owner. Generally, it should be fed at least 3 times a day, with small meals depending on the puppy's condition. Soak the dog food in warm water or goat milk powder and feed it bit by bit. Do not overfeed, as it can cause poor digestion. Make sure to provide the puppy with drinking water, and remember not to feed cow's milk, as it can cause diarrhea. Probiotics should be given daily to regulate the gastrointestinal system. At this stage, the puppy's resistance to viruses and bacteria is weak, so it should not be taken outside and should not come into contact with cold patients to prevent illness. Immunization should begin at 6-7 weeks old and be completed by 3 months old. It is recommended to bathe the puppy after completing the immunization. Dry bathing powder can be used for bathing in the early stage. Teething starts at 19-28 days old, and all milk teeth will be grown by 2 months old. The puppy has certain learning ability and can start to be trained to use a designated place for defecation.

Adolescence: 3 months old - 6 months old. During this period, the puppy can gradually transition from soaked dog food to dry dog food. The eating schedule of the puppy should be gradually adjusted, and it is best to have regular meal times. The puppy should still eat dog food and drink water. However, during this time, the puppy's bones and muscles grow rapidly, so a large amount of protein and calcium supplement is needed. The puppy's coat will also start to change to adult fur, which is a critical period for coat maintenance and may result in an awkward appearance. The puppy may also develop dominance and attempt to establish its own territory and dominate its owner. Destructive behavior may increase. During this time, the puppy's body length and height develop rapidly, so it needs regular exercise to maintain its growth.

Sexual Maturity: 8 months old - 14 months old. At this stage, the dog enters sexual maturity and experiences its first heat cycle. The first heat cycle may cause hormonal imbalances and disrupt the cycle. Prolonged heat, no heat, or false pregnancy may occur, with low pregnancy rate and high risk of difficult birth. It is necessary to supplement reproductive nutrients such as vitamin E, organic chromium, and folic acid. It is important to note that breeding should not be done during the first heat cycle. Attention should be paid to hygiene during the heat cycle to prevent infections. If the dog will not be used for breeding, spaying can be done after the heat cycle ends.

Adolescence: 6 months old - 10 months old, 6 months old - 18 months old. At this stage, the puppy can fully eat dry dog food. Some meat can be added to enrich the nutrition, such as boiled beef and chicken. However, it is important not to feed the puppy chicken or duck bones, as it can lead to skeletal abnormalities. If necessary (such as poor nutrition, weakness, picky eating), some nutritional supplements can be given. Based on the puppy's individual condition, vitamins, calcium, protein, or hair care supplements can be chosen, but excessive intake should be avoided. Do not feed a large amount of supplements at once out of pity for the puppy. It is important to gradually adjust the intake. During this time, the puppy's bones and muscles grow rapidly, requiring a large amount of protein and calcium. The puppy becomes curious, has strong cognitive ability, and has a good memory. It is the best period for learning.

Adult: 1 year old - 6 years old. By 1 year old, the dog is considered an adult and has reached its approximate size, with little change in physical stature afterwards. During this stage, the dog can eat dog food normally without many restrictions on its diet. However, it is still important to supplement nutrients and avoid feeding chicken or duck bones, salty or spicy foods, raw food, or animal fat. If the dog catches a cold or becomes sick, it should be taken to a veterinarian in a timely manner. Self-medication should be avoided, unless you are a veterinarian yourself. Responsibility for your beloved pet is crucial.

Old Age: 8 years old - 18 years old. Dogs over 8 years old are equivalent to humans in their 50s and should enter the "old age" stage of their lives. At this time, the dog's organ functions decline, and age-related diseases such as diabetes, weakened liver and kidney functions, and skeletal and joint diseases may occur. It is important to supplement calcium. Foods rich in soy products and cartilage can be selected, or calcium supplements available in the market can be used. It is also important to expose the dog to sunlight and take short walks frequently. Good hygiene should be maintained. With proper care, your dog can accompany you for a longer time.

1. Do not bathe frequently

When bathing a dog, of course, it should not be too frequent. Bathing a dog depends on the dog's hygiene. If the weather is hot, you can bathe the dog a few times, and in winter, you can reduce it by a few times, but in general, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!

2. Brush regularly

Dogs shed almost every day, especially in spring and autumn. Seasonal shedding is more severe. To keep the fur healthy, regular brushing is an important step. Pet owners can use a special pet brush to help the dog remove natural shedding fur and avoid tangling. Brushing once in the morning and once in the evening for about five minutes each time is sufficient.

3. Sunbathe

Sunbathing is beneficial for the dog's fur growth. In addition to making the fur more shiny, letting the dog sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, the pet owner can let the dog exercise, which can improve the dog's physical fitness, promote blood circulation, and help grow healthier fur.

4. Deworming

Poor fur condition is closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from the dog's body, depriving it of nutrition, so deworming is necessary. It is recommended to deworm internally and externally at the same time. Deworming drugs can cause significant damage to the dog's gastrointestinal tract, so it is advisable to feed probiotics regularly to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Pay attention to diet

In order to have shiny fur, it is necessary to lay a good foundation of nutrition and pay attention to daily diet. On the one hand, feed the dog with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a brand suitable for the dog with sufficient nutrition to meet its needs. On the other hand, the dog can be fed with lean meat, cooked egg yolks, and vegetable oil in moderation.