Breed Standard and Breed Characteristics
The unique look of the Chuandong Hound has evolved over more than 2000 years through natural selection in that only the dogs that could cope with the rough terrain and intense heat were used for hunting and breeding, no consideration was given to the look of the dogs just that they were fit for purpose! The characteristics we see today pricked ears, erect tail, with a sparse single coat of harsh hair is a product of the environment in which these dogs have thrived in, likewise the dogs that moved to the urban areas as pets have since been selected for their calmer temperament better placed to cope with urban living, over some generations the City dogs have developed a stockier build and a different head type compared to the original hunting hound.
These physical differences are the reason that the China Kennel Union took the decision to create two distinct breeds giving people with an interest in each breed a blue print to work to when breeding in the future.
Below is a chart highlighting the main points where the breeds differ,
| Standard | Chuandong | Chongqing |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle/ Skull length | 1 - 1 | 1 - 2 |
| Colour | Shades of Red | Shades of Red or Solid Black |
| Bite | Scissor | Undershot <5mm |
| Eyes | Almond shape | Oval shape |
| Topline | Level | Slight fall between shoulders, rising above the croup |
| Height | Male 45-50cms, Female40-45cms |
Male 40-45cms,
Female 35-40cms |
Use the links below to read the complete standard for each breed, published in January 2018
Chuandong Hound Characteristics
The Chuandong Hound is a very unique breed with many characteristics that are similar to cats, they keep themselves impeccably clean particularly their feet, under belly and legs if they are wet or muddy, they are easy to house train, they can turn their ears individually to identify sounds and they are very sure footed. They are extremely intelligent and loyal with a willingness to learn, they attach quickly to all family members making them very alert house dogs.
Chuandong Hounds are affectionate and loving with all family members, especially Children who they adore. They play with toys patting them with their feet and throwing them up to catch them, they enjoy running around at great speed, but they love nothing more than being close to family members for cuddles … Chuandongs are great company and fun to have around.
All this character with the added bonus that they have a single sparse coat that does not shed making them a truly Hypoallergenic breed.
The Chuandong Hound has a life span of 16 – 20 years! Pictures below show Chuandong Hounds in China.
9 years old
11 years old
16 years old
20 years old