When you think of popular dog breeds, your mind might immediately jump to the usual suspects like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds. But what about some of the lesser-known breeds that come from other parts of the world? In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at 11 popular dog breeds that come from Asia.
1. Chow Chow
Many popular dog breeds come from Asia, including the Chow Chow, the Shih Tzu, the Tibetan Mastiff, and the Akita Inu.
Each dog breed is known for its distinctive appearance, high intelligence, and loyal and protective nature. Perhaps the best-known of these dog breeds is the Chow Chow, which originated in China and is one of only a few ancient dog breeds that can be found in modern times.
With their bear-like appearance and thick fur coats, Chow Chows are powerful guard dogs that are also quite gentle around children.

Whether they’re hunting dogs, lap dogs, or anything in between, Asian dog breeds make wonderful companion animals that bring their human families joyfully. So if you’re looking for a new four-legged friend to add some extra charm to your home and heart, consider adopting Asian dogs!
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a popular dog breed from Asia. They are known for their long hair, which can be either straight or curly. Shih Tzus are also among the most popular breeds in the United States. In fact, they are the tenth most popular breed in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.
The Shih Tzu is a small dog weighing between 9 and 16 pounds. They typically have a lifespan of 10 to 18 years. Shih Tzus are friendly and outgoing dogs that get along well with children and other pets. They do require some grooming due to their long hair, but they are relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds.
If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, then the Shih Tzu is the breed for you!
3. Akita Inu
Akita Inu is a popular dog breed that is native to Asia. With its long, fluffy coat and large, expressive eyes, the Akita Inu combines beauty with agility and intelligence. Its independent spirit sets it apart from other dog breeds in Asia, making training this dog challenging.
However, if an owner is prepared to meet this challenge head-on, they will be rewarded with a loyal and devoted companion who is eager to please.

Whether you are looking for an energetic dog that loves hiking or simply enjoys relaxing at home with your furry friend, the Akita Inu makes for an excellent choice of dog breeds from Asia. So why not take home one of these wonderful Asian dog breeds today? You won’t regret it!
4. Hokkaido Asian dog breed
Hokkaido is one of the most popular dog breeds from Asia. Originating in Japan, this dog breed is a striking mix of slender spitz-like features, with bold dark markings and luxurious white fur.
Like other dog breeds from Asia, the Hokkaido dog is prized for its domestic qualities, being both intelligent and easy to care for. These dogs are also known for their friendly nature and playful temperament, making them fantastic family pets.
Several different dog breeds from Asia are popular worldwide, including the South Korean Jindo dog, the Chinese Crested dog, and the Lhasa Apso. Whether for companionship or sled work, these dog breeds prove that Asian dogs make excellent pets!
5. Kai Ken
Perhaps one of the most popular dog breeds to come from Asia is the Kai Ken. Originating in Japan, this diminutive dog features a long, muzzled face, fluffy fur, and alert, triangular ears.
Similar in appearance to its close cousin, the Japanese Spitz, the Kai Ken is thought to have descended from the ancient dog breed Shikoku Inu.
Renowned for its resourcefulness and hunting prowess, this dog breed is especially popular with dog owners from parts of Asia and beyond. Its small size, athleticism, and gentle temperament make it a favorite among dog lovers everywhere.
Whether you are looking for a new companion or an active pet for your family, there is no doubt that the Kai Ken is a true Asian treasure!
6. Kishu Ken Asian dog breeds
The Kishu Ken is a small to medium sized dog that originally hails from Japan. These dogs are known for their loyalty and affection, making them the perfect companion for any dog lover. They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They are considered to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs in Asia and are known for their loyalty and affection towards their human companions. These days, they are commonly used as family pets and therapy dogs.

7. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is another popular breed from Japan. These dogs are slightly larger than the Kishu Ken, but they share many of the same qualities, including being loyal and affectionate companions. They also require daily exercise, but their grooming needs are a bit higher than the Kishu Ken.
They are known for being very loyal and protective of their owners and make great guard dogs. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most popular targets of dog thieves in Japan due to their small size and value.
8. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a large breed of dog that was originally bred in Japan for the purpose of dog fighting. However, these days they are much more likely to be found as a family pets.

They are loyal and protective dogs that make great companions but require a lot of exercises and may not be suitable for homes with small children.
Due to their size and strength, they require experienced owners who can provide them with firm training and socialization.
9. Chinese Shar-Pei
With their wrinkly, intelligent demeanor and long, flowing coats, it is little wonder that Chinese Shar-Peis have been beloved companions for centuries. Originating from China, this dog breed is known for its protective nature, making it a great guard dog.
Shar-Peis are typically calm dogs and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are also one of the longest-lived dog breeds, meaning that they can be excellent family companions even at an early age.
Along with other popular dog breeds from Asia, such as the Tibetan Mastiff and the Pekingese, the Shar-Pei has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most beloved dog breeds worldwide. Whether you’re an animal lover or enjoy spending time with pets, there’s no denying these unique Asian dog breeds are truly special!
10. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large, muscular dog breed that is highly intelligent and well-suited to life as a companion animal. Originating from the mountainous region of Tibet, this dog breed has strong ties to Asian culture and dog breeding traditions. Despite its size and strength, the Tibetan Mastiff is beloved by many pet lovers for its loving and loyal nature, and it has become a popular choice for families looking for a dog companion.
Other dogs that are commonly associated with Asia include the Pekingese, the Korean Jindo dog, and the Burmese cat. Though these dog breeds vary widely in terms of physical characteristics and temperament, they are all seen as loyal companions that embody the spirit of Asian dog breeding traditions.
Whether you’re considering adding an Asian dog breed to your family or simply admiring these incredible animals from afar, there’s no doubt that the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most fascinating canine breeds around!
11. Xiasi Quan
The Xiasi Quan is a dog breed that originates from China, and it is famous for being a smaller companion animal. This intelligent dog breed is known for its friendly and loyal nature, making it a great choice for families and pet lovers alike.
In order to thrive, these dogs require moderate amounts of exercise and can live in both homes and apartments. Additionally, the Xiasi Quan is hypoallergenic, which makes it an ideal choice for people with allergies to dogs.
With other dog breeds originating from Asia, such as the Lhasa Apso or Afghan Hound gaining in popularity, the Xiasi Quan stands out as one of the region’s most widely loved dog breeds.
Whether you are looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle or simply want a quiet companion animal to curl up with on the couch, there’s no doubt that the Xiasi Quan fits the bill. So if you’re considering adding an Asian dog breed to your family, look no further than the versatile Xiasi Quan!
Conclusion
When it comes to dog breeds, there are many different options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a small lapdog or a large guard dog, there’s sure to be an Asian dog breed on this list that’s right for you. From the elegant and graceful Afghan hounds to the powerful and fearless Korean mastiff, these breeds are all known for their friendly nature and gentle temperament.
Whether you’re looking for a more traditional dog from Japan like the Kintamani Bali dog or something more unique like the Burmese Khyekhoe dog, there is guaranteed to be an Asian dog breed that is perfect for you. So why not explore this list and find your next best friend? After all, as they say in many cultures across Asia: dogs truly are man’s best friend!