Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Summary
The Chongqing Dog is an ancient indigenous breed of China originating from Sichuan Province, where it was used for centuries as both a guardian and a hunting dog. Archaeological findings confirm the existence of dogs of this type for more than two thousand years, underscoring the depth of their historical roots. The isolation of mountainous regions helped the breed preserve unique characteristics: a compact, dry body structure, distinct short coat, and a well-developed guarding instinct. Traditionally, the Chongqing Dog was used to protect homes, accompany its owner, and hunt small to medium game. In the 20th century, the breed came close to extinction but was revived by dedicated enthusiasts. Today it remains a rare yet highly valued national breed of China.
General Appearance
The Chongqing Dog is a medium-sized, compact, muscular dog with strong bone and clearly expressed sexual dimorphism. The body format is nearly square, with a clean, dry silhouette reflecting the breed’s working purpose. The topline is straight and stable, the chest deep, and the limbs straight and strong. The head is broad and wedge-shaped, with characteristic erect ears and an expressive muzzle. The tail is short, straight, set high, and typically carried upward. The coat is extremely short, harsh, and close-fitting, emphasizing musculature and natural type. The overall appearance conveys strength, confidence, and composure.
Important Proportions
The Chongqing Dog has a format close to square: height at the withers is equal to, or only slightly less than, the body length, creating a compact and collected outline. Chest depth is approximately half the height at the withers, providing sufficient capacity and endurance. Head length corresponds proportionally to the neck and body so that the head appears powerful without coarseness. The muzzle is somewhat shorter than the skull yet retains strength and proper lines. Limb length and angulation must allow free, confident movement without heaviness or looseness. Any distortion of proportions weakens the breed’s working type.
Behavior and Temperament
The Chongqing Dog possesses a pronounced guarding instinct, high loyalty to its family, and acute environmental awareness. Its temperament is balanced; the dog acts thoughtfully and does not show unwarranted aggression. In daily life, it is calm and devoted to its owner, while remaining cautious with strangers and maintaining controlled distance. The breed demonstrates high intelligence, rapid learning ability, and strong decision-making skills. Energetic, brave, and enduring, the Chongqing Dog adapts well to various conditions while maintaining composure and confidence. Proper socialization is essential to fully develop the best traits of its character.
Head
The head of the Chongqing Dog is broad and powerful without excessive coarseness, harmonizing with the dog’s strong body. The skull is of medium length, moderately wide, with a nearly flat or slightly rounded forehead. The stop is noticeable but not abrupt. The muzzle is strong and somewhat shortened, with a straight or slightly convex bridge, never excessively upturned or downfaced. Lips are dry, tight, and free of folds or drooping. The nose is large, dark, and well-opened. Scissor bite with strong, even teeth. The overall expression is serious and focused, highlighting the breed’s guarding nature.
Facial Region
The facial region is dry, well-defined, with strong jaws and clean lines. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, broad at the base, and tapering slightly toward the nose while retaining volume and strength. Cheeks are defined without coarseness. Lips fit tightly and do not form loose skin; edges are well pigmented. The chin is strong but not excessively prominent. The nose is large and dark, with black preferred. Combined with the cranial region, the facial area forms the characteristic breed type, conveying strength, confidence, and alertness.
Eyes
Eyes are medium or slightly small, oval to almond-shaped, set moderately deep, giving an expression of self-control, confidence, and constant vigilance. Color is predominantly dark brown to nearly black, uniform and without light flecks, reinforcing the serious and focused look. Eyelids are dry, tight, with strong pigmentation, free of folds, drooping, or rolling. The gaze is calm, intelligent, and alert toward strangers without panic or uncontrolled aggression. Eyes must not be protruding, round, too light, or asymmetrical; significant defects of shape, placement, or pigmentation are considered faults.
Ears
Ears are erect, triangular, small to medium in size, set high and pointing forward, contributing to the alert and attentive expression. Cartilage is firm; ears must remain stable both at rest and in motion. Soft, semi-erect, outward-turned, oversized, heavy, or pendant ears are not permitted. Tips may be slightly rounded or moderately pointed, with a broad base blending smoothly into the skull. Correct ear placement strongly influences breed expression, emphasizing readiness, reactivity, and inherent guarding instinct.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, dry, strong, and well muscled, blending smoothly into the withers. The carriage is confident and moderately high, enhancing the expressive outline of the head. The topline of the neck is straight or slightly arched, without heaviness or coarseness. Skin is tight without dewlap or folds, preserving a clean, dry profile. The neck must allow free head movement but not be excessively long, so as not to upset body balance. A strong, well-formed neck reflects the breed’s working qualities—composure, strength, and readiness.
Body
The body is strong, compact, and dry, emphasizing functionality. The topline is straight and stable with minimal motion during movement. The withers are moderately pronounced, transitioning into a short, firm back. The loin is powerful, slightly arched, without heaviness. Chest is deep, reaching the elbow; ribs are moderately sprung but not barrel-shaped, providing adequate lung and heart capacity. The croup is short, moderately sloped, and well muscled. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, reinforcing the dry, working outline. The body should convey endurance, strength, and internal composure while maintaining harmony of outline.
Tail
The tail is one of the breed’s defining features. It is short, thick at the base, firm to the touch, and carried upward or slightly forward. High set, it emphasizes confidence and collected posture. It may be straight or slightly curved but must not form a ring or bend to the side. The tail must maintain stable carriage in both movement and stance, never lying on the back or being overly long. Low set, weak base, softness, or incorrect shape are serious faults. The correct tail completes the silhouette, highlighting the breed’s compact, functional type.
Description of Exterior
Forequarters
Forequarters are straight, dry, and well shaped, with strong but not coarse bone. Shoulder blades are moderately sloped, long, and close-fitting, allowing cushioned, free stride. Shoulders are strong with well-defined angulation, enabling correct forward reach. Elbows point straight back, neither turned in nor out, moving parallel to the body. Forearms are straight, muscular, and of sufficient length. Pasterns are short, resilient, slightly sloping but not weak. Limbs must convey strength, stability, and lightness of movement without signs of cow-hocks, outward turning, or distortion.
Hindquarters
Hindquarters are powerful and well muscled, providing strong drive and stability. Thighs are broad and strong, with well-developed musculature. Stifle joints are well defined, neither turned outward nor overly straight. Lower thighs are moderate in length, straight and strong, blending into dry, vertical hocks. Limb placement is parallel and stable, never close-set, splayed, or “cow-hocked.” Functionally, the hindquarters must demonstrate power, energy, and control. Any deviation reducing drive or stability is considered a fault.
Gait and Movement
Movement must be free, stable, and natural, emphasizing strength, compactness, and working type. In motion, the dog shows confidence, precision, and good coordination. Forelimbs move straight without elbow deviations or crossing. Hindquarters provide strong, springy drive while the topline remains level and steady. The trot is the main indicator of movement quality: it must be energetic, elastic, and free of exaggeration or stiffness. The Chongqing Dog should demonstrate quick directional changes while maintaining balance and control. Cow-hocks, narrow movement, rolling, short stride, or insufficient drive are unacceptable. Correct movement highlights harmony of proportions and functionality.
Coat
The coat is extremely short, dense or partially sparse, close-fitting to the skin and emphasizing the breed’s dry, muscular outline. Guard hair is harsh, straight, and even in length across the body, sometimes slightly shorter on limbs and muzzle. Undercoat is poorly developed or absent, which is normal and reflects adaptation to warm climates. The coat must not be long, wavy, soft, or fluffy—such features contradict breed type. Coat quality is essential to preserving true Chongqing type: it must highlight clean lines, allow easy maintenance, and protect the skin.
Acceptable Colors
Traditional Chinese colors are acceptable: shades of red, reddish-brown, fawn, brindle, black, and the rare dark brown. Color should be uniform and deep, without non-typical patches or strong contrasts. Slight darkening of the muzzle or ears is acceptable if it preserves breed type. White markings are undesirable, especially on the chest, paws, or tail tip. The coat must appear clean, glossy, and even, emphasizing the breed’s dry structure. Color is an important element of breed type, reflecting historical origins.
Size
The Chongqing Dog is a medium-sized breed with pronounced sexual dimorphism. Height at the withers for males is generally 45–50 cm; for females, 40–45 cm. Weight ranges from 15 to 25 kg depending on sex, age, and structure. The dog must appear compact, strong, and dry, without excessive heaviness or refinement. Proportions of height and weight must remain harmonious and consistent with the breed’s square format. Deviations impairing functionality, mobility, or stability are faults and evaluated by severity.
Faults
Faults include deviations that disrupt harmony or breed characteristics without critically affecting functionality. Slight body softness, overly elongated format, weak musculature, or low withers reduce overall quality. Minor deviations in head shape, insufficient pigmentation of nose or lips, slightly loose elbows, or weak pasterns are faults. Uneven topline, insufficient rear drive, mild cow-hocks, or instability in movement also fall under faults. Evaluation must consider severity and functional impact.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include traits that negate breed type or hinder basic function. Unprovoked aggression, panic, or pronounced fearfulness disqualify the dog. Undershot or overshot bite, asymmetrical jaws, or missing multiple key teeth are unacceptable. Pendant ears, soft cartilage, low tail set, or tail deformities disrupt breed silhouette. Light, protruding, or round eyes, significant depigmentation of eyelids or nose are serious faults. Non-standard colors, large white markings, signs of mixed breeding, or severe anatomical deformities also result in disqualification.
Important Notes
The Chongqing Dog is an ancient national breed of China whose features were shaped by natural selection and working needs. Seasonal coat changes due to climate or shedding should not be penalized. Sexual dimorphism must be clear: males stronger and more assertive, females lighter and more agile. Early socialization is essential to prevent excessive distrust of strangers. Any artificial alteration of appearance, pigmentation, skin condition, or tail is prohibited. Preservation of natural type is essential to maintaining the Chongqing Dog’s heritage.
Conclusion
The Chongqing Dog is a rare and valuable indigenous breed preserving natural strength, stability, and character shaped by centuries of natural selection. It combines strong constitution, high vigilance, loyalty, and innate guarding qualities. Its exterior emphasizes compactness, functionality, and clean lines, while its strong character requires responsible handling and training. The Chongqing Dog remains an important part of China’s national cynological heritage. Preservation of breed type, thoughtful breeding, and respect for the breed’s history ensure its future and reinforce its uniqueness among world breeds.
