Its proper name is Laizhou Hong, but colloquially, this large, molosser type dog is known as the Chinese Red Dog, or China’s Red Dog. Once very popular, other breeds became more favored when China relaxed its dog restrictions.
Information on the breed is scant for those wanting more in-depth information, but it’s known that the breed has its origins in Shandong province in China. In the 19th century, that province (as well as some other parts of China) was colonized by Germans after Jiaozhou Bay and Qingdao Peninsula were leased from the Ching Dynasty in 1898. These people arrived in Qingdao Peninsula with their dogs, and after years of breeding their Great Danes and German Shepherd Dogs with local dogs, including the Shandong Xian Hound, the Laizhou Hong was established as its own breed. Red markings (“Hong” in Chinese means red) are a distinguishing hallmark of the breed.
Described as a confident and loyal dog, it’s said to be friendly and calm, and is touted as a good family dog. We’ve seen, however, references to a natural protection streak, and thus is classed as a high deterrence dog that can work as a protection or working dog on a farm. As a male dog can reach 32 inches in height and weigh up to 100 pounds, it appears to be a sturdy, robust breed.
The breed showed up in a show catalog for the 2019 World Dog Show in Shanghai under Group 11 – Non FCI Breeds, but it’s regarded as a rare breed, especially outside of China. There are several breeders found on the Internet, and we know nothing about them, but share the link to one who has a Facebook page where you can see more photos and videos of the breed. This shouldn’t be construed as an endorsement of the breeder because again, we know nothing about them.
As we get more information about this breed, we’ll be updating this post.
Photo found on Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information.
Wonder what the purpose of the breed was and is today with what looks like heavy boned frame.
Mary Beth, what few sources we could find on the breed describe it as a friendly family-appropriate dog, but also that it is used in protection work. We’ll keep digging until we find something that “fleshes” out a profile of the breed temperament.
I have been searching about this breed on the internet for a while and chatting with a few Chinese breeders, the Red dog is apparently used as watchdog, hunting, dog fighting, and was once used as a working dog in the China’s police force. The dog is said to be developed using German Shepherd, Great Dane, Rottweiler, Chinese wolf dog derived from Japanese bred German Shepherd wolf mixed, Shandong Xian Hound, and other local breeds dogs. Some sites even said that Korean Mastiff was also used to give that deep red look.
Interesting about the Korean Mastiff, Steven. We find it a really handsome breed, and would love any insights to its character and temperament that you might have gleaned from breeders.
Yea, same here I m in love with this breed and I only come across this a few months ago. Their character meant to thick set and more muscular than the German Shepherd dog, and like you said there meant to be much taller. Since it became a recognised rare breed by the China Kennel, I think most serious breeders in China are now maintaining the height to around 70cm for workability. Personality wise, is pretty much in line with what you said, calm and friendly to his family (very gentle to elderly and children), but strong and dominant against intruders. They can be stubborn though I think.
There is a China Kennel recognised well known breeder who are now specialised in this breed, and you can find him on Facebook by the name Benson Ban. He is actually the breeder of the dog you shown in the photo. I think he is the only one to carry out all the necessary health test in China. Most breeders in China can’t be bothered about health testing like in the West. Hope this help 🙂
Do you know any breeders from China? And how much?
Sadly, Lynden, we do not.
It does help, Steve, thank you for going to the trouble of leaving the comment. We’ll plan on reaching out to Mr. Ban.
For your information, there are also other similarly german Shepherd mixed breeds from China, including the Chinese black wolfdog 黑狼犬 (commercially known as Mojee on http://www.mojeedog.com), Chinese red wolfdog (colour variation derived from black wolfdog), and previously mentioned Chinese german Shepherd wolfdog (狼青犬).
There are a lot more other Chinese dog breeds from across the whole of China, one of them known as chuandong dog (there is a breeder in uk https://chuandonghound.co.uk) and a flat face version of it known as chongqing dog (https://www.bamboo-tail.com). These dogs are said to be in existence for over 2000 years, and is naturally occurrence hunting dog breed. They are very healthy and can live up to 20 years of age.
You probably already have known some of these dog breeds, but I thought I would just mention them to you to help spread the words, as all these dog breeds are becoming very rare in China and endangered along with whole loads of other breeds in China.
We’ve recently purchased a Chinese red dog here in the UK, he’s currently 16 weeks. So far he’s proven to be probably one of the best breeds I have owned, he’s intelligent extremely easy to train, picking up commands after only a few times of showing him what I want. He’s loyal to the point he’ll follow me everywhere, he’s calm and relaxed in the house.
I have 4 children he’s brilliant with them, friendly and loyal.
He’s friendly with any visitors who we allow in the house.
He’s proven to be very protective, putting himself between me and a stranger to him on my garden, sat by my feet and watched her all the time she was talking to me, also whilst walking round the forest with him he heard someone walking by, he let them know with a slight growl he was watching.
His colouring started quite dark with the black being more dominant but as he’s growing the red is becoming more prominent, it now covers most of his face, his ears and spreading on his chest.
Can’t wait to see him develop.
So far from what I’ve seen from him I believe they are a well rounded dog, that can be both family and protection.
That is a helpful update Emily. Did you purchase the puppy in the Uk? What size is the dog? presumably he is now about 7 months old? How is his training going? Is he ok with other dogs?
How much did it cost ?
Where in the uk did you buy your puppy please? Thank you
In the interest of privacy, perhaps you and Emily can communicate privately?
Hello Emily could I ask if you had any problems getting your dog insurance?. We have a crd but can’t find her breed on any of the insurance sites. Any info appreciated thanks
What are they like with other dogs? Social?
I have 18 month old Chinese red dog cross Dutch shepherd. He is completely red all over
This is knarla shes amazing one of the best pups ive had. Extremely intelligent. She picks things up very easily but can be stubborn. Not necessarily food oriented though. Amazing with children and other dogs but she is super protective already. We purchased her from the named website above and unfortunately the transporter neglected her for the 4week period she had her and has resulted in her having a tendon injury this however does not sway her playful attetion seeking puppy self.
Thanks for the input, Megan, there is nothing like first hand experience
My Chinese red dog purchased from Genesis kennels London . Is now almost 6 months old and 24 inches at the withers .She is the best dog I have had in my lifetime and I have had a variety of large breeds all so called intelligent . This breed is far superior being calm indoors , a great guard dog very protective , but accepts visitors with a friendly tail wag
She is gentle with my grandchildren a wonderful easily trained companion .
She was fully housetrained within her first week with us . I foresee these dogs becoming very popular in the U.K. to those who love larger breeds .
Thanks for the photo, Jan your insights are really interesting and helpful to those of us who don’t know the breed well. Thanks for sharing!
One of my friend from china is breeding chinees red dog his breeding dog was shown in world dog show in china by his owner his bred went uk also i also want own one but due import export of dog is ban in india i cant bring
Hi I have a 13 month old crd called Reggie he is approx 60-65 Kgs an absolutely beautiful dog everyone asks me what he is etc he is very good sound the house we have a 4 year old he is amazing with but when walking he is extremely guarding of his owner not overly reactive but you really wouldn’t want to break in lol
Thank all of you and import. Breeders UK information, I’m interested. Thanks Tom