Top Asian Dogs: The Best Asian Breeds for The Best Fluffy Friends

Asian dogs are a diverse group of breeds known for their unique characteristics, adaptability, and cultural significance. Many of these breeds have been bred for centuries to suit specific climates, tasks, and lifestyles.

Whether you are looking for a loyal companion, a strong guard dog, or an intelligent working breed, Asian dogs offer a wide variety of choices. 

Dogs belong to Asia and those differ not only in temperaments but also in grooming and exercise needs. Picking the right breed will depend on your lifestyle and dog ownership background.

Meet the Top Asian Dog Breeds

In this article, we will explore several Asian dog breeds in detail, along with their characteristics, grooming needs, health concerns, and adaptability. 

1. Japanese Spitz 

Japanese Spitz is a small and medium-sized fluffy dog with white coats and friendly-headed intelligent natures.

An extremely affectionate, playful, and loyal breed for the family. Their heavy double layers shed somewhat, so they do require brushing, but not very much grooming compared to many long-haired breeds.

Japanese Spitz loves people, and no doubt they will enjoy every moment that they can spend in their family. They may be small in stature but are very alert and useful little watchdogs.

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Japan
Size	Small to Medium
Coat	Thick, double-layered, and fluffy
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent, loyal
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	12 – 16 years
Best Suited For	Families, apartment living, first-time dog owners

2. Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a very versatile breed that was founded in Japan and is said to be spirited and rather independent. Their foxlike looks and expressive eyes have added to the fame of these breeds all over the world.

Shiba’s are one extremely intelligent and confident breed. However, they can be quite stubborn, and thus strong training becomes very important from the beginning of their developmental stages.

This dog, however, is a breed with a strong prey drive, and enjoys outdoor activities. It loves its family but is somewhat aloof towards strangers. During certain seasons, it will shed its heavy coat, prompting the need for brushing. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Japan
Size	Small to Medium
Coat	Short, dense
Temperament	Alert, confident, independent
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Active owners, experienced dog handles

3. Pekingese

The Pekingese was a breed of small toys originating in ancient China and very much associated with ancient Chinese royalty. 

These little prized dogs are rascals in nature, having sublime coats, short muzzles, and charming yet very headstrong temperaments.

Although they are affectionate and bonded to their owners, most of the time, they assert their independence and can be really stubborn.

The flat face puts this breed at risk for breathing problems, which means that extremes of heat are contraindicated for this breed. The long coat requires grooming almost daily to avoid knotting and matting. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	China
Size	Small
Coat	Long, dense
Temperament	Loyal, affectionate, independent
Exercise Needs	Low to moderate
Lifespan	12 – 14 years
Best Suited For	Apartment dwellers, elderly owners, individuals looking for a lap dg

4. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is very ancient in its classification as a type of Chinese dog, known for its majestic mane-like coat and blue-black tongue. They carry dignity and sometime aloofness with those they don’t know.

If they do form a bond with their owners, they can sometimes become overprotective. Early socialization and regular training are crucial for them to grow into wonderful companions.

They are heavy shedders and need a lot of brushing on their thick coat, not to mention the health troubles that commonly affect them, such as hip dysplasia and eye issues. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	China
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Thick, dense
Temperament	Independent, reserved, and protective
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	9 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Experienced dog owners, people looking for a protection

5. Chippiparai

The Chippiparai is the one rare Indian sighthound distinguished mostly by its speed, agility, and hunting skills. They have a lithe but muscular build and short fur in keeping with the hot climate they generally inhabit.

They are also thought to be really intelligent and super loyal, very much like any other dog, often bonding with their master’s incredibly well. Almost any amount of a day spent exercising and thinking will leave them feeling good and healthy.

Due to their independent spirit, some additional time may be necessary for command training, but once they are taught, they can eagerly cooperate with any consistent and patient type of training. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	India
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Short, smooth
Temperament	Intelligent, loyal, and energetic
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Active owners, hunters, large open spaces

6. Thai Ridgeback

One of the rarest ancient breeds from Thailand, recognized by the distinctive ridge of hair growing along its back, is the Thai Ridgeback.

The breed ranks extremely high in intelligence level and willfulness, with instincts strongly protective, making them awesome guard dogs.

They are very independent and, therefore, require an owner with experience in dealing with a dominant character.

They thrive in an active household where regular exercise can be inculcated. Their short coats are easy to maintain, as they only require minimal brushing. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Thailand
Size	Medium to large
Coat	Short to smooth
Temperament	Loyal. Intelligent, strong-willed
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 13 years
Best Suited For	Guard dog role, experienced handlers

7. Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed that was used to protect their monasteries. The Lhasa is small, with a long body and a double coat. Calm and patient, Lhasa Apso dogs are very family oriented.

They are wonderfully vigilant against unfamiliar people yet trust with bonded to whoever has given them time, light training, and love.

Their happy presence barking becomes an advantage of being good watchdogs. When it comes to hair care, long hair requires frequent and thorough maintenance. They are strong despite their small size. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Tibet
Size	Small
Coat	Long, thick
Temperament	Alert, independent, affectionate
Exercise Needs	Low to moderate
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Apartment dwellers, families

8. Akita Inu

Also known as Akita, this magnificent breed is a powerful and noble-looking breed of Japan. Akitas are known to be loyal and extremely protective; they are fine watchdogs.

Their independent nature requires consistent and firm training from an early age. An Akita may be aloof with strangers but would willingly give its life or kill for its owner.

They are heavy shedders with a long coat that needs to be brushed almost daily, especially during shedding season. They are big and strong dogs, making them more suited to an experienced owner. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Japan
Size	Large
Coat	Thick, double-coated
Temperament	Loyal, dignified, strong-willed
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high
Lifespan	10 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Experienced owners, families with large spaces

9. Indian Spitz 

Very intelligent and incredibly active, this breed, Indian Spitz, resembles closely the Japanese Spitz but has been bred to suit the hot Indian climate.

Friendly, playful, and well-trained are characteristics of this breed that make it quite a good family pet.

They love social places and human companionship. The coat is easy and low maintenance to groom, and they require moderate exercise. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Tibet
Size	Extra large
Coat	Thick, dense
Temperament	Protective, independent, powerful
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	10 – 14 years
Best Suited For	Rural settings, farm owners, security purpose

10. Korean Jindo

This breed, called Korean Jindo, is claimed to be characterized by heavy independence and sharp hunting instinct.

The Jindos are highly family-oriented and loyal towards them and will do anything to protect them. They learn well when trained firmly and need endless opportunity for exercise.

The coat isn’t a real problem in terms of maintenance, although it is necessary to have a brush handy to run on their backs. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Korea
Size	Medium
Coat	Short, thick
Temperament	Loyal, intelligent, independent
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Active owners, experienced dog trainers

11. Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is one of the characteristic breeds of China and has loose and wrinkled skin. Being truly independent, Shar Pei does have a strong sense of loyalty toward those who feed them and make excellent watchdogs.

Their coats do not take much brushing, but some gentle care for the folds and skin is imperative so that the infection does not form. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	China
Size	Medium
Coat	Short, bristly
Temperament	Loyal, calm, independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	9 – 12 years
Best Suited For	Families, apartment living

12. Central Asian Shepherd Dog 

Would you even consider a dog awesome if it weighs at least 100 pounds? Central Asian Shepherd Dogs are truly huge, muscled guardian dogs!

Large and independent, strong-willed, yet protective-these dogs are wonderful semi-livestock guarding dogs! Firm handling is required in a safe set-up. 

Breed Overview Table 

Feature	Details
Origin	Central Asia
Size	Large
Coat	Thick, dense
Temperament	Protective, independent, intelligent
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Guard dog role, large properties

13. Black Russian Terrier

Born in Russia, the Black Russian Terrier is a huge working dog embodying powerful strength. My heavens are these dogs strong as, well, wolves, and super affectionate towards their families!

They are intelligent and trainable, but precise and harsh training is much needed. Heavy grooming is required in terms of curly coats that never end.

These dogs, with their lust for adequate physical and psychological workouts, are never a fit for someone in an apartment. 

Breed Overview Table 

Feature	Details
Origin	Russia
Size	Large
Coat	Medium, double-coated, natural length
Temperament	Fearless, determined and calm
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	10 – 12 years
Best Suited For	First time owners, active owners

14. Shih Tzu

This toy breed from China and Tibet dates back thousands of years. Famous for their silky coat and sweet companionless. Very sociable and friendly; they require constant grooming because of their long coats.

On the positive side, they are relatively low energy, so the Shih Tzu adapt well to apartment living. Ideal little dogs for the family, the elderly, and anyone looking for a cuddly small companion. 

Breed Overview Table 

Feature	Details
Origin	Tibet
Size	Small
Coat	Long, double coat
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent, alert, playful, loyal, lively
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	10 – 16 years
Best Suited For	A family with children old enough to handle dogs gently

15. Japanese Chin

The perfect description of a toy breed would fit the wondrous Japanese Chin, full of charming sprightliness and affection. They become attached to their owners, begging to be spoiled with attention.  

Intelligent, the Chin, being small, will happily respond well to your commands for some simple tricks. Their long, glorious shining coats will require a little brushing from time to time. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Japan
Size	Small (Toy)
Coat	Semi-long
Temperament	Happy, intelligent and lively dog
Exercise Needs	Low
Lifespan	12 – 14 years
Best Suited For	Good with children, suited for apartment dwellers, not hypoallergenic

16. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested may be of two types-hairless and powder puff. In some areas, the hairless type is almighty soft, and hair is only found on the head, tail, and feet, whereas Powder puff ones are clothed in cotton-soft hair all over.

They are loving, playful, charming, and a perfect treat for the pet parent and the family where they share a close-rich life.

Their skin is sensitive, thus requiring regular maintenance to keep it healthy; they may also need dog sunscreen and stuff like that. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	China
Size	Small
Coat	Long coat
Temperament	Playful, happy-go-lucky dog
Exercise Needs	Low
Lifespan	13 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Great as a family dog, with older children and other pets

17. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a lovely and graceful breed, famous for its long, silky coat. It came out of Afghanistan and was originally used for hunting in very adverse conditions.

They are free thinkers and intelligent, requiring a knowledgeable handler. Daily grooming and plenty of exercise to stay heathy and happy is needed by the long coat. 

Breed Overview Table 

Feature	Details
Origin	Afghanistan
Size	Medium
Coat	Long, thick and fine
Temperament	Dignified, silly, happy, aloof, quiet, independent
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	12 – 14 years
Best Suited For	Not great with small children, or families, they are show dogs

18. Borzoi

The Borzoi, or Russian Wolfhound, is tall and elegant, with the long coat characteristic of sighthounds. These dogs are gentle-natured, intelligent, and reserved.

They love to run, but generally nice and calm indoors. They need regular brushing for their coat and room to run and play. 

Breed Overview Table 

Feature	Details
Origin	Russia
Size	Medium to Large
Coat	Flat, wavy, or curly
Temperament	Calm, athletic, quiet, intelligent and attentive
Exercise Needs	High
Life Span	9 – 14 years
Best Suited For	Great as family dogs, great with children

19. Dosa Mastiff

The Dosa Mastiff or Korean Mastiff is a massive breed that is heavy and strong. They are gentle giants with a mild temper, but they require careful training through socialization from a very early age.

Due to their massiveness, they need a large area in which to move around and a very vigorous exercise regimen. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	South Korea
Size	Medium
Coat	Smooth, short and silky
Temperament	Sweet natured and gentle dog
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Lifespan	7 – 12 years
Best Suited For	Adapt to both country and city life

20. Kintamani-Bali

In terms of quickness, Kintamani and Bali dog breed holds true to its global appeal. Intelligent, adaptive, and fleet could describe it.

The Kintamani Bali dogs are family-oriented, active, and nice pets. Regular grooming and moderate exercise are needed. 

Breed Overview Table

Feature	Details
Origin	Indonesia
Size	Small to Medium
Coat	Medium and dense, straight coat
Temperament	Alert and curious, territorial dog
Exercise Needs	High
Lifespan	13 – 15 years
Best Suited For	Suited for most household, great with children and other pets

Adaptability to Climatic Conditions 

Asian dog breeds developed by collaborating with the extreme weather conditions of the region-cold snow, mountains; or hot and humid.

Chow Chow or Tibetan Mastiff enjoys being showered in praises at chilly weather with its thick fur coat while the Thai Ridgeback or Indian Spitz glorifies itself while it is hot.

Maintenance Schedule 

Maintenance varies from breed to breed. Long-haired breeds, such as the Pekingese or the Lhasa Apso, need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting of the hair, while relative care of short-haired Thai Ridgeback is quite easy.

Health and Exercise Needs 

Most Asian breeds need exercise, especially the working and hunting breeds like the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu.

Some breeds like Chow Chow suffer from specific health issues like hip dysplasia or entropion so regular check-ups by the veterinarian become a must in their case.

Diet Program and Nutrition

A nutritionally balanced diet is a must, depending on the breed, size, and activity level of the dog. Working breeds should be provided with a highly proteinaceous diet whereas smaller breeds may need special nutrition to combat the problems of obesity. 

Are Asian Dogs the One for You!

Asian dogs, across the planet, will always be cherished for their beauty, intelligence, and adaptability. Choosing one means years of companionship and fulfillment.