How Much Does a Genuine Chinese Rural Dog Cost and How to Identify a Purebred?

The Chinese Rural Dog, also known as the "Tu Gou" or native dog, is a common sight in China. Their price range is quite varied, reflecting their often mixed heritage. A typical Chinese Rural Dog can cost anywhere from a few tens of yuan to around 100 yuan. Those considered to have slightly better features might range from 200 to 300 yuan. However, it's important to acknowledge that these dogs are more often given away or exchanged for a token amount rather than sold at a fixed price.

Indeed, the Chinese Rural Dog is often the most affordable dog breed you'll find. You might see them sold for as little as a few tens of yuan up to 100 yuan each. Those with slightly more desirable traits sometimes reach 200 to 300 yuan. In many areas, though, puppies are frequently given away as gifts, or sold for a nominal fee. One notable difference between the Chinese Rural Dog and many other pet breeds is their distinct behavior: they are typically affectionate towards their families but are wary and will bark at strangers, a crucial characteristic for a watchdog.

What Makes a Good Chinese Rural Dog?

The earliest Chinese Rural Dogs were those we commonly call "Big Yellow Dogs". Experts suggest that they have a certain connection to the Shiba Inu of Japan. Sadly, due to inadequate conservation efforts, most Chinese Rural Dogs today have mixed lineages. They are generally grouped into three main types: the Jiangsu-Zhejiang type, the Guangdong-Guangxi type, and the Northern type. The Guangdong-Guangxi type has been the best preserved, often exhibiting consistent coat colors and upright ears. The Northern type tends to have more floppy ears, while the Jiangsu-Zhejiang type is frequently distinguished by white fur. When assessing a Chinese Rural Dog, key indicators include a consistent coat color and upright ears, which many consider signs of a better-quality specimen. The breed’s mixed heritage, however, means there's no reliable standard for judging 'purity', and their price is most frequently determined by regional market factors and the individual dog’s perceived qualities. Given their affordability, adopting a rural dog can be a cost-effective way of owning a pet, with many of the same health and behavioral characteristics as many other more expensive purebreds. The Chinese Rural Dog, at its core, is a resilient, loyal, and intelligent dog, regardless of its exact lineage. When considering bringing one home, focus more on the connection you form with your future pet, rather than its price or so-called ‘pureness’ .Explore more:Pet Knowledge