History and Origin

The Laizhou Hong, also known internationally as the Chinese Red Dog, is a breed originating from Shandong province in China. Its name is a poetic combination: "Laizhou" refers to the city where the breed was developed, and "Hong" (红) means red in Mandarin, a direct reference to the rich, vibrant reddish markings that are the breed's visual signature.

To understand this breed, we must go back to the late 19th century, when European powers competed for influence across Chinese territory.

The Historical Context

In 1898, Jiaozhou Bay and the Qingdao Peninsula were leased from the Qing Dynasty to Germany for a period of 99 years. German settlers established themselves in the Shandong region, bringing their working dogs - animals indispensable for rural life, hunting and property protection.

Among the breeds brought by the Germans were the Great Dane, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler - three of Europe's most versatile working dogs. These dogs were crossed with native Chinese breeds, especially the Shandong Xian Hound, the Xigou and the Langqing Quan, along with other local dogs with working characteristics.

The result, after decades of selection by enthusiastic local breeders in the town of Zhuqiao, Laizhou, was a unique dog: large, muscular, intelligent, courageous and with a black coat marked by intense reddish tones. The Laizhou Hong was born.

The Golden Era and Decline

During the early and mid-20th century, the Laizhou Hong became one of the most popular dogs in China. It was widely used as a guard dog, farm dog and even by the Chinese police. Its combination of strength, intelligence and loyalty made it ideal for multiple roles.

However, as restrictions on dog ownership in China were relaxed, foreign breeds began flooding the market. Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Poodles and other "trendy" breeds gained ground, and the Laizhou Hong, viewed as a common local dog, gradually lost popularity. A story that, unfortunately, repeats itself with many native breeds around the world.

The Renaissance

Fortunately, dedicated breeders in China recognized the invaluable worth of the Laizhou Hong and launched a preservation and standardization movement. In 2017, the China Kennel Union (CKU), in partnership with the CKU China Native Breed Conservation Club, published the first official breed standard - a historic milestone in Chinese canine culture.

In 2019, the Laizhou Hong was presented to the world at the World Dog Show in Shanghai, under Group 11 (Non-FCI Breeds). Since then, the breed has been gaining progressive international recognition, with serious breeders establishing themselves in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Serbia and now in Brazil.

The Laizhou Hong is officially recognized by the CKU and classified in FCI Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), the same group as breeds such as the Rottweiler, Great Dane and Boxer.

The Breed's Names

The breed is known by several names, which can be confusing for those just beginning their research. Knowing these names helps in understanding the origin and culture behind the breed.