Pet Wiki

Kunming

Also called Kunming Wolfdog, Chinese Kunming Dog, Chinese Kunming Wolfdog

Recognised breedShort profile

From Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, from the 1950s onward.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male28 to 42 kg1
Weight, female26 to 36 kg1
Height, male60 to 75 cm1
Height, female60 to 65 cm1
Sizelarge
versatile working dog
keen scent-worker
trainable
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A shepherd-type working dog with a weatherproof double coat.1

Colourssilver-greygrass yellowblack and yellowblack-backed1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working breed used by police, military, customs and fire services, so it needs a lot of exercise and a job to do.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing suits its double coat.1

The story where it all began

In the 1950s police in Yunnan began breeding local wolfdog-type dogs from the Kunming plateau with German Shepherds. The line was refined over decades and officially named in 1988, and it is now China's main home-grown police dog.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Kunming dogs work in tracking, detection, search and rescue, and security roles.1

  2. 2

    In 2018 a Kunming dog named Kunxun was cloned from a decorated police dog and completed her training in 2019.1

  3. 3

    Litters usually number 5 to 10 puppies.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province in China, where it was developed in the 1950s.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

KunmingWolfYunnanBladeZhenShadowTrackerPingStormJadeRocketLucky

A day in the life told by a Kunming

I wake before dawn, ready for action. My human snaps on my harness and we hit the training field. I track a scent through the grass, find the hidden package, and get a hearty 'Good boy!' We run, jump, and weave through obstacles, I never miss a step. At noon, I rest in the shade, but my eyes never stop watching. In the afternoon, another search drill; I love the challenge. Back home, I chew my favorite toy, then flop down beside my human. Another day of purpose, and I sleep deeply, knowing I did my job.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

China (national)
Formally named as a breed in 1988 after ministry-level evaluation; added to the FAO World Watch List in 2007, per Wikipedia. Not recognised by the FCI.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kunming. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Kunming, and at what times?

Feed your Kunming at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times help avoid hunger signals. Check the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule tailored to your dog.14

What should a Kunming eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid alcohol, caffeine, and raw meat or bones. Ask your vet for a complete list.15

How often should I bathe a Kunming?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Kunming is very active outdoors or has skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its double coat.16 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kunming need brushing?

Brush your Kunming weekly to keep its double coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. Regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat weatherproof.16 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kunming's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.16 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kunming need?

As a working breed used by police and military, your Kunming needs a lot of daily exercise and a job to do. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. Aim for at least an hour of vigorous activity, plus mental challenges like training or puzzle toys.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Kunming's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, ideally daily as Furry Diary suggests. Check ears weekly for moisture or debris, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth.16 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kunming live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but as a medium-sized working breed, Kunmings typically live around 12 to 14 years with good care. Senior years usually start around age 7, so schedule annual vet checkups from then on.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Kunming good with children and other pets?

Kunmings are loyal and trainable, but as a working breed they need proper socialization from puppyhood. They can be good with children and other pets if raised together and given clear boundaries. Always supervise interactions and consult a breeder for specific advice.1

Can a Kunming be left alone?

Kunmings are active and people-oriented, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before being left. If you must leave them, provide toys and a safe space, and consider a dog walker or daycare. Ask your vet or a trainer for tips.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Kunming dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. link.springer.com link.springer.com
  3. exa.ai exa.ai
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.