Tong Gau: Should You Adopt Hong Kong's Most Iconic Dog "Breed"?

There are actually two different meanings for the term Tong Gau (唐狗). The first, most common usage is the Cantonese phrase used to describe Hong Kong's local village dogs. The second usage, which is not as common, is to describe an ancient breed of dog (the Tang Dog) that dates back to China's Tang Dynasty (618 to 907).

Most of Hong Kong's Tong Gaus are village dogs, which you can easily see on hikes or adventures around the city.

It can be difficult at times to pinpoint a Tong Gau because they are not a standardized pure breed, but rather a distinct population of mixed-breed dogs with ancient lineage. They are free-breeding, free-ranging dogs whose ancestors have lived near humans in the region for centuries.

A genetic survey of dogs published in the PNAS(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) Journal conducted by "Cornell University's Dr Adam Boyko and his colleagues studied 4,676 purebred dogs from recognized breeds, as well as 549 "village dogs.""

The aim was to locate where the "domestication event" might have occurred - where wild wolves joined human settlements, beginning the process of dog domestication.

Dr. Bokyo said that the study made it possible to discern that there was a "single origin" for where and when dog domestication occurred.

Previous studies have shown that the domestication event likely occurred somewhere in Asia. Dr Peter Savolainen, associate professor at KTH - Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, suspects the origins of domestication lie in East Asia, perhaps in southern China, which is where Hong Kong is located.

"So we have a consensus that the origin is somewhere in this general region. But one important thing is that they do not have a specimen from China, so if they had, what would that have shown?"

Perhaps, if the genetic survey were to include Hong Kong's Tong Gau, it would be revealed that our modern-day village dogs are actually directly tied to the domestication event that turned wolves into man's best friend!

It's also important to remember that dogs have been around for at least 15,000 years, so the landscape of South China, as well as the humans who inhabited it, would have been very different to today.

The dogs back then "were hanging around [hunting] camps and becoming gradually more attuned to human life," according to Dr. Bokyo.

Because of the genetic diversity of Hong Kong's Tong Gaus, their appearance can vary greatly. Some of the more typical color morphs include the black and tan variety, as well as a solid tan color. The Tong Gau is not officially recognized as a formal dog breed by major international kennel clubs.

Tong Gaus can come in a variety of colors, including tan and black, and can be solid or multi-colored. They are typically medium-sized dogs, with Chinese Village Dogs measuring around 12 to 19 inches at the shoulder, but greater extremes in size are not uncommon.

Tong Gaus are known to be loyal, intelligent, and alert. They can be prone to anxiety in new situations and benefit from early socialization. Typically, Tong Gaus are very healthy and not as prone to diseases as purebred dogs. Their genetic diversity ensures that these dogs are very hardy.

Summary Checklist to Identify a Hong Kong Tong Gau

• Medium size
• Short to medium-length coat (often black, tan, or a combo of the two), usually solid or multi-colored
• Pointed, erect ears
• Almond-shaped eyes
• Curled or whip-like tail carried over the back
• Round, cat-like feet
• Bluish-black or spotted tongue (sometimes)
• Alert, intelligent, loyal temperament
• Hardy and adaptable nature

• Social Structure and Territory: Tong Gaus often live in small packs, establishing territories especially around food sources such as rubbish dumps, construction sites, reservoirs, or rural villages. They can be protective of their territory, which sometimes leads to aggressive encounters with humans or other dogs when their space is encroached upon.
• Foraging and Survival: These dogs are opportunistic feeders, scavenging for food in urban areas and natural parks. Their ability to adapt to diverse food sources is key to their survival in the wild.
• Interaction with Humans: While generally wary of strangers, Tong Gaus can become accustomed to humans who feed or care for them. However, some individuals or groups may display aggression, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.
• Resilience and Health: As a free-breeding population, Tong Gaus tend to be hardy and less prone to genetic diseases common in purebred dogs. Their resilience contributes to their ability to thrive despite harsh conditions and limited veterinary care.
• Reproduction and Population: They reproduce rapidly, which can lead to increasing numbers in some areas, sometimes causing conflicts with humans. Efforts to manage their population through rescue and sterilization have been ongoing but face challenges due to limited resources and public attitudes.

Every dog is a unique individual and will require completely different care requirements. Anything from the dog's home environment to its past experiences could shape how easy or difficult it is to keep a Tong Gau as a pet.

Jessie, my Tong Gau, is nearly 13 years old and I adopted her back in 2013 when she was just a year old. The first few months were tough due to her high anxiety level (which we were warned about before adopting her).

Plenty of love and positive reinforcement brought Jessie out of her shell. She responds well to routine and is a dream around people now. She is still very fearful of other dogs.

If you're thinking of adopting a tong gau, consider the following general points:

Why Tong Gaus Make Good Pets

• Adaptability: Tong Gaus are highly adaptable and thrive in environments where they get regular exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities to explore. These dogs are great for those with an active lifestyle.
• Temperament: They are intelligent, alert, and loyal companions. While they can be nervous or anxious in new situations, especially if adopted as adults, proper socialization and gentle introductions help them get along well with people and other dogs.
• Trainability: Tong Gaus respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. They can learn quickly but may sometimes be stubborn, so patience and kindness are important.
• Health: Their mixed-breed background generally contributes to robust health, although occasional hip and skin issues may occur.

Considerations

• Tong Gaus may require experienced dog owners who understand their need for socialization and mental engagement to prevent anxiety or nervousness.
• If adopted as adults, ask your local shelter about the temperament of their tong gaus. There will be a Tong Gau for every family because of their wide gene pool and varied temperament.
• As village dogs, some Tong Gaus may have a strong territorial instinct or wariness of strangers, traits that can be managed with early training and socialization.
• They are not a standardized breed with official kennel club recognition, so individual dogs may vary considerably in behavior and appearance.

According to animal charity LAP (Lifelong Animal Protection), each year an estimated 40,000 unwanted dogs and cats are killed in Hong Kong.

Given that Tong Gaus can make excellent pets, it's far more ethical and responsible for people to adopt from no-kill dog shelters like LAP, rather than to buy pets from illegal breeders and shops.

With the Agricultural Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) worried about interaction between Tong Gaus and local Hong Kongers, it's more important now than ever to adopt.

According to the AFCD, "For unowned stray dogs, AFCD will rehome them via AFCD’s partnering AWOs (like LAP) if they are healthy and have good temperament. As a last resort, stray dogs that could not be rehomed may be euthanised by administering an overdose of anaesthetic."

Adopting dogs from no-kill shelters genuinely save the lives of wonderful dogs who would otherwise be euthanized.

If you're thinking of bringing a dog into your family, consider adopting a Tong Gau for its incredible history, general lack of health issues, and variety of beautiful colors. I'd suggest choosing a no-kill shelter like LAP. I volunteer at LAP regularly and know that the dogs are given the absolute best care possible there!

Why adopt from no-kill shelters like LAP?:

1. Saving Lives and Reducing Overpopulation

When you adopt from a shelter, you are literally saving a life and freeing up space for another homeless animal in need. Shelters are often overwhelmed with dogs, many of whom face euthanasia if not adopted. By adopting, you help reduce the demand for commercially bred puppies, which in turn helps combat the unethical practices of puppy mills.

2. Health Advantages Due to Genetic Diversity

Mixed-breed dogs (like Tong Gaus) from shelters tend to be healthier than many purebred dogs because of hybrid vigor. This generally translates to fewer veterinary visits and lower healthcare costs over the dog’s lifetime.

3. Unique and One-of-a-Kind Companions

Each Tong Gau has a unique appearance and personality, making them truly one-of-a-kind pets. Their diverse backgrounds often result in balanced temperaments and adaptable behavior, which can be a great fit for many families and living situations. Of course, there are pure breeds also available at shelters.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Adoption fees are typically much lower than the cost of buying a purebred dog from a breeder. Additionally, shelter dogs often come vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, which can save new owners significant upfront expenses.

5. Supporting Animal Welfare

Adopting supports shelters and rescue organizations that work tirelessly to care for homeless animals. Your adoption fee helps fund their ongoing efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets in need.

*Here are a list of dogs available for adoption right now at LAP.