Many people in China bring pets home starting a decade or two ago due to more accepting of pets in the family home due to the increased middle-class standards and changing to a more western lifestyle. Whereas dogs still reign supreme and have been the most popular pets in China, citizens of this country are gradually becoming spoiled for choice due to diverse pets ranging from cats, birds, iguanas, and sugar glider.
In this article, we are going to find out what pets are being favored by the Chinese, why pet lovers make their pets important, and what the latest trend is in the baseline pet market.
The Rise of Pets in China
The Emergence of China’s economy has created a drastic change in the life style ad expenditure pattern of the country. Since the affordability for citizens in China to spend their disposable income for pet products and services has increased, then the rate of growth in pet ownership has also increased. There is current over 100 million pets in China and the current sectors involved in petting business is rising about 20% a year. High density population, fewer members in families, and new culture on the people of viewing pets as companion animals may have contributed to this growth.
List of The Most Popular Pets in China
Let’s look at the most popular pets in China, their cultural essence and the contributions to the lives of pet owners in China.
1. Dogs: The Faithful Companions
Leading the list of the most common pets in China are dogs that numerous families have welcomed and had in their homes millions of pieces. Because dogs are loyal and friendly animals, they are popular in China and are dear to every citizen.
Domesticated dogs are a part of general history and Chinese history more specifically, with different breeds being first imported to the region thousands of years ago. The history of domestication of dogs with focus on hunting, guarding and herding shall be reviewed in this paper.
However, it is really their ability to accept and to care the owners without questions or conditions that makes these animals so adorable in modern China and become excellent friends for their owners.
Some of the most popular Bichon types are Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Chow Chow amongst the many breeds seen in China that exemplify the country’s tradition in breeding dogs. These early breeds attract a premium price as they are rare and this makes them such favorites amongst the Chinese dog lovers.
2. Cats: The Enigmatic Felines
Cats have been chosen as objects of worship in China even in antiquity. It is known that the use of feline symbolism started in the time of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). Cats were considered as gods. They were used to chase evil spirits and bring about good fortune.
Thus, although today’s cats occupy a special place in Chinese culture as objects of mystique and symbolizing happiness and comfort, they are not as popular with the Chinese people as dogs.
But their small, delicate sizes and defiant character are good reasons as to why many Chinese pet owners keep them as pets. Cats share a significant percentage in the Chinese companion animals’ market with over 60 million cats as pets.
3. Birds: The Melodic Musicians
There is a great number of birds in China, starting with the little canary and ending with the magnificent parrot. The Chinese have traditionally preferred birds as pets and history of aviculture in China can be traced back to the Han dynasty.
The most appreciated qualities in birds include good singing ability as well as colorful feathers, to the extent that these birds are sometimes mostly kept around for ornamental value.
Chinese pet lovers prefer song birds like the canaries, and the finches due to their singing ability. China market for bird pet is competitive due to its ability to produce different types of bird breeds.
4. Rabbits: The Fluffy Adorable
Domesticated rabbits possessing soft and silky skin and delightful looking eyes have become rather popular in China as pets. It is believed that these animals are a bringer of good luck and fortune. People who keep such rabbits think that such animals strike a balance to the ‘Ying’ element in the house thus bringing harmony and tranquility.
Rabbits are revenge animals so they demand a special attention, and although there are many Chinese pet owners who decided to take a rabbit into their home, these are extremely caring people who want to give the best to their furry friends.
For the moment, there is a tendency for rabbit pet sales in China, emphasizing the availability of tasty food for the pet, cages, and toys for the beloved chinchillas.
5. Fish: The Serene Swimmers
Those who like having aquatic friends choose fish as a pet because they add tranquility to any home. In China today, the pet fish has become a market most pet stores and aquariums offer a variety of freshwater and marine fish.
A history of fish farming and aquaculture in China has made pet fish popular in Chinese homes. Being focused on the beautiful colors, distinct patterns as well as interesting behaviors of pet fish, China presents a wide variety of opportunities to satisfy any aquarist.
6. Small Mammals: The Tiny Terrific
Initially, only major domestic animals and birds, cats, rabbits, and fish have been considered as pets, However, in recent years rodents including guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils have also been trending among Chinese owners. These are tiny pockets that are usually domesticated in small space urban homes and are loved for being easy to manage and cheap.
Although small mammals may be not as much sought after as dogs or cats in China, this market is gradually emerging. Small mammal accessories in pet stores include cages, bedding and feeding supplies, as well as specialized food and toys.
The role of pets in Chinese Culture
It is argued that pets mainly children’s animals are given a significant place in China, and most of the owners consider the pets as an integral part of their families. In Chinese tradition, animals are regarded to bring good fortunes and act as representations of joy in homes or houses, many people with the perception that acquiring a pet will open the door to successful rate and balanced well-being. This is indeed so with regard to dogs since they are usually presented as lucky charms to keep away misfortune and to attract fortune.
Pet market show continually growth in China and more and more pet shops, grooming shops, and veterinary clinics come into being. Other products include veterinary insurance, where it is become fashionable for individuals to insure their pets against disease or accident. The Chinese government has also been trying to control the pet market and there have been some new laws regarding the treatment of pets and banned selling of suffering pets.
Conclusion
Pets in China have a place in culture for centuries and customers gravitate towards products that feature their favorite furry friends in China. Indeed, the era of solitary household couples in China city is here with more people spending their time alone, and this is the reason why pro pet industries can offer different interesting and various ideas for those people who have decided to keep pets.
Coupling with the increasing tendency to value the emotional and mental health rewards of pet ownership, the pet can be identified as an important constituent of Chinese society, of different types. Ranging from dogs and magicians’ birds to cute rabbits and beautiful fishes, China epitomizes a rich and diverse animal friendly society.
