Most Popular Pets in China
Quick answer
In China, dogs and cats are the most popular pets and ownership is growing fast among young city dwellers. Ornamental fish, especially goldfish, have a centuries-long history, and songbirds are a traditional companion.
Pet culture in China
China is one of the world's fastest-growing pet markets, driven largely by young people in cities who increasingly keep cats and small dogs. Alongside this modern boom, China has ancient pet traditions: the goldfish was first bred here over a thousand years ago, and keeping songbirds remains a familiar pastime.
The most popular pets in China
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Dogs
Small companion breeds are favored in apartments; the Pekingese and Chow Chow are among the breeds that originated in China.
See the top 10 dog breeds -
Cats
Cat ownership is rising quickly among young urban professionals, fueling a fast-growing 'pet economy.'
See the top 10 cat breeds -
Fish
Goldfish were first domesticated in China more than a thousand years ago and remain a popular ornamental pet, valued in some homes as a symbol of good fortune.
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Songbirds
Keeping songbirds such as the hwamei is a traditional pastime, with owners taking their caged birds to parks in the morning.
Interesting facts about pets in China
- The goldfish was domesticated in China from wild carp more than a thousand years ago.
- China's pet market has grown rapidly as young, urban owners increasingly adopt cats and small dogs.
- In Chinese tradition, keeping fish is sometimes associated with bringing prosperity and good luck to a home.
Frequently asked questions about pets in China
What is the most popular pet in China?
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in China, with cat ownership rising especially fast among young people in cities. Ornamental fish and songbirds are also widely kept.
Where did goldfish come from?
Goldfish were first domesticated in China more than a thousand years ago, selectively bred from wild carp for their bright colors, and they remain a popular pet around the world today.
Is pet ownership growing in China?
Yes. China has one of the world's fastest-growing pet markets, driven largely by younger, urban owners who increasingly keep cats and small companion dogs.