Kunma Dog
Also known as Chinese Kunma Dog · Chinese Maquan · Kunma Wolfdog
China, Working and herding dogs
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 56–70 cm
- Weight
- 22–35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10–14 yrs
- Driven
- Trainable
- Alert
- Athletic
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Kunma Dog is a Chinese police dog produced by crossing the Kunming Dog with the Belgian Malinois. It is a lean, medium-to-large shepherd type with upright ears and a short coat in shades of fawn, red, grey or black. It is bred almost entirely for police and security work and is rarely found as a pet.
Size
- Size
- Large
- Height at shoulder
- 56–70 cm
- Adult weight
- 22–35 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Bigger breeds keep filling out until 18–24 months.
Lifespan
10–14 years
Most Kunma Dogs live 10–14 years. Like other large dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 7, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
It has been selected for working police tasks, so it is driven, alert and highly trainable, much like its Malinois and Kunming Dog ancestors. Dogs of this kind are usually intense and need a clear job.
- Driven
- Trainable
- Alert
- Athletic
Food
For a typical 28.5 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 1,380 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 1.1 L–1.7 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Puppies of large breeds need a diet made for large-breed growth, so they grow steadily rather than fast.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayExpect a very high need for physical and mental work, well beyond ordinary walks. Training, scent work and dog sports suit this type.
Grooming & shedding
The short coat needs only weekly brushing, with extra attention during seasonal moults.
Health
This is a specialist working dog, and its needs are close to those of a working Malinois: experienced handling, daily training and plenty of outlets. Little health information has been published for the breed itself.
The breed can be prone to
- Little breed-specific health data published
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (general risk in shepherd types)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Hip and elbow scoring
Not every Kunma Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Starting in 1991, China's Ministry of Public Security imported 67 Malinois from Belgium in several batches. These were bred with Kunming Dogs, using Kunming sires and Malinois dams, to create a new police dog. A stable population was reported by 2018, and the dogs are widely used in public security work.
- Country of origin
- China
- Type
- Working and herding dogs
- Recognition
- Developed and recognised by China's Ministry of Public Security; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Kunma Dog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
- First-time owners prepared to train consistently
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 10–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Kunma Dog FAQ
How big does a Kunma Dog get?
Adult Kunma Dogs typically stand about 56–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 22–35 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Kunma Dogs live?
Typically 10–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Kunma Dog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Kunma Dog need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Kunma Dogs easy to train?
Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.
Do Kunma Dogs shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Kunma Dogs good with children?
They're often better suited to adults or older, calm children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Kunma Dog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Kunma Dogs have?
The breed can be prone to little breed-specific health data published, hip and elbow dysplasia (general risk in shepherd types). Not every Kunma Dog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.