Pet Wiki

Kunma

Also called Kunma Dog, Chinese Kunma Dog, Maquan, Kunma Quan, Chinese Horse Dog

Recognised breedShort profile

From People's Republic of China, developed for police work by crossing Belgian Malinois with Kunming dogs.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight22 to 35 kg1
Height, male61 to 66 cm1
Height, female56 to 61 cm1
Sizelarge

Source gives 22-35 kg without splitting by sex.

capable working dog
athletic
trainable for police tasks
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

A short-haired, athletic working dog with a Malinois-like head, black nose and strong jaw.1

Coloursfawn with black overlay and black maskblackreddish brownpurple browngrey-blackblack and redyellow-greykhaki1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A police working breed, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and training.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs only simple routine brushing.1

The story where it all began

In 1991 China's Ministry of Public Security imported 67 Malinois from Belgium. These were crossed with native Kunming dogs, and the resulting line was bred on until it formed a stable population by around 2018.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its Chinese name 'Maquan' is sometimes translated as 'horse dog'.1

  2. 2

    The breed has a Malinois maternal line and a Kunming paternal line.1

  3. 3

    Some Kunma dogs look very like the older, historical type of Malinois.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Kunma' combines 'Kun' from Kunming dog (the paternal parent) and 'Ma' from Malinois (the maternal parent), reflecting its crossbred origin.1

Name ideas for your new friend

KunmaMaquanJadePingSwiftGuardianYunnanBlazeRocketZhenLuckyStorm

A day in the life told by a Kunma

I start my day with a quick patrol around the yard. Nothing escapes my notice, not a leaf, not a squirrel. My handler calls me for drills, and I love every second: sit, stay, track, find. I sniff out a hidden toy in seconds. After work, we play fetch until I'm panting happily. At home, I curl up on my mat, my ears still twitching at every sound. Dinner comes, and I eat with sharp focus. Before sleep, I give my human a soft lick on the hand. A good day's work, well done.

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

Recognised by the official bits

China (national)
Wikipedia states it is officially recognised in China as an independent breed, with a stable breeding population by 2018. Not recognised by the FCI.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

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

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Crunchy, low-calorie treats that help clean teeth and provide vitamins. Apple and carrot are safe for dogs in moderation and are naturally sweet.

You need

  • 1 medium apple (cored, seeds removed)
  • 1 medium carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Core the apple and remove all seeds (seeds contain trace cyanide).
  3. Slice both into thin, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
  4. Serve raw as a crunchy treat, or lightly steam the carrot if your dog prefers softer textures.

How much: Give a few slices per day for a large/giant dog, ensuring treats make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

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 Kunma, and at what times?

Adult Kunmas do well with at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Feed at consistent times each day, and avoid free feeding for puppies. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.12

What should a Kunma 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, yeast dough, and raw bones.13

How often should I bathe a Kunma?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your Kunma gets very dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is fine for most dogs.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Kunma need brushing?

The short coat needs only simple routine brushing, and Furry Diary suggests brushing once a week. This helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Kunma'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 to avoid pain and bleeding.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Kunma need?

As a police working breed, your Kunma needs plenty of daily exercise and training. Furry Diary recommends daily walks and play to keep it happy and healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Kunma live?

Lifespan varies by individual, but as a working breed, it generally lives around 10 to 14 years with proper care. Senior years usually start around age 7, so schedule annual vet checkups. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Kunma good with children and other pets?

This varies based on training and socialization. As a working breed, it can be loyal and protective, but early, positive introductions with children and other pets are important. Consult a good breeder or trainer for guidance.

Can a Kunma be left alone?

This depends on the individual dog's temperament and training. Working breeds often need mental stimulation and may not do well alone for long periods. Ask a good breeder or trainer for advice specific to your Kunma.

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? support@petwiki.app.

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

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