Living overseas, especially at gatherings, I’m often asked the question: “Do Chinese people eat dogs?” The question is often accompanied by curious—or even judgmental—expressions. By now, I’ve grown accustomed to smiling politely and letting them finish.
Many Chinese people abroad are no strangers to this scenario. In Western culture, dogs are seen as “man’s best friend,” not food. This perspective often leads to outrage when news about dog meat consumption in China surfaces. The esteemed status of dogs in Western culture stems from nomadic traditions, where dogs were indispensable for hunting and herding. In contrast, agricultural societies, like China, viewed dogs as no more special than cows or other animals used for work or food.
When faced with this question, many might choose to deflect it by saying, “Only a very small number of Chinese people eat dog meat.” But I prefer to approach it from a cultural and historical perspective:
“Yes, dog meat has historically been part of Han Chinese cuisine. For instance, Fan Kuai, a famous general of the Han dynasty, started his career as a dog meat vendor. Eating dog meat in ancient China was as normal as eating beef in the West. Meanwhile, in India, cows are considered sacred and untouchable. So why should others be wrong for eating something just because you love it?”
Cultural Double Standards: Foie Gras, Milk, and Dog Meat
Western dietary practices are not entirely “humane” either. For example:
Foie gras is a French delicacy, but geese are force-fed to enlarge their livers—a painful and inhumane process.
Milk production requires cows to be repeatedly impregnated to maintain lactation, and newborn calves are often slaughtered immediately after birth.
Yet, these practices are normalized in Western culture. So, when Westerners criticize Chinese dog meat consumption, should they not also reflect on the ethical implications of their own eating habits?
I personally don’t eat dog meat, but I support the right of others to do so—as long as it is sourced legally and responsibly. It is a matter of cultural and personal choice, not something to be vilified or subjected to moral superiority.
Cultural Aesthetics: From “Demons” to Beauty Standards
The concept of cultural bias isn’t new to the Chinese. In ancient Han culture, features such as blonde hair, blue eyes, high noses, and deep-set eyes were often associated with “demons” in folklore. This is evident in traditional depictions of Zhong Kui or door gods, whose exaggerated features symbolized their power to ward off evil.
However, under the influence of Western pop culture, these very traits have become global standards of beauty. This shift reflects the dominance of Western culture in shaping modern aesthetics.
In contrast, traditional Chinese beauty standards emphasized the grace and elegance of figures depicted in the Dunhuang frescoes, the curvaceous femininity of Tang dynasty ladies, and the subtle beauty of Lin Daiyu’s almond-shaped eyes in The Dream of the Red Chamber. These ideals once defined Han culture’s aesthetic essence but have been increasingly overshadowed by Western influences.
Respect Differences, Reject Double Standards
Cultural diversity is what makes our world so rich and vibrant. While we may not agree with certain customs, we should strive to understand them with respect rather than impose double standards. Just as we do not criticize Western dietary habits, we hope for the same understanding and acceptance of Chinese traditions.
Whenever someone asks me, “Do Chinese people eat dogs?” I don’t feel ashamed or angry. To me, it’s more than a question about dog meat; it’s an opportunity for cultural exchange. Instead of approaching others with prejudice, we should embrace diversity with an open and inclusive mindset. After all, the world’s beauty lies in its differences. Only through mutual respect can we truly bridge the gaps between cultures.
