Former steel town purrs ahead on tail of 'pet economy'

Early on, Han Zongli focused on purebred Pekingese and Maltese. "It was quite profitable," he said. "A puppy could be sold for 30,000 yuan."

He has kept a sharp eye on customer preferences and stayed a step ahead of market trends. Han profited from the popular Pekingese breed in the 1980s, then Pomeranians in the 1990s, followed by the rise of large breeds such as Samoyeds and Tibetan Mastiffs after 2000, and then a shift toward smaller breeds, such as Bichons and Yorkshire Terriers around 2012.

In recent years, he has focused on in-demand Yorkshire Terriers and other breeds, selling between 30 and 50 puppies per day.

"Choosing the right breed is the key to making a profit," Han said. "You'll never fail if you understand the rhythm. It follows a 10-year cycle."

These days, Han operates two breeding facilities of more than 1,000 square meters each that house nearly 100 dogs.

Shang Xuefeng, executive president of the Anshan Pet Chamber of Commerce and the founder of a local pet company, is part of the booming industry. In the early years, Shang focused on dog breeding and sales, then shifted to pedigree cats in the past decade.

"My journey began with a lifelong love for animals — it was passion that drove me," said Shang.

His company has been operating for 17 years. Currently, it boasts nearly 500 "Golden Plus White Series Munchkin" cats. In 2024, it bred over 2,000 of the breed, ranking first nationwide in the number of Munchkin cats.

Seizing opportunities

The pet-breeding industry, especially dog breeding, has undergone a dramatic shift in public perception since the 1980s. Back then, pet breeding was not considered respectable, Han said. It was seen as an "unprofessional" activity and dismissed as a frivolous hobby or lazy endeavor.

"When I first started raising dogs, I felt it was somewhat embarrassing and carried a social stigma," Han said. "But now, my perspective has completely changed. Today, dog breeding is not only viewed as a serious venture but also as a source of pride — a real profession."

Han's children have also entered the industry. His son and daughter joined his pet-breeding business after they graduated from university, and his nephew is a veterinarian for the Anshan Public Security Bureau's K-9 unit.

Han's dog-breeding business is increasing its reach into the international market. He envisions Chinese-bred dogs expanding their presence around the globe — something that's already happening.

The descendants of French Bulldogs bred in Anshan are being sold in South Korea and the United States, while other breeds are finding their way into Russian homes.

Demand varies: South Korean traders frequently purchase premium breeds like Bichons for specialized breeding, while Russian buyers typically focus on midrange breeds.

Han believes the industry holds great potential, and he encourages young people in Anshan to seize the opportunities available. "I hope the youth will develop this industrial chain and help Anshan establish its own branded dog food — as well as expand into the manufacturing of related supplies, such as dog cages," he said.

For him, the vision of Anshan people selling Anshan-brand dog food represents both a practical opportunity and a point of local pride.