Primarily a service dog used by the Chinese Police and Army, the Kunming Dog can also make a good property guardian and urban companion. It requires firm and experienced handling, due to its protective and overly suspicious nature. Although it is very similar to a German Shepherd Dog, this breed is much leaner and has a straight back and a curled tail.

While the coat is shorter and smoother than that of its German counterpart, it comes in typical GSD "saddle-back" black-n-tan, sable and fawn colourings. Average height is around 27 inches, although smaller dogs exist.