‘King Charles': China shelter dog goes viral with 300 million views for calm, alpha manner

South China Morning Post

a day ago

A shelter dog in northern China has gained internet fame for his calm and authoritative demeanour, earning him the nickname 'King Charles' among online fans.
In a widely shared video, a beige dog maintains peace within a pack, radiating quiet authority. He gently places a paw on the neck of a tense dog, diffusing the conflict without a single bark.
The other dogs demonstrate their submission by lowering their bodies, and when one attempts to snap back, his loyal companions step in with a warning bite.
The medium-sized, beige alpha dog is named Changmao, which translates to 'long hair.' He was born in 2021 and, at just three months old, he was taken to a rescue shelter in rural Hebei province after his owner passed away in an accident.
In a widely shared video, Changmao gently places a paw on the neck of a tense dog, defusing the conflict without uttering a single bark. Photo: Douyin
There, he often faced bullying from the pack's leader at the time, Big Head – a brown and black dog notorious for his aggression. Eight months later, Changmao rose to the challenge, defeating Big Head in a fight and knocking out two of his teeth, thereby becoming the new leader of the pack.
In another video, Changmao is resting when he hears barking in the distance. He rises to investigate, followed closely by his devoted followers. A large black Doberman immediately lowers itself in respect upon seeing him. His mere presence is enough to halt a dispute between two dogs fighting over food.