Should I bring my dog

I hope to answer your questions.  I cannot answer them for your specific city, but I can answer them for China in general.

1. How dog friendly is Dalian?
China is very, VERY dog friendly. Forget about the propaganda that you read in the West.  China has adopted to pets like crazy.  The Chinese tend to treat their pets like little children, though.  This is different than in the West where a dog could be chained outside. The Chinese  dress their dogs up in clothes.  My dog has about 20 clothing outfits, socks and shoes.  He has a dog hat, a dog sunglasses, and a little doggie backpack. In Shenzhen, people like to die the dogs hair in bright and fashionable colors.  I don't like it as I think it is silly, but that is the fashion in Shenzhen. Old people are far less likely to treat dogs as pets.  Anyone over 60 years old might have traditional ideas about dogs. The rest of China treats them like kids, and everyone will stop and want to pet your dog.



2. Is there any restriction on dog size in Dalian?
There used to be restrictions.  But for the most part they are lifted.  I have even seen a horse-sized mastiff that scared the living crap out of me and my little dog. Many people have collies, and huskies.  German shepherds are not that common.



3. How can we take her around? She loves going hiking and enjoys the beaches very much
There are paths all over China.  Most are in the mountainous parks.  Your dog will enjoy the walks (climbs).  Beaches are all over the coasts.  You can take the dog anywhere EXCEPT places that have an active janitorial crew.  They will post signs asking you to keep your dog out of their cleaning area.  SO have a heart and let the workers do their tasks without having to clean up your dogs mess.

4. Any boarding and walking service in Dalian? We'd like to be out of town to explore a bit wo her 😊
Of course. China is not a third world sh##thole. The prices and quality varies, so you will need to shop around.

5. Availability of healthy dog food?
Everywhere.  Like I said earlier, China has taken to pets like a major snowstorm. As a result there are all kinds of local companies making all sorts of dog products and things.



6. Availability of areas where she can have a meaningful walk/run? It doesn't have to be leash free but with a long least so she can have some freedom.
There are many places.  You can get specific information from the local vet and on the Chinese chat boards. 



I hope this helps.

Thanks for the info! We feel better now.