This study investigated the vertical compressive and horizontal shear capacities of traditional Chinese brick masonry arches constructed using different bricklaying patterns. Rowlock-stretcher arch specimens, employing both one-rowlock-one-stretcher and two-rowlock-two-stretcher patterns, were fabricated using traditional blue bricks and lime mortar and subjected to vertical concentrated loads and low-cycle horizontal loading. The resulting failure modes, load-bearing capacities, and displacement responses were analyzed. Under vertical loading, the rowlock-stretcher arches predominantly exhibited a four-hinge failure mechanism, characterized by a plastic hinge at the crown and diagonal cracks extending from the quarter-span point on the loaded side to the load point. The two-rowlock-two-stretcher configuration demonstrated delayed crack propagation and enhanced load capacity. Under low-cycle horizontal loading, cracks in the rowlock-stretcher arches propagated upward from the quarter-span point on the loaded side; conversely, the two-rowlock-two-stretcher configuration displayed reduced ductility but increased load capacity. Significantly, after the collapse of the outermost rowlock course, the inner rowlock-stretcher structure retained substantial residual load-bearing capacity. These findings advance our understanding of the structural behavior of traditional Chinese brick masonry arches and inform the development of scientifically sound preservation strategies.