Xiasi Dog
Also known as: Guizhou Xiasi Hound. Lower Dog, Lower Division Dog, White Dragon Dog
The Xiasi Dog is an ancient Chinese breed originating from the Guizhou province. The Xiasi Dog comes from China, typically weighs Males, and has a wire coat. Individual Xiasi Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- China
- Weight
- Males
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Wire
- Colour
- White, cream
- Other names
- Guizhou Xiasi Hound. Lower Dog, Lower Division Dog, White Dragon Dog
About the Xiasi Dog
The Xiasi Dog is an ancient Chinese breed originating from the Guizhou province. This small dog weighs 11-18 pounds and stands 10-14 inches tall.
Overview
Xiasi Dog ( Chinese : 下司犬 ) or Lower Division Dog is a breed of tugou named after the village of Xiasi , Guizhou Province in China where they have been raised by the Miao people for thousands of years. Historically bred as a hunting dog and watchdog, the Xiasi Dog is prized today for bringing wealth to the family. Today the breed is critically endangered with low genetic diversity and an estimate of only 270 purebred Xiasi left. Xiasi Dogs are now accepted in most Chinese dog shows.
History
According to Chinese folklore, the Xiasi dog was originally called the White Dragon dog (白龙犬, Bái lóng quǎn). During the reign of the Qianlong Emperor , a governor was gifted one of the dogs during a visit to Xiasi, Guizhou. Upon his return to the capital, the governor took the dog boar hunting with the Qianlong Emperor. The Emperor was so impressed with the dog''s ability to catch a wounded boar, that he asked the governor, "What kind of dog is this? It is so fast." The governor did not want to say it was a White Dragon dog as the Emperor often called himself the "True Dragon Emperor, so he replied, "This is a Xiasi dog." The Xiasi dog has been bred for centuries in and around Xiasi and neighboring towns in Guizhou province. Primarily developed by the Miao people, Xiasi dogs were developed to be a resilient hunting dog that could handle the dangerous game found in dense forests, high mountains and dangerous roads of the region. Despite being well known in the region, the breed population was in decline during the 20th century and a 1999 survey found only 271 purebred dogs. Since then, conservation efforts have been underway to preserve the breed, first by the Bureau of Animal Husbandry of Guizhou Province and later by Xiasi Dog Breed Conservation Development and Utilization Project.
Appearance
Xiasi are medium-sized, white or cream in color with wiry hair and a pale pink nose. Their hair is thick and hard, often standing up on its own. The hair comes in three lengths: short, medium and long. Their head should be sizeable with prick ears, a pink nose and a square mouth. The chest is deep and round, with strong legs, tough feet and a tail that sticks up. Males are 46–50 centimetres (18–20 in) tall at the shoulders, females are 46–47 centimetres (18–19 in) . The desired weight for males is 16–20 kilograms (35–44 lb) and females is 14–18 kilograms (31–40 lb) . Xiasi are known for their speed and endurance and should have a compact structure with quick, agile movements and explosive power. The dog is an excellent hunter, loyal and obedient to their humans and friendly with strangers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Xiasi Dog?
The Xiasi Dog is a small to medium-sized breed with a short, dense coat. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a flat skull, a short muzzle, and erect ears. Adult Xiasi Dogs typically weigh between 20-30 kg and stand 30-40 cm tall at the shoulder. Their temperament is generally alert and watchful.
Is the Xiasi Dog a good family dog?
As a hunting dog and watchdog, the Xiasi Dog is naturally protective of their family and territory. However, their strong instincts and independent nature may make them challenging to integrate into a family with young children. Early socialization and training are crucial for successful family integration.
What health problems do Xiasi Dogs have?
The Xiasi Dog breed is critically endangered, which may be linked to low genetic diversity. They may be prone to health issues common in other breeds, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular genetic testing and health checks are essential for responsible breeding and ownership.
How much does a Xiasi Dog puppy cost?
Due to the Xiasi Dog's critically endangered status, there is limited information on puppy prices. However, rare and endangered breeds often come with a higher price tag. Potential buyers should be prepared for a significant investment, potentially ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on factors like bloodline and breeder reputation.
Where do Xiasi Dogs come from?
The Xiasi Dog comes from China. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Xiasi Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.