Pet Wiki

Liangshan Dog

Also called Nianshan Gou, Liangshan Hound, Hushan Dog

Rare breedShort profile

From China: Liangshan Yi Prefecture in Sichuan province, where the Yi people developed it.1

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium
excellent tracker
great stamina in mountain terrain
keen, determined hunter
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short double coat

A medium-sized scenthound with a short double coat, a bushy tail that curves upward, rounded drop ears and triangular eyes.1

Coloursblack head with red, yellow and grey on the bodyblack and yellowblack and cyan-greybanded (agouti-type) hairs1

Personality what they are like

A driven working hound, valued by its people for staying on a trail and keeping going through steep mountain country.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred for long days of tracking game in the mountains, so it is suited to owners who can give plenty of vigorous exercise and scent work.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat is low maintenance; an occasional brush is enough.1

The story where it all began

The Yi people of Liangshan in Sichuan developed this hound to follow and hold wild boar in mountainous country. It is used for different quarry across a range of altitudes and climates, and is still mostly kept as a working hunting dog in its home region.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was developed especially for trailing wild boar through steep mountain terrain.1

  2. 2

    Many Liangshan dogs have hairs that are banded in several colours along their length.1

  3. 3

    It is prized for working across very different altitudes and climates in the Liangshan mountains.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China, where it was originally bred by the Yi people. It is also called 'Nianshan Gou' (攆山狗), which means 'mountain-chasing dog' in Chinese.1

Name ideas for your new friend

ShanFengLongMeiXingHuaYunJinBaoLeiQiangYing

A day in the life told by a Liangshan Dog

I wake with the sun, my nose twitching. My human and I climb the mountain trail. The rocks are steep but I know every turn. I find a scent and follow, barking to show the way. We rest by a stream, then head down. At home, I sleep by the fire, ready for the next hunt.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

None found
No kennel club recognition was found; it is a regional Chinese hunting dog.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Liangshan Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Liangshan Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Liangshan Dog at least two meals a day; puppies need three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion, but exact times depend on your routine. Check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.2

What should a Liangshan Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always consult your vet before making diet changes.3

How often should I bathe a Liangshan Dog?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but bathing at least once every three months is fine for this short-coated breed. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Liangshan Dog need brushing?

Brush your Liangshan Dog weekly to keep its short double coat healthy and remove loose hair. An occasional brush is enough, but weekly brushing as Furry Diary suggests helps maintain a shiny coat.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Liangshan Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Liangshan Dog need?

This driven working hound needs plenty of vigorous exercise and scent work every day. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play, but this breed thrives with longer, challenging activities like hiking or tracking.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Liangshan Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth 2, 3 times a week (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste only. Check the floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Liangshan Dog live?

Lifespan varies for this breed; senior years often begin around age 8. For a more accurate estimate, ask your vet or a reputable breeder who knows the dog's lineage.

Is a Liangshan Dog good with children and other pets?

This breed's temperament as a driven working hound means it may be reserved or focused, but individual behavior varies. Always supervise introductions and ask a breeder or vet for advice based on your specific dog.

Can a Liangshan Dog be left alone?

There is no specific information on how this breed handles being alone. It likely depends on the dog's personality and training. Consult a good breeder or your vet for guidance on your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Liangshan Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.