A devoted, clever and watchful family dog that is playful at home. Sources differ on how it greets strangers: some describe it as friendly, others as cautious at first, so early socialisation helps it relax with visitors.12
how to spot oneXiasi Dog coat and colours
harsh wiry coat
A nimble, medium-sized hunting dog with a thick, hard coat whose hairs tend to stand up rather than lie flat, giving it a slightly shaggy look. It is built for speed and stamina in steep, forested country.12
A typical home-care rhythm for a Xiasi Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 3 days
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksXiasi Dog exercise needs
High. Around 40-60 minutes of walking a day plus training and games for mental exercise.2
where they are happiestXiasi Dog at home
Suits a house with a yard better than an apartment, given its energy.2
who they like aroundXiasi Dog with people and other pets
Enjoys close family contact and responds well to steady, reward-based training.2
the hands-on bitsXiasi Dog grooming and care
Moderate. Brush medium and longer coats two or three times a week and bathe sparingly to keep the wiry texture.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Xiasi Dog, and at what times?
Feed your Xiasi Dog at least two meals a day at regular times, such as morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your dog's age and activity.3
What should a Xiasi Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and energy level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid human foods like alcohol, yeast dough, and raw meat or eggs.4
How often should I bathe a Xiasi Dog?
Bathe your Xiasi Dog sparingly to keep its wiry coat texture. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.25
How often does a Xiasi Dog need brushing?
Brush your Xiasi Dog two or three times a week to maintain its medium to long wiry coat. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing weekly. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy.2
How do I trim a Xiasi Dog's nails, and how often?
Trim your Xiasi Dog's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, roughly every 28 days according to Pet Wiki's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask a vet or groomer for a demonstration.5
How much exercise does a Xiasi Dog need?
Your Xiasi Dog needs about 40 to 60 minutes of walking daily, plus training and games for mental stimulation. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and play. This breed suits a house with a yard better than an apartment.2
How do I look after a Xiasi Dog's teeth and ears?
Brush your Xiasi Dog's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Pet Wiki suggests daily brushing for best results. Check ears weekly, especially since floppy ears trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the canal.5
How long does a Xiasi Dog live?
A Xiasi Dog typically lives between 10 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, your dog can enjoy a long, happy life.2
Is a Xiasi Dog good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Xiasi Dog is a devoted and playful family dog that does well with children. Early socialisation helps it be relaxed with visitors and other pets, as it can be cautious at first. It enjoys close family contact.12
Can a Xiasi Dog be left alone?
The Xiasi Dog enjoys close family contact and may not do well if left alone for long periods. It responds well to reward-based training, but its need for companionship means it's best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or a vet.2
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Xiasi Dog costs
Running costs for a Xiasi Dog, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Xiasi Dog legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Xiasi Dog in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
In Chinese tradition the Xiasi is believed to bring wealth to the family that keeps it.1
2
Genetic testing points to the Tibetan Mastiff as one of its closest relatives.1
3
Its white, scruffy look is often compared to a larger West Highland White Terrier or to Tintin's dog Snowy.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Xiasi Dog is named after the village of Xiasi in Guizhou Province, China, where the breed has been raised by the Miao people for thousands of years.1
for your new friendName ideas
BaiLongMeiXiuJinHuaLeiShanTaoYinZhuFen
told by a Xiasi DogA day in the life
I woke up and stretched, then padded to the window to watch the village wake up. My human gave me a scratch behind the ears and said, 'Let's go see the mountains.' We walked along the path, and I kept a watchful eye on everything, just like my ancestors did. At home, I played with the children, running in circles until we all tumbled down. I'm a gentle soul, but I take my job as guardian seriously. When strangers come, I bark once to let them know I'm here, then wag my tail if they seem nice. At night, I curl up near my human, dreaming of the day's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganXiasi Dog history
The Miao people of Guizhou's mountains have bred these dogs for a very long time to hunt wild game and guard homes. Local tradition says the breed got its name when a governor, presenting one to the Qianlong Emperor, avoided calling it the White Dragon Dog because that title belonged to the emperor, and named it after its home village instead.12
Xigou
Chongqing
Laizhou Hong