Chuandong Hound
chwan-dong hound
China· Eastern Sichuan and Chongqing
Chuandong Hound is an unofficial Chinese landrace or developing type from Eastern Sichuan and Chongqing. It is not recognised by the AKC, The Kennel Club or FCI.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
At least 90 minutes daily, including purposeful mental work
Home size suited to
A well-managed home with secure space
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush and routine nail, ear and dental care
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
10–13 years
Town or country
Country or quieter edge-of-town setting preferred
Garden size needed
Securely fenced space strongly preferred
Where it comes from
Origins of the Chuandong Hound
This rare regional type was shaped in Eastern Sichuan and Chongqing for scent hunting in steep, wooded country.
- Region
- Eastern Sichuan and Chongqing
- Climate it was bred for
- Humid subtropical hills and river valleys
- Original job
- Scent hunting in steep, wooded country
The long read
About the breed
The Chuandong Hound is an eastern Sichuan hunting type traditionally used to track and pursue game over rugged ground. It shares geography and ancestry with dogs often marketed as the Chongqing Dog, but the names are not safely interchangeable: descriptions of Chuandong emphasise the leaner hunting hound, while Chongqing lines may be heavier and more guardian-like.
It is compact and muscular with a wedge-shaped head, small upright ears, pronounced cheek muscles, a deep chest and a high-set tapering tail. Because published population, temperament and health data are sparse, prospective owners should treat precise measurements and ratings as editorial guidance rather than a universal breed standard. Seek dogs with verifiable ancestry, stable behaviour and documented veterinary screening.
Related breeds
Explore connected types
Similar regional histories do not make these names interchangeable.
Chongqing DogA related regional dog, usually described as the heavier guardian type.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
2/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Trainability
3/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Energy
4/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Barking
4/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Grooming
1/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Suits a first-time owner
2/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Sociability
2/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Independence
4/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
The Chuandong Hound's head should remain balanced and characteristic of its working type.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
Red
Standard colour
A documented red presentation in this landrace.
Mahogany
Standard colour
A documented mahogany presentation in this landrace.
Timeline
History & development
Traditional
Working roots in Eastern Sichuan and Chongqing
Local dogs were selected for scent hunting in steep, wooded country rather than exhibition uniformity.
20th century
A named regional type
Enthusiasts began documenting and promoting a more consistent identity, although records remain fragmented.
Today
Rare and unofficial
The type remains outside AKC, KC and FCI recognition, with limited population and health data.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Athletic and balanced, with adequate chest depth and a firm back.
- coat
- Very short, close red coat over firm, sometimes lightly wrinkled skin
- ears
- Carried in the manner associated with the regional type.
- eyes
- Clear, alert and well set.
- gait
- Free, balanced and economical, suited to sustained work.
- head
- Balanced with the body and free from exaggeration.
- size
- Height 40–50 cm; weight 15–25 kg.
- tail
- Natural, well set and carried without exaggeration.
- colour
- Red, Mahogany
- muzzle
- Strong and functional, with sound jaws and a complete bite.
- temperament
- Alert, loyal and purposeful; steadiness and manageability are essential.
- general appearance
- A functional medium working dog: compact and muscular with a wedge-shaped head, small upright ears, pronounced cheek muscles, a deep chest and a high-set tapering tail.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Skin health
Screen for it
Sparse, close coats and skin folds need monitoring for irritation and infection.
Hip and elbow health
Watch closely
Joint screening is prudent where reliable schemes are accessible.
Eyes
Watch closely
Ask for a veterinary eye examination and avoid exaggerated eyelids.
Population diversity
Screen for it
Seek transparent pedigrees and breeders who manage a limited gene pool carefully.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Chuandong Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Chuandong Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Chuandong Hound illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Chuandong Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Chuandong Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Chuandong Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Chuandong Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Chuandong Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Chuandong Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Waste Bag Dispenser
Clips to the lead, holds one standard roll.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Chuandong Hound video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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