Shaanxi Xian Hound
shan-shee shee-an hound
China· Shaanxi Province and the Xi’an region
Shaanxi Xian Hound is an unofficial Chinese landrace or developing type from Shaanxi Province and the Xi’an region. It is not recognised by the AKC, The Kennel Club or FCI.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
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
11–14 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 Shaanxi Xian Hound
This rare regional type was shaped in Shaanxi Province and the Xi’an region for coursing hare and hunting by sight over open ground.
- Region
- Shaanxi Province and the Xi’an region
- Climate it was bred for
- Continental climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters
- Original job
- Coursing hare and hunting by sight over open ground
The long read
About the breed
The Shaanxi Xian Hound is described as a rare Chinese sighthound type from the Xi’an region, selected for speed and visual pursuit. Comparisons are sometimes made with ancient hound imagery, but claims of an unbroken ancient pedigree cannot currently be verified. Modern population size, pedigrees and health surveys are poorly documented.
It is tall, lean and deep-chested, with a long narrow head, rose or folded ears, a strong tuck-up, long limbs and a gently curved 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.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
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
5/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Barking
2/5
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
3/5
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 Shaanxi Xian 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.
Fawn
Standard colour
A documented fawn presentation in this landrace.
Red
Standard colour
A documented red presentation in this landrace.
Black
Standard colour
A documented black presentation in this landrace.
Brindle
Standard colour
A documented brindle presentation in this landrace.
Timeline
History & development
Traditional
Working roots in Shaanxi Province and the Xi’an region
Local dogs were selected for coursing hare and hunting by sight over open ground 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
- Short, smooth coat; fawn, red, black or brindle, sometimes with white
- 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 60–70 cm; weight 22–32 kg.
- tail
- Natural, well set and carried without exaggeration.
- colour
- Fawn, Red, Black, Brindle
- 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 large working dog: tall, lean and deep-chested, with a long narrow head, rose or folded ears, a strong tuck-up, long limbs and a gently curved 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.
Heart health
Watch closely
A veterinary cardiac examination is sensible for breeding stock.
Eyes
Watch closely
Ask for a current veterinary eye examination where testing is available.
Anaesthetic sensitivity
Watch closely
Tell the vet that the dog is a lean sighthound type before anaesthesia or sedation.
Running injuries
Screen for it
Condition gradually and inspect feet, muscles and joints after fast work.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Shaanxi Xian Hounds added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Shaanxi Xian Hound
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Shaanxi Xian 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
Shaanxi Xian Hound Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Shaanxi Xian Hound illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Shaanxi Xian Hound Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Shaanxi Xian Hound illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Shaanxi Xian Hound Mug
Ceramic mug with the Shaanxi Xian Hound illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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