Xiasi Dog
shee-ah-see dog
China· Xiasi, Majiang County, Guizhou
Xiasi Dog is an unofficial Chinese landrace or developing type from Xiasi, Majiang County, Guizhou. 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
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 Xiasi Dog
This rare regional type was shaped in Xiasi, Majiang County, Guizhou for scent hunting, boar hunting and household guarding.
- Region
- Xiasi, Majiang County, Guizhou
- Climate it was bred for
- Humid subtropical mountains and forest
- Original job
- Scent hunting, boar hunting and household guarding
The long read
About the breed
The Xiasi Dog is a rare hunting landrace associated with the Miao communities around Xiasi in Guizhou. Local hunters selected it for scenting ability, stamina, courage and sure-footed movement through steep cover. It is sometimes promoted as a distinct Chinese breed, but population records and health data remain limited.
It is lean, athletic and square-built, with a narrow head, pricked triangular ears, a wiry white coat and a high-carried 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
4/5
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
4/5
Editorial estimate based on the reported working type; individuals and lines can vary widely.
Grooming
2/5
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 Xiasi Dog'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.
White
Standard colour
A documented white presentation in this landrace.
Cream White
Standard colour
A documented cream white presentation in this landrace.
Timeline
History & development
Traditional
Working roots in Xiasi, Majiang County, Guizhou
Local dogs were selected for scent hunting, boar hunting and household guarding 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
- Harsh, wiry white coat with a bearded face
- 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 46–55 cm; weight 15–25 kg.
- tail
- Natural, well set and carried without exaggeration.
- colour
- White, Cream White
- 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: lean, athletic and square-built, with a narrow head, pricked triangular ears, a wiry white coat and a high-carried 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.
Hip and elbow health
Screen for it
Ask for joint screening where it is available and keep growing dogs lean.
Eyes and hearing
Watch closely
A veterinary eye check and a practical hearing assessment are sensible for breeding dogs.
Population diversity
Screen for it
The small documented population makes pedigree diversity and avoiding close matings especially important.
Working injuries
Watch closely
Check feet, skin and joints after hunting or strenuous exercise.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Xiasi Dogs added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Xiasi Dog
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Xiasi Dog 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
Xiasi Dog Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Xiasi Dog illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Xiasi Dog Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Xiasi Dog illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Xiasi Dog Mug
Ceramic mug with the Xiasi Dog illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Retractable Lead
5m retractable with one-touch brake.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Xiasi Dog video
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