Xiasi Dog
Also known as Xiasi Quan · White Dragon Dog
China, Landraces and village dogs
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 45–50 cm
- Weight
- 14–20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Agile
- Loyal
- Fast
- Enduring
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
The Xiasi Dog is a medium-sized, white or cream hunting dog from the village of Xiasi in Guizhou province, southern China, long kept by the Miao people. It has a harsh, wiry coat that can be short, medium or long, prick ears and a distinctive pale pink nose. It is critically rare, with only a few hundred pure-bred dogs thought to exist.
Size
- Size
- Medium
- Height at shoulder
- 45–50 cm
- Adult weight
- 14–20 kg
Typical adult ranges. Males are often at the top of the range and females at the bottom. Most reach adult size by around 12 months.
Lifespan
12–15 years
Most Xiasi Dogs live 12–15 years. Like other medium dogs, they're usually considered senior from about 8, when twice-yearly vet checks help catch problems early. Keeping them lean is one of the most effective things you can do for a long life. How old is that in human years?
Temperament
Xiasi dogs are described as loyal and obedient with their owners and generally friendly towards strangers. In the field they are fast, agile and determined.
- Agile
- Loyal
- Fast
- Enduring
Food
For a typical 17 kg adult- Energy
- ≈ 940 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Water
- 680 ml–1 L
- a day, from all sources
- Most adults do well on two measured meals a day rather than one large one.
- Choose a complete food for their life stage, and ask your vet before changing diet if they have a health condition.
Starting points only — age, activity and the food itself change the numbers. Work out portions for your dog · Foods to avoid
Exercise
90–120 min a dayBred to hunt in forested mountains, they need plenty of daily exercise and enjoy running, exploring and scent games.
Grooming & shedding
The coarse coat sheds dirt fairly well and needs a weekly brush; longer-coated dogs may need a little more.
Health
Locally the breed is valued as a bringer of good fortune to the household. Owners outside China are very few. Because the population is small and closely related, careful breeding to protect genetic diversity is a real concern.
The breed can be prone to
- Low genetic diversity in the small surviving population
- No well-documented breed-specific diseases
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- General veterinary examination before breeding
Not every Xiasi Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. See common conditions and the symptom checker.
History
Folklore says the breed was once called the White Dragon Dog and was renamed after a governor presented one to the Qianlong Emperor, who admired it on a boar hunt. The Miao developed it for hunting dangerous game in rough country. A 1999 survey found only around 270 pure-bred dogs, and provincial conservation projects have worked to save it since.
- Country of origin
- China
- Type
- Landraces and village dogs
- Recognition
- Accepted at most Chinese dog shows; not recognised by the FCI, AKC or The Kennel Club
Is a Xiasi Dog right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Not sure? Try the breed finder.
Xiasi Dog FAQ
How big does a Xiasi Dog get?
Adult Xiasi Dogs typically stand about 45–50 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 14–20 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Xiasi Dogs live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Xiasi Dog need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Xiasi Dog need?
A brush once a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Xiasi Dogs easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Xiasi Dogs shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Xiasi Dogs good with children?
Many get on well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Xiasi Dog live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Xiasi Dogs have?
The breed can be prone to low genetic diversity in the small surviving population, no well-documented breed-specific diseases. Not every Xiasi Dog is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by the Petopedia editorial team to our editorial standards. General guidance, not veterinary advice.