Pet Wiki

Xiasi Dog

Also called Guizhou Xiasi Hound, Xiasi Quan, White Dragon Dog

A devoted, clever and watchful family dog that is playful at home.

SizeMedium
Weight14 to 20 kg (31 to 44 lb)males 16 to 20 kg, females 14 to 18 kg1
Height45 to 50 cm (18 to 20 in)males 46 to 50 cm, females 45 to 47 cm12
Lifespan10 to 14 years2
CoatHarsh wiry coat
OriginXiasi village, Guizhou Province, China, kept by the Miao people.12
Rare breedShort profile
loyal and obedient
fast and agile with great endurance
friendly with people
12

Personality what they are like

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

Colourswhitecream1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Xiasi Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • 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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Around 40-60 minutes of walking a day plus training and games for mental exercise.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Moderate. Brush medium and longer coats two or three times a week and bathe sparingly to keep the wiry texture.2

Home where they are happiest

Suits a house with a yard better than an apartment, given its energy.2

Company who they like around

Enjoys close family contact and responds well to steady, reward-based training.2

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In Chinese tradition the Xiasi is believed to bring wealth to the family that keeps it.1

  2. 2

    Genetic testing points to the Tibetan Mastiff as one of its closest relatives.1

  3. 3

    Its white, scruffy look is often compared to a larger West Highland White Terrier or to Tintin's dog Snowy.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

BaiLongMeiXiuJinHuaLeiShanTaoYinZhuFen

A day in the life told by a Xiasi Dog

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.

Recognised by the official bits

Chinese dog shows
Accepted at most Chinese dog shows; not recognised by the major international kennel clubs.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Xiasi Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, other names, size, weight, coat, colour, history, fun facts
  2. DogTime - Xiasi dogtime.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, living needs, fun fact
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.