Xiasi Dog

Hound Group Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 17-20"
Weight 22-40 lbs
Lifespan 12-14 years
Price $500-$1,500

About the Xiasi Dog

Rare even within China, the Xiasi Quan is a lean, wire-coated hunting dog from the mountains of Guizhou province, and information about it should be treated cautiously outside its home region. Physically it is unmistakable: a light, muscular frame, a harsh short wiry coat that is usually white, and a bony, angular head that gives the breed its distinctive look. Reports from breeders and owners describe an alert, courageous, highly energetic dog with a strong hunting instinct, used traditionally on boar and smaller game in rough forest country. Exercise needs are correspondingly high, with an emphasis on nosework, hill walking and off-lead time inside safe boundaries instead of drilled routines, and a bored individual is likely to become vocal and restless. Temperament is loyal and closely bonded to family while reserved and watchful with strangers, so early socialisation matters if the dog is to live in a busy environment. Prey drive makes small pets an unrealistic combination. Training suits a patient, experienced owner willing to work with an independent hunting dog through short, motivating sessions rather than repetition. Grooming is undemanding, with the harsh coat needing brushing weekly and occasional tidying. Alone-tolerance is likely moderate at best. Realistically this is a breed few people outside China will encounter, and availability is very limited. The distinctive feature is that wiry white coat, unusual among Chinese native breeds and prized locally.

Temperament

Affectionate Great with Kids Playful Protective Easy to Train
Affection Level
Good with Children
Good with Other Dogs
Playfulness
Protectiveness
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Intelligence
Adaptability

Physical Characteristics

Size Category Medium (25-50 lbs)
Height 17-20"
Weight 22-40 lbs
Coat Type Wire
Coat Length Medium
Colors
Hypoallergenic No

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

High (60-90 min/day)

60 minutes per day recommended

Grooming

Moderate - Weekly

Shedding:

Mental Stimulation

Needs plenty of mental challenges

Drooling

Living Conditions

Apartment Friendly
Good for First-Time Owners
Tolerates Being Alone
Cold Weather Tolerance
Hot Weather Tolerance

Cost of Ownership

Purchase Price $500-$1,500
Annual Cost $1,100/year

Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.

Health Considerations

Like all breeds, Xiasi Dogs may be prone to certain health conditions:

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.

Best For

  • Families with Children
  • Active Owners
  • Guard Dog

May Not Be Ideal For

  • Apartment Living
  • Sedentary Lifestyles

Guides for your Xiasi Dog

The story behind the Xiasi Dog

The Xiasi Dog is associated with Xiasi town in the Qiandongnan region of Guizhou province, in southwestern China, where it has been kept by local communities, particularly among Miao people, as a hunting and guarding dog. Local tradition attaches good fortune and prosperity to the dogs, and they were valued highly enough to be exchanged as significant gifts. Selection was entirely practical, favouring stamina, courage and scenting ability for hunting boar and small game in mountainous forest. The breed had no formal documentation for most of its existence, and numbers declined as rural hunting diminished and other dogs were introduced. Chinese enthusiasts began organised preservation and breeding efforts in recent decades, and the dog is now promoted as a Chinese native breed. Major international registries do not list it, and populations beyond China are negligible.

Originally bred for: Boar hunter, small-game hunting dog, village guardian. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.

Feeding a Xiasi Dog

Something balanced and suited to a spare, hard-working frame works well, offered morning and evening. These dogs stay naturally thin and should look athletic; match what you give to the week's workload rather than pouring the same amount year-round.

Watch for: No sensitivity pattern is established for this rare breed, which has little documented veterinary literature. General caution applies: change diets gradually, and consult a vet before restricting ingredients if digestive or skin problems appear.

Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.

Living with a Xiasi Dog

Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.

For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.

Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.

Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.

Compare Xiasi Dog with Other Breeds

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