The Xiasi Dogs being known amoung people also as Xiasi Quan or Bai Long Quan is a one dog breed originating from Guizhou Province in China.

What is a Xiasi Dog?

The Xiasi Dog (Chinese: 下司犬), also known as the Lower Division Dog, is a breed of tugou named after Xiasi village in Guizhou Province, China, where it has been raised by the Miao people for millennia. Originally bred as a hunting dog and a guard dog, the Xiasi Dog is now valued for its association with bringing prosperity to its owners. Currently, the breed is critically endangered, with an estimated 270 purebred individuals remaining and limited genetic diversity. Despite this, Xiasi Dogs are now recognized and featured in most dog shows across China.(Wikipedia)

History

According to Chinese folklore, the Xiasi Dog was originally known as the White Dragon Dog (白龙犬, Bái lóng quǎn). During the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, a governor was gifted one of these dogs during a visit to Xiasi, Guizhou. When the governor returned to the capital, he took the dog boar hunting with the Emperor. Impressed by the dog’s skill in catching a wounded boar, the Emperor asked, “What kind of dog is this? It is incredibly swift.” To avoid mentioning the White Dragon Dog—since the Emperor often referred to himself as the “True Dragon Emperor”—the governor replied, “This is a Xiasi dog.”

The Xiasi Dog has been bred for centuries in Xiasi and nearby areas in Guizhou Province. Developed primarily by the Miao people, these dogs were designed to be resilient hunting companions capable of handling the challenging game and rugged terrain of the region. Despite their prominence locally, the breed’s population declined in the 20th century. A 1999 survey reported only 271 purebred dogs. Since then, efforts have been made to conserve the breed, initially through the Bureau of Animal Husbandry of Guizhou Province and later through the Xiasi Dog Breed Conservation Development and Utilization Project.

Physical Appearance

The Xiasi Dog is truly a remarkable sight with its robust and well-muscled build, showcasing both strength and elegance. These medium-sized dogs have males measuring 46-50 centimeters (18-20 inches) at the shoulders, and females measuring 46-47 centimeters (18-19 inches). Males typically weigh between 16-20 kilograms (35-44 lbs), while females range from 14-18 kilograms (31-40 lbs).

A standout feature of the Xiasi Dog is its coat, which is short, wiry, and comes in a range of colors including black, reddish-brown, or a striking blend of both. The coat is known for its dense and lustrous quality, often appearing white or cream.

The breed has a prominent head with pointed ears, giving it a noble and alert look. Its distinctive rope-like tail adds to its charm. The wiry coat and pale pink nose further differentiate the Xiasi Dog from other breeds.

Is Xiasi Quan a good dog breed?

The Xiasi Dog is celebrated for its reliability and friendly disposition. These affectionate dogs are excellent and adaptable companions. When not engaged in work, they thrive as devoted pets, delighting in accompanying their human families on various outings. Known for their high intelligence and eagerness to learn, Xiasi Dogs excel in training and respond well to instruction.

Xiasi Dog in Popular Culture & Why are Xiasi Dogs so popular?

Xiasi Dogs have been integral to Chinese culture for millennia, and their presence extends into various media representations. In popular culture, they are frequently portrayed as steadfast companions and symbols of good fortune.

In China, Xiasi Dogs are frequently kept as family pets and are commonly taken jogging due to their energetic and loyal nature. They are cherished for their affectionate demeanor, making them excellent companions for both children and adults. Additionally, Xiasi Dogs are believed to bring good fortune, with many people associating their presence with prosperity in the home.

The breed has also appeared in Chinese dog shows, where they are celebrated for their distinctive physical traits and hunting skills. Their short, wiry coat and muscular physique make them adept at hunting small game, while their loyalty and determination serve them well as watchdogs.

Recently, Xiasi Dogs have gained traction beyond China, becoming increasingly popular as family pets worldwide. Their loyalty and affectionate nature continue to attract enthusiasts, and their unique appearance and historical significance make them a sought-after choice for dog lovers and collectors.

Are Xiasi Dogs endangered?

Yes, this breed, consisting of 270 purebred individuals, is endangered.

Here are the Pros and Cons of Xiasi or Bai Long Quan Dogs:

Pros of Xiasi Dogs:

• Intelligent: Xiasi Dogs  are smart and  they have great intelligence.
• Trainability:They are very easy to train.
• They are dogs for protection and hunting. They are perfect hunters
• They are very loyal and prone to their owners
• Mouthiness: This dog breed have lower than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
• Adaptability:  Very adaptive to changes and different living environments.
• Friendly: They are so good with  kids and elderly people, and also  good
• Good For First Time Owners: Xiasi Dogs are good for new owner because they have easy-going personality.
• Health Issues: They are prone to have frequent health issues than other dog breeds.
• Hypoallergenic: They can  cause allergic reactions.
• Shedding:  They shed hairs more than average.
• Apartment Friendly:  not  good to  keep at apartments.
• Watchdog Ability: This Dog breed is not the best watchdogs compared to other watchdog breeds.
• Wander or Roam: Wanderlust possibility of escaping from the home is so high for this dog breed
• Toleration of  Being Left Alone: They dont bother so much about being left alone
• Cat Friendly: They generally dont like cats so they are not cat-friendly dogs.
•  Appearance: They are small, active breed with a unique and striking appearance.
• Diet and Nutrition:They should be fed a diet that consists of high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
• Origin History of the Xiasi: This dog is a rare and distinctive breed of hunting dog that originated in the Chinese province of Guizhou.
• Xiasi Dog For Sale: USD $1,200 – $1,500 Price Avg. at https://petlur.com/dog/breed/xiasi-dog

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiasi_Dog

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