Overview
The Xigou is a slender sighthound from China, valued for speed and keen hunting instincts. Its name literally means narrow dog, and it comes in short-haired and feathered forms with several regional varieties.
Once a favourite of nobles and commoners alike, the breed is now rare, and the China Kennel Union is working to bring it back.
History
Evidence suggests the Xigou has existed in China for over 2,500 years, and it appears in tombs and cultural relics from many dynasties. It chased game across open land such as the Huangtu Plateau.
Some experts consider it the ancestor of all sighthounds, while others think more recent crossing with Greyhounds occurred. Hunting restrictions caused numbers to fall sharply, and in 2017 the kennel union began collecting DNA to support revival.
Appearance
The Xigou is lanky and elegant, with a long narrow head, flat forehead, drooping ears, slender neck and waist, a curved back and long tail. Males stand about 60 to 78 cm and females about 65 to 75 cm.
The coat may be short or feathered, in yellow, black, brown, white or fawn red. Regional varieties include the Shaanxi, Shandong, Hebei and Menggu Xigou, the last being stockier and thicker-coated.
Temperament
Xigou are loyal, tenacious dogs with strong prey drive, good memory and excellent endurance. They can serve as watchful guards and devoted companions, but their chasing instinct is powerful.
Care and exercise
This is a fast, athletic dog that needs plenty of daily exercise and safe, fenced space to run. Short coats need little grooming; feathered types need occasional brushing. Keep it leashed away from small animals.
