At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 20-30 kg; Embark gives 35-70 lb for both sexes.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short-haired or long-haired (feathered)
A tall, slim, long-legged sighthound shaped for running down game on open plains. It comes in a smooth short coat and a longer-haired form.12
Personality what they are like
Traditionally valued as a keen hare-hunter that also watches over the farm and stays loyal to its household.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred to chase hares across open country, so it is a running dog by nature.21
The story where it all began
The Xigou is an old native Chinese sighthound, with evidence of such dogs going back around 2,500 years in tombs and artworks. It was kept for hunting and guarding across several provinces, and some later lines may carry greyhound blood from imported dogs.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Xigou nian tu', Xigou chasing hares, is a traditional folk contest in more than ten Chinese provinces.1
- 2
A white short-haired Xigou is thought by some to be the model for Xiaotian Quan, the heavenly hound of Chinese mythology.1
- 3
The Menggu type is said to have travelled with Genghis Khan's armies.1
- 4
It is sometimes called the Chinese Saluki.2
Recognised by the official bits
- China Kennel Union
- Classed as a rare breed; DNA collection for breed preservation began in 2017.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Xigou. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Xigou - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, other names, recognition, size, coat, colours, history, fun facts
- Embark - Xigou embarkvet.comused for size, weight, uses, fun fact
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.