The Chinese Red Dog, or Laizhou Hong as it is known in China, is a rare breed that is recognized by the Chinese Kennel Union but is virtually unknown outside of the country. Although there is a breed club based in the UK, numbers of the breed outside the home country is relatively low which means a prospective owner in the United States should prepare to have a dog imported. This is a shame, as the breed makes a wonderful pet and adept guard dog in the right household. This working breed was developed in the late 1800’s by mixing local Chinese breeds such as the Shaanxi Xigou with the Great Dane, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, and possibly Doberman Pinscher.
Red Dogs are suspicious of strangers and definitely need to be socialized extensively when young! These are natural guard dogs which form strong, protective bonds with their owners and will not hesitate to defend those they love if they deem it necessary. When no threat is visible, they are calm and easygoing – particularly with those they know and love. They are not high energy and they can be incorporated into homes with children when raised properly. Young toddlers may be easily bowled over so slightly older kids are recommended. The breed also gets along well with other dogs, especially if they were raised with them from puppyhood.
Red Dogs are highly trainable as they are extremely intelligent. They want to please their people and tend to learn quickly, although do require an owner that can be firm yet fair. Consistency is key to make sure they are understanding and retaining the commands. This is a breed that needs a job to do, and should not be owned by anyone that isn’t willing to give them a life filled with training and purpose such as competition obedience, scent detection or protection sports. If they aren’t given enough to do they can develop destructive behaviors. They are confident and ready to do just about any task, so an owner should be prepared to give them the opportunity to shine!
The coat of the Red Dog is easy to maintain, and sheds only an average amount. A weekly brushing will keep the coat under control. As with other dogs, grooming should also include regular nail trims, ear cleaning and dental care. Most of the care for the Red Dog will not focus on grooming but instead should be concentrated on training and making sure the dog is mentally fulfilled. The strong territorial instincts and guarding aptitudes need to be controlled through training and a focused job.
Red Dogs are very adaptable to many different living situations and can even live in a city apartment with enough exercise. This said, a home with a yard is probably better suited to this athletic breed. Although they don’t require extensive amount of exercise they do have a lot of endurance and stamina, which means a short walk around the block won’t be enough to give them a thorough workout. With proper care, this dog’s lifespan averages 14-15 years which is longer than many other similarly-sized breeds.
The Chinese Red Dog is known for his breathtaking beauty. Named partially for his color – this breed is black with clearly defined markings of a rich, red tan on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, as well as over both eyes and under the base of the tail. The coat is smooth, coarse in texture, and very glossy. His naturally prick ears stand high and wide apart on the top of the skull, which is fairly flat. His eyes can be anywhere from light amber to dark brown, and should show an intelligent and eager expression. His body is that of an athletic molosser with a moderate build and giant height – tall males can reach up to 31 inches at the withers. The body is longer than it is tall and can be well over 100 pounds.
