Laizhou Hong
The Laizhou Hong is a brave, intelligent dog from China’s Shandong province, combining characteristics of both European and Chinese dogs. This intelligent breed makes an excellent guard dog and loyal family companion.
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Laizhou Hong Traits
General Appearance
The Laizhou Hong is a large, athletic dog with a strong head, deep chest, and muscular legs.
Coat and Coloring
This breed has a short, dense coat that's black with rich red markings on the muzzle, cheeks, throat, chest, and legs in tan pointed pattern.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Notable traits of this breed include almond-shaped amber or dark brown eyes, large bat-like ears that stand erect, and in many cases, darkly pigmented gums and tongue.
Laizhou Hong Temperament
The Laizhou Hong may have started as a guard dog, but they also make friendly, loving companions. Just be sure to give them plenty of mental stimulation, so they don't get bored and resort to destructive habits.
This energetic breed gets along with other dogs—especially when raised with them as puppies—and makes a great playmate for sturdy kids. However, because of their naturally protective personalities, they may be wary of strangers.
Laizhou Hong History
The Laizhou Hong (also known as the Chinese Red Dog, “hong” meaning red) dates back to the late 19th century. Historians believe Germans brought European dogs with them when they colonized the Shandong province, including Great Danes, Rottweilers, and German Shepherd Dogs. These dogs were crossed with local Shandong breeds, including the Xian Hound. Some lines may also have included Doberman Pinscher as well. These crossings developed into what is now known as the Laizhou Hong.
Laizhou Hong Care
Nutrition
The Laizhou Hong does well on high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level. In particular, puppies may benefit from a large-breed growth diet. These specially formulated diets help prevent large breed dogs from growing too fast, which may decrease the likelihood or severity of hip dysplasia as they age. This is particularly relevant for the Laizhou Hong, as the breed may be at increased risk of hip and elbow dysplasia (conditions worth screening for when they’re young).
To help this breed maintain a healthy weight, measure their meals to avoid overfeeding and keep treats to 10% or less of their daily calories.
Grooming
This breed's short coat is easy to maintain. While they don't require frequent brushing, a once-over with a brush every week or so will remove loose fur and dirt. Additionally, regular ear checks, nail trims, and dental care should be part of their grooming routine.
Exercise
The Laizhou Hong is an athletic breed with a lot of stamina. Long daily walks, jogs, or vigorous playtime in an enclosed yard are necessary to ward off any destructive behaviors resulting from pent-up energy.
Training
This intelligent breed requires consistent, firm training from an early age. With patience and plenty of positive reinforcement, these pups can learn a variety of behavioral cues and tricks.
Additionally, the Laizhou Hong will benefit from early socialization. Helping them feel comfortable with different people and environments when they're young will help them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.
Breed Group
Herding
The herding group is a diverse category. These highly intelligent breeds were developed to guard and control the movement of livestock.
