Kingly Xiasi dog becomes online sensation

A Xiasi chases its prey. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A long-haired Xiasi dog recently went viral and earned the nickname King Charles for his commanding presence, sending other animals scrambling out of his path.

The Xiasi breed is native to southwestern Guizhou province. For more than a century, locals have prized the Xiasi for their courage, keen nose, speed, and loyalty, using them for hunting and guarding homes.

Local hunters call the breed the "white dragon" for the way its pristine white coat looks as it moves through the forest undergrowth.

A Xiasi puppy has the best view at a cultural event. [Photo by Zhao Yandi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

According to local media, Guizhou's hills have long been home to large wild game, such as boar and mountain goats, that can devastate crops and farmland. Despite the Xiasi's smaller size, hunters have observed it fearlessly confronting these formidable animals, often turning the tables and even leading the hunt.

A Xiasi sits at attention for police dog training. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2007, the provincial government set local standards for the Xiasi, establishing breeding and conservation guidelines to protect the breed. Most recently, after undergoing rigorous evaluation and training, the Xiasi was admitted into China's national police dog system and is slated to join Guizhou's provincial K-9 units.

Xiasi puppies frolic in the wild. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Xiasi puppies frolic in the wild. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]