- Exercise1 to 1.5 hoursa day for an adult
- Meals2 a day3 to 4 for a puppy
- Brushingonce a weekmore during the moult
- Bathevery 1 to 2 monthsno more often
Grooming#
- Short coat: minimal upkeep. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush or a grooming mitt. Brush more often during the spring moult.
- Low to moderate shedding according to most sources (some describe it as heavy), with a marked moult in spring.
- Bathe every 1 to 2 months at most, to preserve the coat's natural oils.
- Ears: check and clean weekly.
- Teeth: brush regularly with a dog toothpaste.
- Nails: trim according to wear. The nails are black.
- Skin: inspect weekly (allergies, parasites).
- Drooling: very little.
Feeding#
| Age | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Puppy 0-6 months | "Large breed" puppy food, 3-4 meals/day |
| Young dog 6-18 months | Large breed food, 2-3 meals/day, no excess calcium |
| Adult 18 months-7 years | 2 meals/day, food rich in good-quality protein, treats ≤ 10 % of the daily ration |
| Senior 7 years + | Senior food with joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin) |
- Omega-3 and omega-6 for the coat and joints.
- Measured portions: excess weight makes joint problems worse.
- Several small meals, with rest before and after meals: this helps prevent gastric torsion (bloat). The Laizhou Hong Brasil kennel insists: never a single large meal a day, always at least two, and no intense exercise for an hour before and after.
- An example of a breeder's growth guidelines: the Alysium kennel's contract asks for a large-breed puppy food with a calcium/phosphorus ratio of 1.1 to 1.4 and no more than 12 % fat, and rules out "grain-free" foods high in legumes.
- One source mentions a high metabolism that may justify a slightly higher fat intake in very active dogs.
- The usual forbidden foods: chocolate, grapes, avocado, macadamia nuts, garlic, onion.
Exercise#
- An endurance athlete with high energy: 1 h to 1 h 30 of daily activity at the very least for an adult (3-4 outings of 30-45 min according to Planète Animal).
- Mix it up: walking, running, fetch, tracking, swimming, obstacle courses, agility.
- Mental stimulation is essential: scent games, learning new things, food puzzles.
- Signs of too little exercise: destructiveness, excessive barking, restlessness.
- Puppies: follow the rule of 5 minutes per month of age, with no jumping and no repeated use of stairs. The Alysium kennel's contract specifies: no jumping higher than the wrist before 6 months, nor higher than the elbow between 6 and 18 months.
- Always on a lead outside enclosed areas (prey drive, size).
Length of a walk by puppy age
Living environment#
- Ideal: a house with a large fenced garden (high, solid fencing), or a rural property where it can express its guarding instincts. Pets4Homes also advises a secure entrance, so that the dog can be introduced carefully to visitors and delivery drivers.
- Flat: possible with a strong commitment to exercise, but one reputable source (UK Pets) advises against it.
- Copes with living outdoors or indoors (short but dense coat), provided it has shelter. The short coat is an advantage in hot weather, but the dog needs shade and fresh water at all times, and exertion should be avoided during the hottest hours.
- A dog that needs its family around: poorly suited to long daily absences. Pets4Homes advises getting the puppy used to being left alone from the start.
Neutering#
In a large breed like the Laizhou Hong, the timing of neutering matters as much as the decision itself: done too early, it increases the risk of joint problems and incontinence. The benefits, risks and right timing are covered in detail in the health section: Spaying your female dog: when and why.