Frequently asked questions

A large Chinese molosser-type dog, black with red markings, from Laizhou in Shandong province, created from local dogs and German breeds. It is also called the Chinese Red Dog.

“Hong” means red in Chinese. The name comes from the deep red tan markings on the cheeks, muzzle, throat, chest and legs, which stand out against the black base coat.

At the withers, 64 to 79 cm for males and 65 to 70 cm for females (CKU standard). The standard sets no weight: the figures most often quoted are 40–60 kg for males and 35–50 kg for females.

No. It only gives the height at the withers: 64 to 79 cm for males, 65 to 70 cm for females. The weights quoted (40–60 kg for males, 35–50 kg for females) come from breeders and Chinese sources.

In puppies, the ears usually stand up between 3 and 6 months, according to the Laizhou Hong Brasil kennel. In adults, soft or drooping ears are seen by Chinese sources as a sign of crossbreeding. At some Chinese dog markets, puppies' ears are glued to make them stand.

It often has dark spots and is sometimes black or bluish-black. This is not a criterion of the CKU standard, which does not mention the tongue but requires darkly pigmented gums.

Its founders include local Shandong dogs and German breeds (Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler), but it has been a fixed breed since the 1970s. Beware of cheap “Chinese Red Dog” adverts that are actually crossbreeds.

Chinese encyclopaedias claim so for some local police forces, but no police source confirms it and a Chinese article disputes it. Its documented use is guarding farms, factories and public institutions.

Usually none: “Soviet Red” (苏联红) is a trade nickname that Chinese dealers gave the Laizhou Hong in the 1980s and 1990s to pass it off as a foreign breed. But the nickname has also been used to sell other black and tan dogs: not every “Soviet Red” is a Laizhou Hong.

The Chongqing Dog is a solid red molosser from Sichuan, with a short muzzle and a bamboo-shaped tail. The Laizhou Hong is a large black and tan shepherd-type dog from Shandong.

The Chuandong Hound (川东猎犬) is a solid red hunting dog with a very short muzzle. The Laizhou Hong is black with red markings and has a longer muzzle. The CKU treats them as two distinct breeds and has registered them separately since 2017.

Yes, by the China Kennel Union (CKU), which has registered and shown it since 2017 (its standard has been online since 2018 at the latest), and by the Brazilian CBKC since February 2026 (group 11). It is not recognised by the FCI, the Kennel Club (UK), the French Kennel Club or the AKC, so puppies outside China are sold without an FCI-affiliated pedigree.

Yes. The Brazilian Kennel Confederation (CBKC) has admitted it to its group 11, for breeds it recognises outside the FCI, with a standard dated 6 February 2026.

In China, yes, in group 11 (non-FCI breeds) at CKU shows. In Italy, two Laizhou Hongs were entered at the Bologna international show in 2026 under an internal breed code, which does not amount to FCI recognition. In France, not at official shows of the French Kennel Club (SCC).

Not in France: it is not listed in categories 1 and 2 of the 1999 dangerous dogs law. Rules differ from country to country, so check the legislation where you live.

There is no known national ban, but at least nine Chinese cities, including Qingdao and Baoding, list it among the “ferocious” dogs banned in urban areas, along with its crosses. See our dedicated page.

No. It is a calm guard dog, reserved with strangers and very attached to its family. Aggression is a disqualifying fault in the standard. Without socialisation, its wariness can become excessive.

Yes with the family’s children when well socialised: patient and gentle. Given its size, supervision is recommended with toddlers.

It is possible with 1 to 1.5 hours of daily activity and mental stimulation, but a house with a fenced garden suits it much better.

Not ideally. It needs experience with large dogs, consistency and time for training and socialisation.

10 to 14 years, longer than the founding breeds (Great Dane 7 years on average, Rottweiler 8–10 years).

A robust breed. Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat), degenerative myelopathy (SOD1 DNA test) and JLPP. Ear infections and allergies are possible.

Official hip and elbow X-rays of both parents, a DNA test for degenerative myelopathy (SOD1), and ideally a full DNA panel. The gene pool outside China is small, so testing is essential.

Usually yes, but not too early. In a large breed like the Laizhou Hong, spaying before growth is complete increases the risk of joint problems (dysplasia, cruciate ligament rupture) and incontinence. Owners usually wait until 12 to 18 months, even if it means one or two heats, and decide with their vet. All about spaying.

Little to moderately, with a moult in spring. Weekly brushing is enough.

No. No breed truly is, and the Laizhou Hong sheds, lightly to moderately, with a moult in spring. The few websites that call it suitable for people with allergies rely on no data.

Very few breeders have been identified in France. Expect a waiting list, ask for the parents’ health screening and check the breeder’s address and SIRET number (French business registration number).

In the United Kingdom, the non-profit Chinese Red Dog Aid UK rehomes dogs after an application, an interview and a home visit. In France, no dedicated organisation is known.

The Wisdom Panel laboratory includes the breed in its reference database. The result is only indicative: the size of the reference sample is not published and, according to one owner, other tests classify these dogs as German Shepherd crosses.

Roughly €1,500 to €3,000 in Europe, £2,000 to £3,000 in the UK and $5,000 to $10,000 in the USA from the breeder that publishes its health tests. In China, a puppy sells for anything from a few hundred to about 2,500 yuan, with no guarantee.

Between a few hundred and about 2,500 yuan for a puppy, based on ads and reports from 2018 to 2026, with no health or origin guarantee. The “over 10,000 yuan” often quoted relates to golden-age stud dogs or adult dogs.