Purpose
Why this site exists.
English-language information about the Xigou is thin, repetitive and often detached from its sources. This publication brings historical, institutional and scientific material into one readable, auditable reference.
The aim is not to flatten regional traditions into a single story. It is to distinguish documented evidence from plausible interpretation, preserve useful terminology and make unresolved questions visible.
Editorial method
Our evidence hierarchy.
Primary before derivative
Peer-reviewed research, museum records, regulations, institutional standards and dated historical material take priority over breed listicles.
Certainty is labelled
Documented, plausible and unproven claims are presented differently. A vivid story does not receive a stronger label because it is memorable.
Corrections remain visible
Material factual corrections are dated. The 706 CE tomb date is a model: correction improves the story rather than weakening it.
Modern photographs require permission
The current edition uses public-domain archive material. Contemporary dog photography will be added only with clear rights, identification and reuse permission.
Corrections & contributions
Help make the record better.
If you hold a Chinese-language primary source, a CKU document, a photograph with known provenance or first-hand field knowledge, write to hello@xigou.org. Identification and publication terms will be agreed before anything is used.