Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
An alert, loyal dog, the Taiwan Dog is an ancient hunting breed that today is known for being an incredibly versatile dog as well as a loyal, devoted companion.
The Taiwan Dog is known for its triangular head and almond-shaped eyes; a sickle tail, spotted tongue, and pricked ears also make this breed unique in appearance. The Taiwan dog’s origins are as a self-sufficient hunter, but today they are used as guard dogs, search-and-rescue, and even stunt dogs.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Nonsporting HEIGHT: 17-20 Inches WEIGHT: 26-40 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short, Two-Layer Coat In Combinations Of Black, Red, White, Fawn, Brindle LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9-13 Years |
Characteristics of the Taiwan Dog
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | Moderate |
| Pet-Friendly | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Moderate |
| Amount Of Shedding | Moderate |
History of the Taiwan Dog
Also known as Formosan Mountain Dogs, the Taiwan dog’s roots trace back to between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago because a loyal companion to ancient hunters in the wild forest. They were also used by Taiwanese indigenous people to hunt small game as well as wild boar. The Taiwan dog is well-adapted to the thickly forested terrain of its native country, and was once a semi-wild breed.
They are descendants of South Asian hunting dogs that were indigenous to the central mountainous regions of Taiwan. They are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
As such, the ancient Chinese breed has remained an integral part of Taiwan’s historical and cultural landscape, and they remain very popular across the island. They are often used as both a watchdog as well as a trusted family companion, but their versatility means that they are also sometimes called upon as working dogs (rescue dogs, stunt dogs, etc.). They have furthermore been considered as military dogs.
These dogs are extremely agile and became known for their hopping skills while hunting small animals like rats; they will hop back-and-forth sideways when they trying to intimidate their target. The Taiwan dog also will not hold its bite on their target as a result of its behaviors during early boar hunting; instead, they would attack repeatedly to exhaust the animal long enough for his or her master to move in for the final kill.
In 1980, scholars from National Taiwan University, Japan Gifu University, and Nagoya University carried out a cooperative study focused on the native Taiwan Dog. As part of the study, the teams of researchers visited 29 communities of local inhabitants to confirm that the modern day Taiwan Dog is a descendant of South Asian hunting dogs.
Though they are a popular breed in Taiwan, these dogs have also gained popularity in the United States thanks to rescue efforts that have brought abandoned Taiwan Dog mixed breeds overseas. The purebred Taiwan dog remains extremely rare, and are generally kept for conservation attempts in their native country.
Taiwan Dog Care
These dogs are incredibly in tune with their masters, probably thanks to generations of collaboratively hunt within small game in the mountains. Consequently, they’re easily trainable and incredibly responsible to commands.
The Taiwan Dog also makes an excellent watchdog, as they are generally wary of strangers and are truly fearless when it comes to protecting their families. Of course, that also means that proper training and socialization are a must for this breed. When they find themselves in unfamiliar situations, they can become intimidated by new people and sounds and can become fear-aggressive. They will be friendly with other people and pets when properly socialized, although as a family pet they tend to form a stronger bond with one member of the family and can be somewhat stand-offish with others-so they are sometimes described up being as one-person dogs.
The Taiwan Dog will be happiest when they are able to spend a lot of time with their owners, as they thrive with daily interaction and socialization. This breed should also receive ample exercise as well as lots of opportunities for mental stimulation with various games. They’re happy playing in the backyard or taking walks outdoors, but they will also gladly play hide-and-seek, fetch, or learn new tricks during indoor playtime. They are also known to enjoy outdoor activities including swimming, hiking, or retrieving balls or Frisbees, and they excel in dog sports such as obedience, rally, and agility.
The Taiwan Dog won’t require a great deal of grooming due to its short, two-layer coat. They will need a weekly brushing and just an occasional bath, and of course proper dental care is always recommended, as are routine ear checks to avoid a buildup of wax and debris and prevent infection. Their nails can be trimmed on an as-needed basis with a nail clipper or grinder. Be sure to look for a food that’s specially formulated for small- to medium-sized high-energy breeds to ensure that your dog is eating a biologically appropriate food containing protein and healthy fats. With a little research, you can find the right match for your family.
Common Health Problems
The Taiwan Dog is really a generally healthy breed.
Diet and Nutrition
The Taiwan dog should do well on any high-quality canine food, whether it’s commercially prepared or cooked at home with the guidance of your veterinarian.
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Loyal guard dog and family pet
- Loves to play
Cons
- Difficult to find in the US
- Will require early training/socialization
- Can be fear-agressive
Where to Buy or Adopt a Taiwan Dog
Though the Taiwan dog is much more prevalent in its native country, it’s always possible to find this breed (or, more likely, a mixed Taiwan dog breed) who needs a home in your local shelter. You may also contact Taiwan Dog rescue organizations.
More Dogs Breeds and Further Research
When determining if the Taiwan dog is the right dog for your family, be sure to research all aspects of the breed and consult other Taiwan dog owners as well as breeders and rescue groups to find out more. In the meantime, you can also check out these other dog breeds:
- Chinese Crested
- Shar-Pei
- Pekingese
There’s a wide array of dog breeds out there. Like most dogs, they are susceptible to some age-related degenerative conditions.