Taiwan DogCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says these dogs are native to Taiwan, descended from the South Asian hunting dogs that lived with the ancient inhabitants of the mountains in the centre of the island. It was the hunter's trusted companion in the wild forest. In 1980, researchers from National Taiwan University and from the Japanese universities of Gifu and Nagoya visited 29 tribes and confirmed this origin.

The AKC says the aboriginal peoples used it to hunt wild boar and small game. Wikipedia adds that, adapted to the rugged, wooded terrain, it had become semi-feral, yet it kept its ability to be trained. Today it is used as a hunting dog, guard dog, rescue dog, stunt dog or companion.

How the breed developed

• 10,000–20,000 years ago – Its genetic origin, according to Wikipedia and the AKC.
• 1980 – The study by universities in Taiwan and Japan.
• 9 June 2015 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 2017 – The AKC enters it in the Foundation Stock Service.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a medium-sized dog with a triangular head, almond-shaped eyes, thin, erect ears and a sickle-shaped tail, lean, sinewy and well balanced. The AKC says it has a spotted tongue.

General appearance

The coat is short and harsh, lying close to the body, 1.5–3 cm long. The AKC says it is a double coat that is easy to look after.

The standard accepts black, brindle, fawn, white, white and black, white and fawn, and white and brindle.

The standard describes it as extremely loyal to its owner, with keen senses, quick, bold and fearless. The AKC says its close bond with its owner comes from generations of hunting together, which is why it responds very well to commands and is easy to train.

The AKC warns that it can be reserved with strangers and will protect its family fearlessly, so early socialisation is important.

Tips for effective training

• Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers.
• Use rewards. It responds well to commands.
• Keep it busy. It needs new games.
• Check the fence. It is agile and independent.

The AKC says it needs regular exercise and new games to keep it entertained: play in a fenced yard or walks several times a day, as well as search games indoors. Hiking and swimming give it a good workout.

Tips for a balanced life

• Suits active owners.
• Socialise it a lot.
• The fence must be secure.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short double coat needs very little grooming: a weekly brush and the occasional bath. The teeth should be cared for regularly, the nails trimmed as needed and the ears checked often.

Common health problems

There are no published health studies for the breed and no known breed-specific diseases. As with any active dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check for ticks after outings.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Go for yearly check-ups.

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Split the food into two meals a day.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Very old. Its genetic traces go back 10,000–20,000 years.
• Spotted tongue. The AKC says its tongue has spots.
• 29 tribes. That is how many the researchers visited in 1980.
• A stunt dog. It has also been used for stunts.
• Once semi-feral. It lived free in Taiwan's forests.

What is a Formosan Mountain Dog?

Another name for the Taiwan Dog.

Is it easy to train?

Yes; the AKC says it responds very well to commands.

Is it a good guard dog?

Yes; it protects its family fearlessly.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 9–13 years.