Taiwan Dog

Taiwan Dog, also known as Formosan Mountain Dog, is a strong and agile breed that originated in Taiwan. They are highly intelligent and independent dogs who require early socialization and training.

Taiwan Dog Breed overview

The Taiwan Dog is a high-energy breed that is known for its friendly, playful personality, and its ability to adapt to different environments. They are great family dogs that love spending time with their human owners. Early training is important to prevent negative behavior, and they require a good amount of physical and mental stimulation to maintain their happiness and health. They are hardy and overall a healthy breed, and when trained and socialized correctly, they make loyal and fantastic companions for anyone seeking an independent breed that loves to play and explore.

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What To Expect When Caring For a Taiwan Dog

Grooming

Taiwan Dogs have a short, neat coat that requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing will help control shedding and keep their coat shiny. Bathing your dog every 4 to 6 weeks will keep their coat healthy and looking good.

It is also important to keep their nails trimmed and their ears clean to prevent infections. Regular teeth brushing is also essential to keep their teeth healthy and prevent dental problems.

Exercise

Taiwan Dogs are highly active dogs who require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy long walks, hiking, and playing in the yard.

Providing your Taiwan Dog with regular exercise will help prevent behavioral problems, such as digging and chewing. It will also help keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Training

Taiwan Dogs are intelligent dogs who are eager to learn. Training them should be a positive and rewarding experience. It is essential to start training them at an early age to help them develop into well-behaved adult dogs.

Socialization is also crucial, as Taiwan Dogs can be wary of strangers. Early socialization will help them feel more comfortable around unfamiliar people and situations. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with this breed.

Health

Taiwan Dogs are generally healthy and have few genetic health problems. They have a life expectancy of around 14-16 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. It is essential to maintain routine vet visits to keep them healthy.

Nutrition

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of Taiwan Dogs. Providing them with high-quality dog food that is rich in protein and other essential nutrients is essential.

It is also important to feed them in appropriate portions and avoid overfeeding. Additionally, provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day.

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Taiwan Dog Traits & Characteristics

The Taiwan Dog stands between 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 30 to 50 pounds. They have a short double coat that is thick and sheds seasonally. The coat requires minimal grooming, but weekly brushing helps to maintain their coat's health and shine.

Their ears stand erect, and they have a wedge-shaped head. They have a deep chest, level back, and a long and bushy tail. The breed's eyes are almond-shaped and are usually dark brown. The Taiwan Dog has strong muscular legs and paws that are webbed, which makes them excellent swimmers.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that loves spending time with their owners, another dog, or their human family members. This breed loves to be petted, and will also nuzzle into your lap to show their affection. Though they may seem shy and reserved at first, they warm up quickly and show their true colors.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The Taiwan Dog is great with children, as they are friendly and playful. They have a high energy level so they can keep up with the kids, and their small size makes them a great playmate for little ones. However, like other breeds, parental supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The Taiwan Dog is known for its friendly and social demeanor, making it great with other dogs. Their small size makes them easy to interact with, and they are known for making fast friends in doggy play groups. Due to their strong pack mentality, it may take time for them to feel comfortable around unfamiliar dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The Taiwan Dog is reserved around strangers, but can quickly warm up to new people. They may bark or be slightly timid when introduced to new faces, but they will eventually accept them. Though they possess strong protective instincts, these usually only appear if they sense any sort of danger.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The Taiwan Dog is an incredibly playful breed, and loves to engage in a variety of activities. They are highly energetic and enjoy playing games with their human family members, including hide and seek, frisbee, and chasing. Due to their active nature, it's recommended they get a lot of interactive playtime every day.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

As descendants from hunting dogs, Taiwan Dogs have a high level of awareness. They quickly notice any unusual incidents or sounds in their surroundings, and are not hesitant about alerting their owners about them. Because of this, they make fantastic watchdogs to protect your home and family.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The Taiwan Dog is a very adaptable breed that can thrive in various environments. They are comfortable in climates with moderate temperatures, and can be comfortable in both apartment or house settings. Though they may need some time to adjust to new spaces and situations, over time they will adapt easily.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that sheds moderately. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their short coat doesn't require much upkeep. However, regular brushing can help reduce shedding, especially during the colder months.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The Taiwan Dog is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short and straight coat that rarely needs trimming, and their hair sheds only moderately. Brushing once a week is enough to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The Taiwan Dog is not a breed that drools excessively. They have a dry mouth and do not produce a lot of saliva, which makes them a great breed for people who don't like slobber on their clothing or furniture.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The Taiwan Dog is a small breed, which makes them a great fit for individuals looking for a dog that doesn't take up too much space. They can weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, and have a height range between 12 to 20 inches tall, depending on their sex and other factors.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The Taiwan Dog is an incredibly high-energy breed that loves to play and exercise. They require a lot of physical activity every day in order to stay healthy, and are best suited for families who can provide them with ample outdoor time. They’re great partners for hiking, running, and long walks, and they enjoy playing with interactive toys to burn off their energy.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The Taiwan Dog is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise every day to be happy and healthy. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise and play every day, including walks, runs, or playtime at the park or backyard. If they do not get enough physical activity to burn off their energy, they may develop destructive behavior.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The Taiwan Dog has a history of being a working breed, with their ancestors having been used as hunting and guard dogs. Though they are no longer primarily used for work, they still have the intelligence and ability to perform various tasks when trained correctly. Due to their independent nature, it’s important that they enjoy their work and are able to understand the reason for their tasks.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The Taiwan Dog has a strong prey drive, making them natural hunters. They were originally bred for hunting small animals such as rodents and snakes, and though they are no longer primarily used for this practice, they still possess the same abilities. Their alertness and awareness make them great hunting partners when properly trained, but owners must be careful that they don’t get injured, since they are small.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The Taiwan Dog has an incredible level of physical stamina and endurance, which makes them a great breed for outdoor adventures and sports activities. Their high energy levels make them great dogs for people who enjoy jogging, hiking, and other athletic feats that require stamina. A daily routine of exercise and training is recommended to keep them happy and healthy.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The Taiwan Dog is a relatively healthy breed that doesn't have any genetic health issues. They are known for their longevity and can live up to 15 years of age when properly taken care of. However, as with all breeds, regular check-ups with the vet are crucial to prevent illness and to maintain long-term health.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The Taiwan Dog can be prone to obesity, which can lead to a host of health issues. As with all breeds, it's important to monitor the amount of food they eat, and provide them with a healthy diet and regular exercise to avoid obesity. Experts recommend that owners keep up with their daily exercise routine, with a balanced diet of meat and vegetables.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that can tolerate cooler temperatures without any issues. They have a short coat and can easily adapt to chilly weather conditions. However, it is still important to provide adequate shelter, like a soft bed or heated pad in colder environments to keep them comfortable.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The Taiwan Dog can tolerate a wide range of temperature environments, even in hot weather conditions. However, it's important to provide them with access to shade and water during hot weather to prevent overheating and dehydration.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The Taiwan Dog can be comfortable in both apartments and homes, making them a versatile breed. They have a small size, so they don't require a lot of space to stay active, making them particularly suitable for individuals who live in small residences. They are peaceful and have no issue with living inside.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The Taiwan Dog may become restless if they are not provided with enough exercise and outside time. However, they aren't prone to wander or roam off too far from their owners, making them a great breed for owners who don't want to spend their time worrying about their dog getting lost.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The Taiwan Dog is known for being a sensitive breed. They are very in-tune with their owner's emotions and can easily sense any tension. They can become anxious if they sense that their owners are upset or stressed, so owners should provide them with a consistent routine, and shower them with love and affection to avoid anxiousness.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The Taiwan Dog has a moderate tolerance for being left alone. However, owners must be cautious and make sure the dog has access to enough water and food, and that their environment is safe when they're separated. Ensuring socialization during bonding sessions can be crucial to minimizing the risk of separation anxiety.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The Taiwan Dog is a vocal breed that will bark if they sense any unusual activity in their surroundings, making them fantastic watchdogs. They may sometimes bark excessively and get overexcited, which makes it important to work on training to prevent unnecessary barking.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that needs a good amount of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are highly intelligent and require challenging activities and games that will keep their minds engaged. Owners must ensure that the Taiwan Dog receives this stimulation to prevent them from resorting to destructive or negative behavior.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The Taiwan Dog can be challenging for novice owners due to their independent personality. Early training and socialization is crucial to the development of this breed, and owners must have patience to train them consistently. They crave socialization, so spending time playing, running and walking in a variety of environments would greatly benefit them.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The Taiwan Dog is known for being an independent breed which can make them difficult to train. They are intelligent and they don’t lack obedience but tend to prefer to think ahead on their own. Their independent nature can cause them to be easily distracted, so early training and socialization is crucial to their development.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that loves spending time with their owners, another dog, or their human family members. This breed loves to be petted, and will also nuzzle into your lap to show their affection. Though they may seem shy and reserved at first, they warm up quickly and show their true colors.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The Taiwan Dog is great with children, as they are friendly and playful. They have a high energy level so they can keep up with the kids, and their small size makes them a great playmate for little ones. However, like other breeds, parental supervision is recommended during playtime.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The Taiwan Dog is known for its friendly and social demeanor, making it great with other dogs. Their small size makes them easy to interact with, and they are known for making fast friends in doggy play groups. Due to their strong pack mentality, it may take time for them to feel comfortable around unfamiliar dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The Taiwan Dog is reserved around strangers, but can quickly warm up to new people. They may bark or be slightly timid when introduced to new faces, but they will eventually accept them. Though they possess strong protective instincts, these usually only appear if they sense any sort of danger.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The Taiwan Dog is an incredibly playful breed, and loves to engage in a variety of activities. They are highly energetic and enjoy playing games with their human family members, including hide and seek, frisbee, and chasing. Due to their active nature, it's recommended they get a lot of interactive playtime every day.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

As descendants from hunting dogs, Taiwan Dogs have a high level of awareness. They quickly notice any unusual incidents or sounds in their surroundings, and are not hesitant about alerting their owners about them. Because of this, they make fantastic watchdogs to protect your home and family.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The Taiwan Dog is a very adaptable breed that can thrive in various environments. They are comfortable in climates with moderate temperatures, and can be comfortable in both apartment or house settings. Though they may need some time to adjust to new spaces and situations, over time they will adapt easily.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that sheds moderately. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, as their short coat doesn't require much upkeep. However, regular brushing can help reduce shedding, especially during the colder months.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The Taiwan Dog is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a short and straight coat that rarely needs trimming, and their hair sheds only moderately. Brushing once a week is enough to keep their coat clean and healthy.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The Taiwan Dog is not a breed that drools excessively. They have a dry mouth and do not produce a lot of saliva, which makes them a great breed for people who don't like slobber on their clothing or furniture.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The Taiwan Dog is a small breed, which makes them a great fit for individuals looking for a dog that doesn't take up too much space. They can weigh between 5 to 15 pounds, and have a height range between 12 to 20 inches tall, depending on their sex and other factors.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The Taiwan Dog is an incredibly high-energy breed that loves to play and exercise. They require a lot of physical activity every day in order to stay healthy, and are best suited for families who can provide them with ample outdoor time. They’re great partners for hiking, running, and long walks, and they enjoy playing with interactive toys to burn off their energy.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Taiwan Dog is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise every day to be happy and healthy. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise and play every day, including walks, runs, or playtime at the park or backyard. If they do not get enough physical activity to burn off their energy, they may develop destructive behavior.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The Taiwan Dog has a history of being a working breed, with their ancestors having been used as hunting and guard dogs. Though they are no longer primarily used for work, they still have the intelligence and ability to perform various tasks when trained correctly. Due to their independent nature, it’s important that they enjoy their work and are able to understand the reason for their tasks.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The Taiwan Dog has a strong prey drive, making them natural hunters. They were originally bred for hunting small animals such as rodents and snakes, and though they are no longer primarily used for this practice, they still possess the same abilities. Their alertness and awareness make them great hunting partners when properly trained, but owners must be careful that they don’t get injured, since they are small.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The Taiwan Dog has an incredible level of physical stamina and endurance, which makes them a great breed for outdoor adventures and sports activities. Their high energy levels make them great dogs for people who enjoy jogging, hiking, and other athletic feats that require stamina. A daily routine of exercise and training is recommended to keep them happy and healthy.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The Taiwan Dog is a relatively healthy breed that doesn't have any genetic health issues. They are known for their longevity and can live up to 15 years of age when properly taken care of. However, as with all breeds, regular check-ups with the vet are crucial to prevent illness and to maintain long-term health.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The Taiwan Dog can be prone to obesity, which can lead to a host of health issues. As with all breeds, it's important to monitor the amount of food they eat, and provide them with a healthy diet and regular exercise to avoid obesity. Experts recommend that owners keep up with their daily exercise routine, with a balanced diet of meat and vegetables.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that can tolerate cooler temperatures without any issues. They have a short coat and can easily adapt to chilly weather conditions. However, it is still important to provide adequate shelter, like a soft bed or heated pad in colder environments to keep them comfortable.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The Taiwan Dog can tolerate a wide range of temperature environments, even in hot weather conditions. However, it's important to provide them with access to shade and water during hot weather to prevent overheating and dehydration.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The Taiwan Dog can be comfortable in both apartments and homes, making them a versatile breed. They have a small size, so they don't require a lot of space to stay active, making them particularly suitable for individuals who live in small residences. They are peaceful and have no issue with living inside.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The Taiwan Dog may become restless if they are not provided with enough exercise and outside time. However, they aren't prone to wander or roam off too far from their owners, making them a great breed for owners who don't want to spend their time worrying about their dog getting lost.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The Taiwan Dog is known for being a sensitive breed. They are very in-tune with their owner's emotions and can easily sense any tension. They can become anxious if they sense that their owners are upset or stressed, so owners should provide them with a consistent routine, and shower them with love and affection to avoid anxiousness.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The Taiwan Dog has a moderate tolerance for being left alone. However, owners must be cautious and make sure the dog has access to enough water and food, and that their environment is safe when they're separated. Ensuring socialization during bonding sessions can be crucial to minimizing the risk of separation anxiety.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The Taiwan Dog is a vocal breed that will bark if they sense any unusual activity in their surroundings, making them fantastic watchdogs. They may sometimes bark excessively and get overexcited, which makes it important to work on training to prevent unnecessary barking.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The Taiwan Dog is a breed that needs a good amount of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are highly intelligent and require challenging activities and games that will keep their minds engaged. Owners must ensure that the Taiwan Dog receives this stimulation to prevent them from resorting to destructive or negative behavior.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The Taiwan Dog can be challenging for novice owners due to their independent personality. Early training and socialization is crucial to the development of this breed, and owners must have patience to train them consistently. They crave socialization, so spending time playing, running and walking in a variety of environments would greatly benefit them.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The Taiwan Dog is known for being an independent breed which can make them difficult to train. They are intelligent and they don’t lack obedience but tend to prefer to think ahead on their own. Their independent nature can cause them to be easily distracted, so early training and socialization is crucial to their development.

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History of the Taiwan Dog

Taiwan Dogs have been around for thousands of years and are one of the few remaining aboriginal dog breeds in the world. They are believed to have descended from dogs that traveled with humans across the Bering Strait from Siberia to North America. These dogs were then brought to Taiwan, where they lived with the aboriginal tribes that resided on the island.

For many years, Taiwan Dogs were considered a nuisance and were often euthanized. However, in the 1980s, efforts were made to protect and preserve this breed. Today, they are recognized by the Taiwan Kennel Club and are gaining popularity as a pet in other parts of the world.

Taiwan Dog Puppies

Taiwan Dog litters typically have 4-6 puppies. The puppies are born with a soft and fluffy coat that will eventually be replaced by a short, smooth coat. It is important to start socializing and training your puppy at an early age to help them develop into well-behaved adult dogs.

Puppy-proofing your home is also essential, as Taiwan Dogs are curious and active pups. Taking your puppy to obedience training classes is also beneficial.