The Taiwan Dog (Taiwanese Canis, Takasago Dog) or Formosan Mountain Dog (Formosan Native Dog) is a Dingo-like, versatile working dog originating from the island of Taiwan (Formosa). The breed is the descendant of the ancient hunting dogs of Southeast Asia, which had arrived in Taiwan sometime between 20.000 and 10.000 years ago. That’s why the Formosan Mountain Dog is considered one of the oldest and most ancient dog breeds in the world. For centuries, Formosans were mainly kept and bred by the Aboriginal Taiwanese people for hunting and guarding. Actually, they were the only breed of dog on the island. Unfortunately, that has changed with the arrival of Dutch colonists back in 1624. That was the first time foreign dogs were imported to Taiwan. Soon afterwards, they started crossbreeding with Taiwan Dogs disturbing the breed’s purity for the first time. In the coming years, numbers of purebred Formosan Dogs rapidly declined due not only to crossbreeding, but killing too, especially during the Japanese and Chinese rule of the island. Supposedly, the most brutal impact on the numbers of Formosans had the Chinese when they brought their traditional dog eating culture to the island. At the half of the last century, the Taiwan Dog breed was brought to the brink of extinction.
Fortunately, Dr. Sung Yung-yi together with the group of breed admirers initiated during 1970s a huge undertaking of saving the purebred Taiwan Dog. They found 160 dogs in the mountainous regions of the island, of which only 46 were considered purebred. Dr. Sung Yung-yi later started a breeding program, which has been later continued by his son Ming Nan Chen to this very day. Thanks to the hard work of these two wonderful men the breed was saved from extinction. However, today in Taiwan we have an ongoing debate between two groups of Formosan breeders – those who want to keep the breed’s purity intact (led by Ming Nan Chen) and those who think that controlled outbreeding with foreign dogs is necessary in order to maintain the breed’s genetic stability. Currently, dogs bred by both groups are registered as purebred FMDs, but it is suggested that only purebred dogs should be called Formosan Mountain Dogs, while all other “mixed” dogs should be called Taiwan Dogs. Anyhow, the breed is at least safe for now, which is the most important thing of all. The Taiwan Dog was recognized by the FCI on a definitive basis in 2015 and today is included in the group 7: Primitive Types – Hunting Dogs in the class of primitive dogs. Before that (since 2004), this was one of two provisionally accepted breeds (other one being the Thai Bangkaew Dog – still not recognized on a definitive basis).
How to Take Care of the Formosan Mountain Dog
While the Formosan Mountain Dog is in many respects easy to care for, this breed will probably require the guidance of an experienced dog owner to help navigate it through the training process. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then this breed may develop some bad behaviors and habits. The dog can adapt reasonably well to apartment living, but it does need plenty of space nearby to exercise.
Characteristics of the Taiwan Dog
The Taiwan dog typically has an alert and intelligent temperament. It’s often quite connected to its owner and responds well to training, though it can be reserved around strangers. High energy also helps to shape the breed’s personality.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Medium |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Gettys-181693852-8e8f4b9c5d0c435389df79c5b3e64e36.jpg)
The Taiwan dog is a medium-size non-sporting dog breed from Taiwan with a short, smooth coat that can come in several colors. Also known as the Formosan mountain dog, this rare dog breed has a triangular head with almond-shaped eyes and thin prick ears. The dog’s tongue often sports black markings. Overall, the breed has a lanky, muscular build with an erect, sickle-shaped tail. It’s a descendent of ancient hunting dogs—and as such, a powerful athlete that’s best for an active household.
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 26 to 40 pounds
Coat: Short, smooth
Coat Color: Black, brindle, fawn, white, white and black, white and brindle, white and fawn
Life Span: 9 to 13 years
Temperament: Alert, loyal, intelligent
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Taiwan
FAQ
Are Formosan mountain dog hypoallergenic?
Are Formosan mountain dogs good family dogs?