Taiwan Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

13.6-18 kg

Height

43-50 cm

Lifespan

9-13 years

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About the Taiwan Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you have ever wanted to have a piece of the living history of the love story between dogs and humans, then you should join the ranks of Taiwan Dog owners.

The Taiwan Dog is a living legend. While this breed is primarily found in Asia, in recent years, they have taken over the entire world.

If you want to add protection and excitement to your home (not necessarily as a cause and effect relationship, but no promises) this is the dog for you.

What is the history & origin of the Taiwan Dog?

The origin and history of this breed are very interesting. This breed can be genetically traced back nearly 20,000 years making it an incredibly ancient dog breed.

They are hunting dogs and descend from rare Formosan Mountain dogs, also called the South Asian hunting dogs of the Formosan Mountains in their native country of Taiwan. Thus, the name of the breed, Taiwan Dog.

Many dogs are considered hunters, but unlike other dogs, this dog was used to take down wild boar and other animals of huge size and strength.

This lineage of the breed was genetically proven in 1980 by researchers at the National Taiwan University, and due to this lineage, they remain a rare breed of dog. They are one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in existence.

What is a Taiwan Dog breed?

This Taiwanese native dog is also called the Formosan Mountain dog or the Takasago dog.

This is a medium-sized dog with a triangular head and almond-shaped eyes below pointy ears, and don’t forget about their sickle tail. They stand about roughly the same as a hound dog’s height.

The Taiwan Dog is a popular breed for dog sports as well as for family pets.

The Taiwan Dog breed group is also recognized by the American Kennel Club and other dog clubs and associations.

Who is a Taiwan Dog best for?

This is a high-energy, high-activity, intelligent dog that needs mental stimulation, attention, and room to run. In many ways, they are like German Shepherds.

They make a very good family pet and are unwaveringly loyal to family members.

They are fine around other dogs as well as other pets, including cats. However, they do prefer canine company to fluffy kitties. It’s the kitty attitude – this is a dog that simply does not like drama.

This is also a dog that loves children and they will spend hours together in active play sessions and keep each other busy. This is extremely beneficial for all parties, as remember these are high-energy dogs.

Taiwan Dog Grooming & Shedding

The Taiwan breed’s coat is a smooth double-layered short coat, so, unlike many other breeds, this is a very low-maintenance dog.

This dog only needs weekly brushing and baths when it’s obvious they need one.

The more of their wild side you let them enjoy, the dirtier they will get. In this aspect, think of them as additional kids in the house more than just a dog.

Much more concerning than their coats are their ears, nails, and teeth. Keep their ears free of wax build-up and debris, and their teeth free of tartar build-up. Their nails also need to be monitored and clipped as they can be prone to overgrowth, splitting, and cracking.

Do Taiwan Dogs bark a lot?

When it comes to their barking level, they like to bark and howl. At what? They don’t know, nobody knows. But, if they figure it out, trust us, they’ll tell you about that too.

In good news, these may be barkers, but they aren’t droolers. So, if you aren’t interested in creating any sort of competition between your dog and your baby, this is a good choice.

What is the average weight & height of a Taiwan Dog?

As is common with many animals, the male Taiwan Dog is larger than the females. On average, males are around 50cm in height and weigh between 13.6 and 18 kgs. Females tend to be around 45cm tall and weigh between 11.8 and 15.8 kg.

Are Taiwan Dogs easy to train?

These dogs are very easy to train. It is a very intelligent breed and will learn basic commands very quickly. So, keep that in mind when you are yelling at your kids or each other!

In fact, it is a great breed for dog sports and is commonly used as stunt dogs. While some cats and dogs are bragging about reaching influencer status on Instagram, these dogs have actually been movie stars.

These dogs also need a lot of mental stimulation and training is one of the best ways to give them that. Starting as puppies, you should give them a good half hour of training each day.

As with most other dogs, the best training method for this dog is positive reinforcement, such as treats. (They told us to tell you that!) They won’t enjoy negativity during training so don’t get frustrated with them – they just want to please after all.

How do Taiwan Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This amazing ancient breed has a lot of fantastic personality traits, including (amongst others):

Courage
Fearlessness
Protectiveness
Loyalty
Versatility
Intelligence
Enthusiasm

The most important thing to know about these pups is that they are positive-driven. They do not like, nor respond well, to negativity. So, don’t shout or scream at them.

Also, you don’t want to fight in front of them either. It’s not that they care about who is right or wrong, it’s just that they really don’t care.

Does the Taiwan Dog have any common health issues?

The Taiwan Dog breed is generally a very healthy breed. There are not many health problems to be concerned about other than typical age-related degenerative conditions.

Some Taiwan Dogs have experienced:

Elbow Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the elbow joint does not fit together perfectly, leading to arthritis and pain.
Hip Dysplasia: A common condition in many breeds, where the hip joint develops improperly, causing discomfort and mobility issues.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: A degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness over time; not all Taiwan Dogs are affected.
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens, which can affect vision; may be age-related or hereditary.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye that can lead to blindness; early detection is crucial for management.

It’s a good idea to consider that because they don’t have a thick fur coat, they do not handle cold weather well. So, you might want to invest in a smart coat for your pup to beat the chill on those cooler days.

What is the lifespan of a Taiwan Dog?

Compared to other dog breeds, the Taiwan Dog has an average to above-average life span. You can expect these dogs to live 9 to 13 human years, or the doggo age of 59 to 79.

How much does a Taiwan Dog need to be fed?

As with all animals, obesity is a concern, so monitoring food intake is important. Keep this in mind during training when using treats as rewards.

These dogs need 400 grams of kibble a day, and it’s best to divide their food into 2 meals.

You should feed them high-quality food that is designed for high-energy dogs and is appropriate for their age.

How much can you expect to pay for a Taiwan Dog in Australia?

It is always best to try and adopt rescue dogs if the possibility exists. If not, always rely solely on reputable breeders. Due to several factors, you should expect purebred Taiwan Dogs to cost between $600 and $1700.

Taiwan Dog FAQs

Are Taiwan Dogs hypoallergenic?

While this dog has a single coat, that doesn’t mean that this breed is a good choice for those with allergies. Remember, allergies to animals are a result of dander, not fur. As such, this is not a breed that is considered to be hypoallergenic. However, people with a low to mild sensitivity have done OK with them.

Are Taiwan Dogs aggressive?

While this is a friendly and sociable breed of dog, some do have a bit of a complex around strangers and other dogs. However, any aggressive behaviour they exhibit is much more often a reflection of fear and being naturally protective than of a violent nature. This is very controllable with proper training.

Are Taiwan Dogs ideal for first-time dog owners?

These dogs are probably not the best breed for entry-level dog owners as they can be a handful. They need firm guidance at times and stable direction. They are very smart and can pick up bad habits that a novice owner does not even realize they are giving the dog.