Taiwan Dog Breed Guide

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.

Who are Taiwan Dog dogs 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 pets and are unwaveringly loyal to family members.

They are fine around other dogs as well as other pets, including cats. However, they do prefer a 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.

How much grooming does a Taiwan Dog need?

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 Dog bark much?

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.

Do Taiwan Dog bite?

There are no significant biting concerns to worry about with these dogs. They are a smart and gentle breed. Any significant biting concern would be directly connected to aggressive behaviour triggered by fear.

With that in mind, don't expect to use this dog as a substitute for a home security system. If the dog simply senses an intruder, it is more likely to run to your bedroom as opposed to finding the intruder.

On other notes, and this is especially with Taiwan Dog puppies, nipping can occur during an exciting playtime, but it's not aggressive or at a level to cause damage. This is one of the reasons the Taiwan Dog can make such a great family dog.

Simply put, this dog is all bark and no bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Taiwan Dog?

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.

What is the weight & size of a Taiwan Dog?

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

How much training does a Taiwan Dog need?

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 a stunt dog. 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.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Taiwan Dog?

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

• Hip dysplasia

• Progressive retinal atrophy

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

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 should you feed a Taiwan Dog?

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.

What is the price of 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.