What makes the Formosan Mountain Dog Unique?
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a breed or landrace of small or medium dog indigenous to Taiwan. These dogs are also known as Taiwanese Dog/Canis, Taiwanese Native Dog or Takasago Dog. They are well-adapted to the uneven and thickly forested terrain of Taiwan, having become a semi-wild breed prior to the arrival of several colonial reigns and foreign powers. Notwithstanding these adaptations, Formosans retained the potential to be trained, and are now used as hunting dogs, guard dogs, stunt dogs, rescue dogs, or simply as companions.
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Is the Formosan Mountain Dog Right For You?
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a very energetic and athletic breed which has substantial exercise requirements. This dog should receive an absolute minimum of an hour of vigorous physical activity every day, and more would be preferable. Formosan Mountain Dogs which are not provided proper outlets for their energy will almost certainly develop behavioral issues such as destructiveness, hyperactivity, excessive barking, fearfulness, and aggression. These dogs need daily walks but truly crave an opportunity to run freely in a safely enclosed area. Due to their high energy levels, Formosan Mountain Dogs adapt poorly to apartment life and really need a house with a sizable yard.
In 5 Words
- Loyal
- Energetic
- Affectionate
- Alert
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Formosan Mountain Dog
Description
General Description
There are two small types of the Formosan Mountain Dog; one is about 40 centimetres (16 in) tall at the shoulder, and the other is around 30 centimetres (12 in). However, the latter one was not found during the research conducted by Dr. Sung Yung-yi in 1976. The medium type of the Formosan Mountain Dog has a shoulder height under 50 centimetres (20 in), with a firm and fit body, slim waist, big chest, and half-covered ears. The most common type of these three in recent years is the medium-sized dog. Its color can range from black to earthy yellow or yellowish brown, and the nose is black. Black coating on the tongue is one of the most distinguished traits of the Formosan Mountain Dog.
Short History of the Formosan Mountain Dog
The Formosan Mountain Dog was first developed centuries before written records were kept of dog breeding, and very little is known for sure about its ancestry. What is clear is that this breed is incredibly ancient, and has probably been present in its homeland for thousands of years. Genetic tests conducted by Japanese researchers have confirmed both that this breed is a direct descendant of ancient Southeast Asian hunting dogs, and that is in fact quite primitive and ancient. Found on Taiwan since time immemorial, the Formosan Mountain Dog is so-named because Formosa is an alternate (and somewhat outdated) name for the island of Taiwan.
Temperament
Taiwan Dogs possess superior intelligence, good manners and friendliness.They display an admirable ability for psychic communication and instinctssuch as loyalty, intelligence quotient, sense of direction and time,memory unparalleled by other canine species.
They also have great hunting skills and courage. They can carry heavy loads and have extraordinary sense of smell and hearing. Being extremely alert, they are highly territorial and guard their homes and masters with total devotion.
Due to environmental reasons, Taiwan Dogs are physically wild animals. Therefore they are highly adaptable to their surroundings, very independent and can nurse their young easily. They are simple to feed, healthy, do not pick their food and have no odor.
Because they are highly intelligent and matures early, puppies can be easily trained. With specialized training, they can be the best work dogs one can find. Their wild nature make them aggressive, but they are extremely loyal to one master and his family. Strangers can’t get near them easily which is the strongest proof of Taiwan Dog’s wild nature.
Caring for Your Formosan Mountain Dog
General Health
Although health information on the Formosan Mountain Dog is extremely limited, the breed is likely at risk of the following health conditions:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation/Luxating Patella
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy/PRA
- Demodicosis/Demodectic Mange/Demodex Mange
Grooming & Bathing
There are not many reports on the Formosan Mountain Dog’s shedding, but it is safe to assume that this breed is a heavy shedder based on what is known about closely related breeds. It is highly advisable for owners to introduce their Formosan Mountain Dogs to routine maintenance procedures such as bathing and nail clipping from as young an age and as carefully as possible, as many breed members hate the water and put up major resistance.
Exercise & Training
The Formosan is a high energy, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent breed that learns very quickly. These dogs are particularly agile; they are known for their hopping skill, especially when they are hunting small animals, such as rats. When they are startled or trying to intimidate their target, they will hop sideways back and forth. Unlike Rottweilers and German Shepherds, Formosan dogs do not hold their bite on their target. This habit is adopted and may be traced back to early boar hunting.
Considered highly intelligent, the Formosan Mountain Dog is an excellent problem solver and has been trained to perform advanced military tasks. However, this breed presents substantial training difficulties. These dogs are very independent-minded and certainly do not live to please.
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a very energetic and athletic breed which has substantial exercise requirements. This dog should receive an absolute minimum of an hour of vigorous physical activity every day, and more would be preferable. Formosan Mountain Dogs which are not provided proper outlets for their energy will almost certainly develop behavioral issues such as destructiveness, hyperactivity, excessive barking, fearfulness, and aggression. These dogs need daily walks but truly crave an opportunity to run freely in a safely enclosed area. Due to their high energy levels, Formosan Mountain Dogs adapt poorly to apartment life and really need a house with a sizable yard.
Formosan Mountain Dog Picture Gallery
