Taiwan Dog

Other names : Taiwanese Canis, Taiwanese Native Dog, Takasago Dog, Formosan Mountain Dog, Taiwan Canis

Photo: adult dog of Taiwan Dog breed
© Chen Te / Shutterstock

Also known as the Taiwan Dog, the Formosan Mountain Dog is a medium sized breed that is closely related to the wild Dingo. These dogs have a long history in East Asia, where they were used as hunting dogs, guard dogs, watchdogs, and companion dogs. The Formosan Mountain dog is very rare and exceptionally valuable. UK owners will have a tough time finding a specialist breeder. And even if they do, they should expect to pay thousands of pounds for these highly-prized dogs.

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Life expectancy

The Taiwan Dog has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 17 and 19 in
Male Between 19 and 21 in

Adult weight

Female Between 26 and 35 lb
Male Between 31 and 40 lb
Coat colour
Black White Red Brown
Type of coat
Short Hard
Eye colour
Brown

Purchase price

The Taiwan Dog costs between £2500 and £3000

Good to know

Purebred Formosan Mountain dogs are very rare. As a result, puppies can change hands for thousands of pounds. 

Any breeders offering “cheap” Formosans should be avoided. The puppies are likely to have been born with serious genetic disorders.

Formosan Mountain Dogs produce huge litters. It’s not uncommon for them to produce as many as 12 puppies.

More details about the Taiwan Dog

Taiwan Dog: Origins and history

The Formosan Mountain Dog is a descendent of the South Asian Pariah Dogs. These semi-wild dogs would live on the outskirts of human settlements, scavenging for scraps and hunting small vermin. After the Dutch established a base in the region, they began crossing their own hunting breeds with the Pariah Dogs. The result of that pairing was the Formosan Mountain Dog. Since then, it’s been mixed with both Japanese and Western Hunting dogs, producing a wide range of crossbreeds. Purebred Formosans became very rare. They were also used for dog meat after Taiwan came under Chinese control. As a result, their numbers were very close to extinction levels and still remain a cause for concern. Researchers from Taiwan’s top universities are working on programmes to save this ancient breed. 

FCI classification of the Taiwan Dog

  • Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

  • Section 7 : Primitive type - Hunting Dogs

Training a Taiwan Dog

A fairly easy dog to train. Smart without being stubborn. Keen to impress. Remains well-focused on the task at hand. 

Taiwan Dog: Purchase price

The initial cost of a Formosan Mountain Dog puppy is between £2,500 to £3,000. The average cost to keep one of these dogs (including vet bills, insurance, and food) is between £50 to £100 a month.
 

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