The Formosan Mountain Dog (also known as the Taiwanese Dog, Taiwan Dog, Taiwanese Street Dog, or Taipei Dog) is a medium-sized pariah-type dog originating from the island of Taiwan. These dogs are considered to be semi-wild dog breed and now are used as hunting dogs, watch dogs, stunt dogs or simply as companions. Here’s all information you need to know before you buy a Tawaian puppy.

Formosan Mountain Dog: History

The Taiwan Dog’s roots are thought to be semi-wild dogs that traveled with Taiwan Aboriginals as they migrated from mainland Asia to the island of Taiwan. Some scholars believe that the canines inhabited the land before people, possibly even tens of thousands of years ago.

Many of the Tawaian dogs were bred with German shepherds or pit bulls and it is difficult to find a purebred Formosan Mountain Dog. A person responsible for breeding pure Tawaian dogs was Dr. Sung Yung-yi who was searching for purebred Tawaian dogs and started breeding them to rebuild the breed. They are now recognized by AKC and FCI as a stock breed.

Formosan Mountain Dog: Physical Characteristics and Appearance

They are medium-sized dogs, with almond-shaped eyes and triangular head. They have pointy ears and short, smooth coat that can have brindle markings. Usually, they weigh around 14-18kg, female Tawaian dogs are a bit lighter and weigh 12-16 kg. Their height at the whiters is about 50 cm. The feature that is especially characteristic with Formosan Mountain Dogs is that they tend to have a black coating on their tongues. Usually they have hairless bellies. They have erect, thin ears and are firm and well-balanced. They come in black or earthy yellow. They are particularly agile and are known for their great hopping skills.

Maintenance

Formosan Mountain Dog tends to shed seasonally, so be prepared to do some extra vacuuming during those times. Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their teeth should be brushed often to prevent tartar buildup. The dog owners should also remember to bath them every month or so with a delicate shampoo to keep their coat clean and healthy.

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Activity Level

Formosan Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. They are obedient and eager to please their owners, making them a great choice for families. They do well in obedience training and love to play fetch and other games. They are highly active dogs and they need a plenty of exercise every day. They also need mental stimulation and love to be trained so they can learn new tricks. Before you get a puppy, make sure that you’re able to provide them with necessary activity and that your dog has a lot of space to run and explore. They can live in an apartment, however, cities may not be the best option for them. They enjoy hunting and digging.

Diet

Formosan Mountain Dogs need a high quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size and activity level. They are active dogs, so they will need a food that is packed with protein and fat. Formosan Mountain Dogs should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. A typical adult dog will need less than 2 cups of food per day, split into two meals. Puppies will need a food that is high in calories to help them grow, while adult dogs will need a food that helps maintain their weight.

Training

Formosan Mountain Dogs are very eager to please the owner and are highly trainable so it is important to provide them with the proper mental stimulation. They need a lot of exercise every day and will excel in obedience training. It is important to socialize them at an early age so they can learn how to interact with other people and animals.

Personality And Temperament

Formosan Dogs are known to be very loving and loyal to their owners. They are excellent watch dogs and they are reserved towards other animals and dogs, so if you have a pet in your house already it is important that they’re socialized at an early age. They are also quite reserved towards strangers. They are known to be extremly protective of their family, so they can be wary and cautious with people they do not know. They are alert and ready to rescue their owner if necessary. They require a lot of mental stimulation and when they’re left alone they may become destructive. They are great with older children but they may be quite dominant for toddlers and they may unintentionally hurt them. It is important to socialize them early and supervise them around small children.

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Health

Taiwan Dogs are generally healthy, although they, like other breeds, can be afflicted with a variety of ailments. Not all dogs in this breed will develop any or all of the diseases listed below, but it is critical to be aware of them if you are thinking about adopting one. Some of the more prevalent health problems seen in Taiwan Dogs include:

  • hip dysplasia;
  • elbow dysplasia;
  • cataracts;
  • progressive rhetinal artophy;
  • luxating patella.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. It is a degenerative condition that can be hereditary, or caused by environmental factors such as obesity or injury. Elbow dysplasia is another form of degenerative joint disease that affects the elbow joint. It, too, can be hereditary or caused by environmental factors. Cataracts is a disease that affects the lens of the eye, causing it to become opaque and impairing vision. Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that affects the retina, eventually leading to blindness. Luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position.

It’s important to be aware of these conditions before buying a puppy. Be sure to ask the breeder about the health of the parents and grandparents of your potential pup, and whether any have been affected by these or other conditions.

Formosan Mountain Dog Puppy Price

The price for a Formosan Mountain Dog puppy can vary depending on the breeder, but they typically range from $600-$2,000. Some breeders may charge more for puppies with better lineage or those that have already been socialized and trained. If you are interested in adopting a Formosan Mountain Dog, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. A good breeder will provide you with all necessary information and the pup’s lineage. They will also answer all your questions so that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to adopt.

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For Whom?

Formosan Mountain Dogs are incredibly affectionate and loving dogs, which primarily form close bonds with their owner and family. They are also pack animals by nature, and enjoy being around other dogs as well. However, they can be weary of strangers and may bark excessively if not properly socialized from an early age. Formosan Mountain Dog is a perfect companion for those who live an active lifestyle and enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, running, or playing fetch. They’re excellent guard dogs, so if you want a companion and guardian, this is the breed for you. They are perfect dogs for active couples or families. If you live alone and leave your dog alone, they may experience separation anxiety. This breed is very protective and some dogs may consider other animals and dogs as a threat and be cautious. So if you have other animals or dogs in the house, proper early socialization is key to form a good relationship between the pets. Since they’re very active, they’re not recommended for seniors or people who do not spend a lot of active time outside.


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