Taiwan Dog

The Taiwan Dog (Chinese: 台灣犬), or Formosan Mountain Dog, is an ancient breed indigenous to Taiwan that is used today as a hunting dog, guard dog, stunt dog, rescue dog, or simply as a companion.

One of the oldest and most primitive breeds in the world, the Taiwan Dog has been genetically traced back almost 20,000 years ago to South Asian hunting dogs.

A semi-wild as well as a domesticated breed, purebred Taiwan Dogs are rare. There have been four historic periods catastrophic to their survival: the Dutch settlement of Formosa (1624-1662), Japanese rule (1895-1945), World War II (1939-1945), and the Kuomintang Era (1945-Present day).

The worst of these was the late 20th century Kuomintang Era when a dog-eating culture was brought into Taiwan with the Chinese Nationalist Party during their retreat from mainland China due to their defeat by the Communist Party of China in the Chinese Civil War (1927-1949). More than anything else, this almost led to the Taiwan Dog’s extinction.

Bowing to pressure from domestic animal-rights groups, the Taiwanese government finally outlawed the consumption of dog meat, known as “fragrant meat” (香肉 xiāng ròu), in 2004.

Height: Male: 19–20 inches (48–52 cm), Female: 17–19 inches (43–47 cm)
Weight: Male: 31–40 lbs (14–18 kg) Female: 26–35 lbs (12–16 kg)
Coat Type: Short, smooth and oily.
Color: Black, White, Fawn, Brindle, Black & White, Fawn & White.
Litter size: 10-12 pups
Life span: 10-13 years

Temperament: Loyal, Intelligent, Bold, Fearless, Alert, Keen, Faithful.

Health Problems: Healthy and hardy breed. Some may be susceptible to skeletal problems, eye problems, and mange.

Special Interest:
• Also known as the Taiwanese Canis, Taiwanese Native Dog (台灣土狗) or Takasago Dog (高砂犬).
• Purebred Taiwan Dogs have spotted tongues.

Classifications:
AKC: FSS
FCI: Group 5 Spitz and Primitive dogs, Section 7 Primitive Type-Hunting Dogs #348

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