The Formosan Mountain Dog is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Taiwan where it was used mainly for hunting and guarding homes. It is known by a number of different names including the Formosan Mountain Dog, Taiwanse Dog, Formosan, Taiwanese Dog, Taiwan Dog, Takasago Dog, Formosan Hunting Dog and Formosan Native Dog. Formosan Mountain Dogs have been in existence for centuries in Taiwan. It was determined that they are descendants of ancient Southeast Asian hunting dogs. They were named Formosans after the alternate name for Taiwan, which is Formosa. At this time, Formosans were mainly kept as hunting and guard dogs. During the late 1890s to early 1940s, the Formosan Mountain Dog nearly became extinct due to extensive cross-breeding. However, during late the 1970s, a small group of Formosan fanciers began efforts to save the breed. While their efforts proved somewhat successful, this is still considered a rare breed, and there are very few “pure” Formosans in the world.
The Formosan Mountain Dog is small or medium in size, and originated in Taiwan. The medium-sized type is more common than the small type. They have fairly deep chests and long, strong legs. The Formosan Mountain Dog has a long muzzle, strong jaws and large, erect ears. Their short, coarse coats can vary in color but are usually either black or yellowish brown. These dogs need to be brushed regularly to get rid of dead hair.
Personality
Formosan Mountain Dogs are friendly, sociable, intelligent and lively dogs. They enjoy human companionship and thrive on close bonds with humans. This dog breed is quite active and need lots of exercise to stay happy. They may not be the perfect apartment dogs. Formosans are eager to please and therefore pretty easy to train. They tend to be obedient and are loving and affectionate. The Formosan is a highly active and intelligent dog that is rather easy to train. It is also quite affectionate and forms strong bonds with its human family. While it is gentle with its owner, it tends to be distrusting of strangers and will become aggressive if necessary. Formosans typically get along well with kids and other dogs; however, they do not interact well with such pets as cats, rabbits, rodents and birds.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | Asia |
| Preferred Climate: | Warm |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Formosan Mountain Dog, Taiwanse Dog, Formosan, Taiwanese Dog, Taiwan Dog, Takasago Dog, Formosan Hunting Dog, Formosan Native Dog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Formosan Mountain Dog Build Information
The Formosan Mountain Dog is small or medium in size, and originated in Taiwan. The medium-sized type is more common than the small type. They have fairly deep chests and long, strong legs. The Formosan Mountain Dog has a long muzzle, strong jaws and large, erect ears. Their short, coarse coats can vary in color but are usually either black or yellowish brown. These dogs need to be brushed regularly to get rid of dead hair.
| Size: | Small |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 18-20 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 4 – 5 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Formosan Mountain Dogs are friendly, sociable, intelligent and lively dogs. They enjoy human companionship and thrive on close bonds with humans. This dog breed is quite active and need lots of exercise to stay happy. They may not be the perfect apartment dogs. Formosans are eager to please and therefore pretty easy to train. They tend to be obedient and are loving and affectionate. The Formosan is a highly active and intelligent dog that is rather easy to train. It is also quite affectionate and forms strong bonds with its human family. While it is gentle with its owner, it tends to be distrusting of strangers and will become aggressive if necessary. Formosans typically get along well with kids and other dogs; however, they do not interact well with such pets as cats, rabbits, rodents and birds.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Moderate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
This is a breed that requires very little grooming other than an occasional bathing when it becomes dirty. Additionally, you can brush your pet with a hound glove during shedding season to help control the amount of pet hair in your home. You should also check your Formosan’s ears once or twice a month and trim its nails when necessary.
| Colors: | Black, Tan Brindle, Yellow |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Formosan Mountain Dog Common Health Conditions
The Formosan is typically an amazingly healthy breed that rarely develops any serious health issues. Nevertheless, there are some conditions that the Formosan can be prone to developing. You can find the most common of these issues listed below: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Cataracts and Glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Formosan Mountain Dogs are all-around great pets. Not only do these dogs make terrific hunting and guard dogs, but they are excellent family pets as well. This is considered a rare breed and may be a bit hard to find; however, with its affectionate and loyal disposition, this is definitely a dog that is worth looking for.
Formosan Mountain Dog Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Formosan Mountain Dogs are so flexible that they can turn a full 180 degrees in one second. In addition to hunting and guarding, Formosans have also been used as stunt dogs and rescue dogs. Formosan Mountain Dogs were once a source of meat for some people in Taiwan.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | Yes |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
