Taiwan Dog Breed Information:
An ancient dog
breed, the Taiwan Dog has been a loyal companion to humans for centuries.
Although these versatile dogs are mostly found in their native country today,
enthusiasm for the rare breed is rising. This increasingly popular canine goes
by several other names, including Taiwanese Native Dog, Takasago Dog, and
Formosan Mountain Dog.
Taiwan Dog Group: Hound Dogs.
Taiwan Dog Height: 16 to 21 inches.
Taiwan Dog Weight: 25 to 40 pounds.
Taiwan Dog Life Span: 10 to 13 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Taiwan Dog
coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black, white, fawn, and
brindle. Sometimes these coats are solid, and other times they are a mix of
these colors. The Taiwan Dog may not be suited for younger children and toddlers
but will make a great companion for older kids who know how to approach and
play with dogs properly. The Taiwan Dog does seasonally shed, which may not
make them the best choice for allergy sufferers.
Taiwan Dog History:
The Taiwan Dog's
ancient ancestors are believed to be semi-wild dogs who traveled with Taiwan
Aboriginals as they crossed the strait from mainland Asia to the island of
Taiwan. Some researchers even posit that the dogs existed on the island before
humans, maybe even as far as 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. In the 1970s, Dr. Sung
Yung-yi worked hard to bring back the breed. He and others worked together to
search for dogs in the central mountain region. They found 160 Taiwan Dogs,
only 46 of which they believed to be purebreds. Dr. Sung Yung-yi's family
started a Taiwan Dog breeding program to rebuild the breed.
Taiwan Dog Size:
Taiwan Dog
stands 16 to 21 inches tall from the shoulder and weigh in between 25 and 40
pounds. In general, the males are slightly larger than the females.
Taiwan Dog Personality:
For centuries,
these mountain dogs traveled with their one person, and even today, the Taiwan
Dog tends to latch onto one caretaker in the household. This doesn't mean that
your Taiwan Dog won't or can't be affectionate with everyone in the family, but
it will be clear who in the house they would literally protect with their life.
Since Taiwan Dogs grow so close to their humans, they have a tendency to be
wary of strangers or new acquaintances. Proper socialization training can help
curb any unwanted stranger aggression. That said, if you are looking for a
watchdog who will alert you of any potential danger, the Taiwan Dog could be
the breed for you.
Also Read This : All Dog Breeds - Names and Pictures | Complete List of Dog Profiles
Taiwan Dog Health:
Taiwan Dogs are
generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health
conditions. Not all dogs of this breed will get any or all of the diseases
below, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Some of the more common health issues Taiwan Dogs suffer from include:
Hip dysplasia.
Elbow dysplasia.
Cataracts.
Progressive
retinal atrophy.
Luxating
patella.
Sarcoptic mange.
Taiwan Dog Care:
As with all
dogs, you should keep up with your Taiwan Dog's regular veterinary checkups to
detect any health concerns early. Taiwan Dogs have high energy levels, and they
can be prone to aggression and destructive behavior if left alone too long or
without space to run. Make sure your dog gets at least two good half-hour- to
hour-long walks per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks
mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as
recommended by your vet. Trim your dog's nails before they get too long usually
once or twice per month.
Taiwan Dog Feeding:
Taiwan Dog diet
should be formulated for a small- to medium-sized breed with
higher-than-average energy levels. Make sure your Taiwan Dog stays in good
shape by measuring their food and feeding them twice a day rather than leaving
food out all the time.
Taiwan Dog Coat Color And Grooming:
The Taiwan Dog
has a dense, short coat that can even feel a bit prickly to the touch. This
unique coat comes in a wide range of colors, including black, white, fawn, and
brindle. Sometimes these coats are solid, and other times they are a mix of
these colors. Taking care of your Taiwan Dog's coat is fairly low maintenance
as well. A weekly brushing along with regular bathing should do the trick.
Their coats are designed to help protect them from the elements, but you still
should not leave your Taiwan Dog out in extreme weather or temperature
situations.
Taiwan Dog with Children And Other Pets:
Taiwan Dog can
make a great excellent companion for older kids. The Taiwan Dog may not be
suited for younger children and toddlers, as this ancient breed still has a bit
of a dominant streak. While they may not intentionally hurt smaller children,
their more intense play could accidentally knock a toddler down. When it comes
to other animals, Taiwan Dogs are typically accepting of other dogs, as long as
they are introduced properly. To avoid any aggression, it may be best if your
Taiwan Dog is the opposite sex of whatever dog you already have. As for cats,
the Taiwan Dog may be more tempted by their hunting DNA to chase down cats.