Formosan Mountain Dog (Taiwan Dog): Breed Characteristics & Care

The Formosan mountain dog, also known as the Taiwan dog, is a medium-sized non-sporting dog breed from Taiwan, characterized by a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors. This rare dog breed has a triangular head with almond-shaped eyes and thin prick ears. The dog’s tongue often sports black markings.

Overall, the breed has a lanky, muscular build with an erect, sickle-shaped tail. It’s a descendent of ancient hunting dogs and, as such, a powerful athlete that’s best for an active household.

Learn all about the Formosan mountain dog’s history, care needs, temperament, and more.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting

Height: 17 to 20 inches

Weight: 26 to 40 pounds

Coat: Short, smooth

Coat Color: Black, brindle, fawn, white, white and black, white and brindle, white and fawn

Life Span: 9 to 13 years

Temperament: Alert, loyal, intelligent

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: Taiwan

Characteristics of the Formosan Mountain Dog

The Formosan mountain dog typically has an alert and intelligent temperament. They are often quite connected to their owner and respond well to training, though they can be reserved around strangers. High energy also helps to shape the breed’s personality.

History of the Formosan Mountain Dog

Formosan mountain dogs have ancient canine DNA that can be traced back over 10,000 years. They come from semi-wild South Asian dogs that people would use to assist them in hunting wild boar and other game.

The dogs have been prevalent in Taiwan for thousands of years, acting as loyal companions and watchdogs as well as hunting dogs for the people there. While the dogs were devoted to their families, they also retained a wild streak. For instance, they were adept at finding their own food. 

The breed’s numbers have dwindled, especially as other dogs arrived in Taiwan and interbred with the indigenous dogs. Now, the remaining purebred Formosan mountain dogs are mostly used for breeding efforts to keep the line alive.

The American Kennel Club hasn’t officially recognized the breed, though it is part of the organization’s Foundation Stock Service, which helps to track breeding efforts. 

Formosan Mountain Dog Care

Plan to spend ample time every day exercising this high-energy dog. Fortunately, their grooming only requires minimal time. They also should receive consistent training and socialization from an early age to instill good manners.

Exercise

Aim for at least one to two hours per day of exercise for your Formosan mountain dog. Examples of good activities for this breed include:

• Long walks

• Hikes

• Jogging

• Swimming

• Fetch

This breed also can excel in dog sports, such as agility, which provide mental and physical challenges. Puzzle toys also can help to occupy this bright breed.

Keep your dog in a securely fenced area or on a leash when outside. If you don’t, the breed’s prey drive might cause your dog to take off chasing perceived prey. The breed also may become aggressive around unknown people and dogs if not properly trained and socialized.

Grooming

Brush your dog at least weekly to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. But expect periods of higher shedding roughly twice a year, often in the spring and fall, when you’ll have to brush more frequently.

Bathe your dog every month or so, and check their ears at least weekly to see whether they need cleaning. Trim their nails roughly every month as well, and brush their teeth ideally every day. 

Training

Begin training and socialization when your Formosan mountain dog is a puppy. A puppy obedience class can help to teach them basic commands and social skills.

The breed typically responds well to positive-reinforcement training methods. The key is to make training fun and varied to hold this intelligent dog’s attention. 

Moreover, it’s key to expose your Formosan mountain dog to different people, other dogs, and various locations to help curb their wariness and protective instinct. The breed can become aggressive due to fear without socialization, but having lots of positive experiences around strangers should help to prevent this.

Common Health Problems

The Formosan mountain dog is overall a very healthy breed. In fact, it doesn’t have any known hereditary health problems outside of age-related issues that are seen in most dog breeds.1

Some age-related issues and health problems that can develop in Formosan mountain dogs include:

• Eye problems: Various eye problems can develop in dogs. Examples include cataracts (cloudy lens), progressive retinal atrophy (can lead to blindness), and glaucoma (too much pressure in the eyes). Watch for signs that your dog is having trouble seeing, and have them checked by a vet regularly to catch problems early.

• Elbow and hip dysplasia: These orthopedic conditions affect the elbows and hips, leading to symptoms like reduced mobility and pain. A vet can discuss treatment options.

• Patellar luxation: This condition causes the kneecap to slip out of its groove. It can lead to pain and trouble walking. It can be fixed with surgery.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water accessible for your Formosan mountain dog. Feed them a high-quality canine diet with balanced nutrition, typically via two measured meals per day.

Discuss both the type of food and the amount with your vet to ensure that you’re meeting your dog’s individual needs. Nutritional requirements can vary based on age, activity level, and other factors. 

Also, avoid overfeeding treats and other supplemental food to help prevent excess weight gain.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Formosan Mountain Dog

The Formosan mountain dog is rare to find at breeders and rescue groups in North America. Dogs with pure bloodlines are primarily kept for conservation breeding efforts rather than adopted or sold to the general public as companion animals. Consequently, if you do find an animal listed as a Formosan mountain dog or Taiwan dog, odds are they're a mixed breed. As such, the cost for these dogs will vary widely.

For further information to help connect you with a Taiwan dog, check out: 

• Taiwan Dog Club of America

• Formosan Mountain Dog Rescue Organizations

Formosan Mountain Dog Overview

If you can find a Formosan mountain dog, you’re sure to fall in love with them. They have a great personality and can be a lot of fun. However, they do need a lot of physical and mental activity daily, and they require proper training and socialization from a young age.

Pros of Formosan Mountain Dogs

• Intelligent and trainable

• Affectionate and devoted

• Good watchdog

Cons of Formosan Mountain Dogs

• Difficult to find at rescues and breeders

• Can be wary of strangers

• Needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation

More Dogs Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home a Formosan mountain dog, do thorough research to make sure the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue organizations, reputable breeders, and vets. Try to meet some Formosan mountain dogs, too, if possible. 

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Chinese Crested

• Shar-Pei

• Pekingese

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!