Formosan Mountain Dog Breed: Your Complete Guide

The Formosan Mountain Dog (sometimes known as the Taiwan dog) is a breed native to the densely forested country of Taiwan. A breed that roamed wild for years, the Formosan mountain dog is an intelligent breed used for several purposes in its long-standing partnership with human companions.

They have served as watchdogs, pest exterminators, hunting companions, and more. While they can tend to bond exclusively with one person, they can prove to be exceptional family members. They also are more than capable of serving several different purposes in any home.

In the following sections, we will take a comprehensive look at the Formosan mountain dog and what makes it a good choice as a potential companion.

Quick Look at the Formosan Mountain Dog

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Formosan Mountain Dogs?

It would be an understatement to say that the Formosan mountain dog is an old breed; they date back over six thousand years. The Taiwanese canine descended from ancient southwest Asian hunting breeds, which has instilled a strong prey drive in the diminutive dog. Some researchers believe the Formosan mountain dog shares a genetic background with the Dingo.

It’s hard to know when exactly they began to share a home with humans, however, as they predate any written account of dogs by a large margin.

The isolated forests of Taiwan helped keep the numbers of mountain dogs up as they had little prey competition and a healthy ability to reproduce. This changed when the country of Taiwan was colonized by the Dutch, who brought in their own breed of dog.

The greyhound variant was used for hunting, while the Formosan mountain dog was left by the wayside. The Dutch did not allow the Taiwanese to own or domesticate the dog.

Unfortunately, due to occupation by Japan through the Second World War and China for some time after it, the Formosan mountain dog was hunted to endangerment status. The breed was on the verge of being wiped out by the 1940’s.

Thankfully, the breed still exists today thanks to the continued work of Dr. Sung Yung-Yi, the National Taiwan University, and the Gifu Universities of Japan. While the purebred Formosan mountain dog had become a rarity, the various roaming packs of dogs found throughout Taiwan still had some semblance of the ancestral breed in their genetic makeup.

Despite this lack of pure Formosan mountain dogs throughout the cities of Taiwan, the doctor was determined. Considering that the heavily forested areas in the mountains helped protect the species throughout the years, he assumed the geography may still serve a similar purpose.

In the search for purebred dogs by Dr. Sung Yung-Yi, they were only able to procure forty-six from various isolated villages and townships throughout the mountains of Taiwan. While it is a long road to bring the Formosan mountain dog to its former glory, it is in a far better place than it was just a few decades prior.

It has now become a valued species in the country and is highly sought after by Taiwanese and foreigners alike. Because of the horrible hardships this intelligent dog has undergone throughout the last century, finding purebreds outside its native Taiwan is exceedingly difficult.

What Do Formosan Mountain Dogs Look Like?

The Formosan mountain dog can come in a few different variations of color, though they will almost always be some mixture of black, brown, fawn, and white. They can either be one uniform color or have a coat of varying hues. Due to the variety of breeds that have produced offspring with the mountain dog, variant colors exist in the canine.

What Size Is a Formosan Mountain Dog?

The female of the species will typically sit and weigh a bit less than the male, though only by a few pounds and inches. On average, the dog will stand anywhere from 13 to 20 inches, with males usually getting a gentle lead on their female counterparts. Similarly, the weight ranges from 19 – 40 pounds, with the male weighing a couple more pounds.

What Is a Formosan Mountain Dog Coat Type and Length?

They have a shiny, soft coat that sits straight along the dog’s frame. The fur is typically short and will require minimal grooming from the owner. While variants occur because pure breeds are almost non-existent outside of Taiwan, finding medium or long-haired Formosan mountain dogs is relatively rare.

What Is a Formosan Mountain Dog’s Temperament?

They are exceedingly loyal dogs, particularly to their favorite person. This can be off-putting to some families, as they stick to a certain person more than others. They are an intelligent breed with a wide range of skills, from hunting to guarding a home. The Formosan mountain dog will also require regular exercise to drain its extensive energy reserves.

Families that fail to give their dogs a daily walk or playtime may find furniture or carpet damaged or destroyed. They can also have a fair bit of separation anxiety if not properly trained, which can also wreak havoc on your home.

The breed is very hesitant towards strangers and can grow fearful and, at times, aggressive if not properly trained to socialize from an early age. However, this makes them worthwhile watchdogs as they tend to be very attentive to who is in or around the house.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Good With Kids?

The Formosan mountain dog is not exceptional with smaller children, though it is intelligent enough to be trained to adapt. That said, they make fantastic companions for older children who are aware of how to handle and interact with pets. If you have toddlers or babies in your home, there are better choices in breed than the Taiwanese native, however.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Good With Other Animals?

The Formosan mountain dog has a history of working in packs, which has made them accepting of other canines. This should still be reinforced by early socialization with other dogs, particularly any the mountain dog will share a home with. Cats and smaller animals may not be as lucky, as the prey drive for this miniature mutt is still deeply a part of its character.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Aggressive?

Considering their history, it would be perfectly understandable if they wrote off humans altogether. Thankfully, they are still deeply loyal to their family and one of the sweetest breeds you will ever meet. Unfortunately, their disdain for strangers is well-documented, and while it makes them good guard dogs, it can also cause them to go into barking fits.

This isn’t to say they are vicious; they are anxious and fearful of newcomers, which can cause the dog to nip. This characteristic can be minimized through a socialized upbringing and training with other people and animals.

Do Formosan Mountain Dogs Bark?

They do bark, and depending on where you live, they may bark quite often. While they are not the yappiest of breeds, their keen sense of awareness will alert them to every threat, present or perceived. They may also bark to get your attention if they feel somehow neglected, though this can be fixed through proper training.

If you are looking for a quiet breed, the Formosan mountain dog is not ideal, though they shouldn’t be disregarded.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Affectionate?

If the Formosan mountain dog is raised with you, it will be a constant companion that is overeager for attention. They are incredible friends, though they may choose a specific person in the family and stick with them. They tend to find a best pal and pay less attention to everyone else, to the disappointment of other family members.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Intelligent?

The Formosan mountain dog is far from a dullard and can serve numerous purposes. While it isn’t as formidable in intellect as a border collie, its keen senses help it perform several tasks. They have been used to hunt, exterminate rats, protect homes, alert owners, and can still serve as a lovable lap dogs at the end of the day.

Prospective owners looking for a sharp mind will be more than pleased with the mental capacity of the Taiwanese breed.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Energetic?

They won’t be doing figure eights around your ankles for hours on end, but they do have a tremendous amount of energy that needs to be expended. The breed comes from a line of dogs that spent their days hunting, running, and playing in packs. Because of this, they have a huge amount of gas in the tank and will require regular, daily playtime or walks.

If you are someone who enjoys physical activities like jogging or hiking, the Formosan mountain dog is a great companion who will happily accompany you on your daily outing.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Easy to Train?

Due to their high intellect and eagerness to please, the Formosan mountain dog is one of the easier breeds to get accustomed to domestic life. They are more than willing to listen, and the biggest barrier to compliance will be their excitability, energy level, and wariness towards strangers.

A good trainer or regular sessions can wear out the most stubborn of Formosan mountain dogs, however, and plenty of dog breeds are harder to work with. If you want a dog that is quick to catch on, the Formossan mountain dog is an exceptional choice.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Good Watchdogs?

A recurring theme in this article is how multifaceted the Formosan mountain dog is. While they aren’t as intimidating as larger breeds, they have a loud bark and keen senses that can detect an intruder or visitor well before any human can. They will make the presence of anyone known quite vocally and make exceptional watchdogs.

If you want a dog that is a compact yet vigilant protector, they are a wonderful breed to choose.

Are Formosan Mountain Dogs Good Service Dogs?

While they have the intelligence and ability to make good service dogs, their wariness towards strangers could prove problematic. Similarly, for those who need physical assistance, the breed is too small to fulfill their owner’s needs. That said, they can make good emotional support dogs and can work well in a home setting.

They are intelligent, affectionate, and emotionally empathic; they can tell when you are having a difficult time and be trained to assist those struggling through their week.

How to Care for a Formosan Mountain Dog?

The great thing about the Formosan mountain dog is that their grooming needs are a breeze. The downside is that they have a Duracell that doesn’t let up, and they will require moderate daily exercise to keep their destructiveness in check. Their diet can get tricky as the breed varies from one pooch to another, so their individual needs may differ.

Do You Need to Groom a Formosan Mountain Dog?

The breed has a short, straight-haired coat that is easy to deal with, and the average mountain dog can get away with one worthwhile brushing a week. However, their oral health should be maintained, and their ears should be checked to avoid dander or dirt buildup. They are one of the easier breeds to care for in terms of habitual brushing and grooming is low-maintenance.

Do Formosan Mountain Dogs Shed?

Despite what their coat may indicate, these short-haired dogs shed a bit and are not hypoallergenic. If you are looking for a breed that rarely sheds or doesn’t irritate allergies, the Formosan mountain dog should be avoided. However, they will not cover your home in brindle patterns and shed a manageable amount through the year.

What Health Problems Do Formosan Mountain Dogs Have?

The purebred Formosan mountain dog has several health complications due to a small roster of breeding options, though this is not a concern for anyone outside of Taiwan. Health complications are not a large concern for crossbred mountain dogs, though certain problems that are fairly common in the breed can arise.

• Cataracts
• Sarcoptic mange
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Luxating patella
• Progressive retinal atrophy

While this list may frighten prospective owners, none of these afflictions are guaranteed, and a good breeder can alert you to potential health issues in a dog. Additionally, a good diet, regular exercise, and proper attention can minimize the chances of a dog getting sick and increase their lifespan.

How Long Do Formosan Mountain Dogs Live?

The lifespan of a Formosan mountain dog depends on its size, genetics, and lifestyle. That said, the typical age a mountain dog will reach is anywhere from 9 to 13 years, with notable outliers. Typically speaking, the smaller mountain dogs will tend to outlive their more robust cousins.

What Should a Formosan Mountain Dog Eat?

A Formosan mountain dog’s diet will depend on age, size, and weight. Puppies will need a gradually changing diet that progresses as they do. Adult dogs should be fed food fitting their size, as some mountain dogs tend to sit a fair bit higher than their relatives. All dogs should have portioned food given out twice a day to avoid weight issues down the line.

For a good idea of what the dog should eat, speak with the breeder or a local vet to get the best recommendation for your canine. If that isn’t possible, try to find good-quality dog food made for energetic dogs in the small or medium category.

Is a Formosan Mountain Dog the Right Dog for Me?

The breed is ideal for single-person households or families that are willing to spend some time socializing and exercising the dog as it needs it. Cat owners or folks with newborns who don’t have the time to train a new companion may want to steer clear of the breed, as it is sometimes too energetic for its own good.

The Formosan mountain dog is a wonderful breed that comes in several shapes, colors, and sizes that can make a tremendous four-legged alarm. They have an infectiously sweet disposition and a sharp mind that can win over just about anyone. If you suffer from a mouse or rat problem, they also make lovely pest control pooches.