Taiwan Dog

Summary

The Taiwan Dog (also known as the Formosan Mountain Dog) is a primitive breed native to Taiwan, descending from hunting dogs brought by Austronesian peoples who migrated to the island 10,000–20,000 years ago. It was used by the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan to hunt wild boar and deer. It is considered one of the oldest primitive dogs of East Asia. It was recognized by the FCI with a provisional standard in 1998 and definitive in 2015.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Medium
Height (male): 48–52 cm
Height (female): 43–47 cm
Weight (male): 14–18 kg
Weight (female): 12–16 kg
Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
Coat: Short and hard coat, very close-lying to the body; 1.5–3 cm in length; no pronounced undercoat
Common Colors: Black, brindle, fawn, white, white and black, white and fawn, white and brindle

Temperament & Personality

The Taiwan Dog is extremely loyal to its owner, with sharp senses, agile, and courageous. It is an excellent hunting and guard dog. It can be reserved with strangers and requires early and comprehensive socialization. Its loyalty to its owner can make it overprotective if not well socialized. It has remarkable intelligence and adaptability.

Activity & Exercise

Energy Level: High
Recommended Daily Exercise: 90 minutes

Grooming & Care

Grooming Needs: Minimal
Shedding: Low
Bathing Frequency: Every 6–8 weeks

Health

Common Health Issues: Generally healthy breed due to rigorous natural selection
Hip dysplasia
Recommended Health Tests: Hip evaluation

Compatibility

With Children: Good
For First-Time Owners: Not recommended

Fun Facts

The Taiwan Dog frequently has a tongue spotted with blue or black — a primitive characteristic it shares with the Chow Chow, the Shar-Pei, and some other ancient Asian breeds. The aboriginal tribes of Taiwan considered these dogs spiritual hunting partners and rarely sold them, passing them down within families over generations. --- _Guide compiled based on the standards of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), data available at [fci.be](https://www.fci.be), and information compiled from specialized sources including [American Kennel Club](https://www.akc.org), [The Kennel Club](https://www.royalkennelclub.com), [United Kennel Club](https://www.ukcdogs.com), and specific breed associations._ ================================================================================ # Group 6 — Scent Hounds and Related Breeds Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) brings together one of the richest and most diverse families of dogs in the world: scent hounds and related breeds. These breeds share a fundamental characteristic — the extraordinary development of their sense of smell, honed over millennia of selection to follow trails with relentless precision. From the damp valleys of medieval France to the cold forests of Scandinavia, through the mountains of the Balkans and the Swiss plains, each breed in this group is the product of a territory, a hunting culture, and generations of passionate breeders. With 72 recognized breeds, Group 6 is one of the largest FCI groups, reflecting the enormous European tradition of hunting with scent hounds. The breeds are organized into three main sections: scent hounds (divided into large, medium, and small size), leash scent hound dogs, and related breeds — a heterogeneous group that includes everything from the spectacular Dalmatian to the fearless Rhodesian Ridgeback. Most of these breeds were bred to work in packs, which profoundly shapes their social temperament, their characteristic vocalization, and their need for companionship. For the modern owner, scent hounds present unique challenges and rewards. They are high-energy dogs, endowed with an olfactory curiosity that can lead them to ignore commands when an interesting trail crosses their path. They require abundant exercise, early socialization, and patient owners who understand their independent nature. In return, they offer deep loyalty, a cheerful and resilient personality, and an athletic ability that is a joy to behold. Many of these breeds are still used in active hunting today, keeping intact the abilities that made them famous. This guide presents detailed profiles of all Group 6 breeds, providing enthusiasts and potential owners with essential information about each one — from their history to their health needs, from their temperament to their compatibility with different lifestyles.

Dogs with a similar origin, size, lifespan, or FCI group.