Taiwan Dog

Also called Formosan Mountain Dog, Takasago Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Taiwan, from the central mountain districts1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male14 to 18 kg1 2

Weight, female12 to 16 kg1 2

Height, male48 to 53 cm1 2

Height, female43 to 48 cm1 2

Sizemedium

FCI gives 48-53 cm and 43-48 cm; Wikipedia gives 48-52 cm and 43-47 cm.

deeply loyal

sharp senses and alert

bold and agile

1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, hard coat lying close to the body (1.5-3 cm)

A lean, agile medium-sized dog with almond eyes, pricked triangular ears and a sickle tail. Its short, harsh coat hugs the body and gives it a clean, athletic outline.1 2

Coloursblackbrindlefawnwhitewhite and blackwhite and fawnwhite and brindle1 2

Personality what they are like

A quick, intelligent and energetic dog that is extremely devoted to its owner. It learns fast and stays reserved with strangers, often forming its strongest bond with one person.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. A native hunting dog that needs plenty of daily exercise and mental work.1 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, hard coat is easy to care for with occasional brushing.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits active owners who can offer secure outdoor space and regular outings.2

Company who they like around

Bonds very closely with its family; early socialisation helps it feel at ease around new people and places.2

The story where it all began

Taiwan Dogs descend from the hunting dogs kept by the island's indigenous peoples in the central mountains. From 1976 to 1980 researchers surveyed 29 indigenous villages, and a 1980 joint study by National Taiwan University with Gifu and Nagoya universities in Japan traced the dogs to South Asian hunting-dog ancestors. The FCI accepted the breed standard in 2015.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Many Taiwan Dogs have dark markings on the tongue.2
2
It was chosen as the mascot of Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League in 2019.2
3
Taiwan's air force has tested it as a working guard dog because of its alertness.2
4
It was traditionally used to hunt wild boar in the mountains.2

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 348, Group 5, Section 7 (Primitive type, hunting dogs); standard published 9 Jun 20151

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Taiwan Dog. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Start a free diary

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI breed standard No. 348: Taiwan Dog fci.beused for origin, recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
Wikipedia: Taiwan Dog en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history dates, temperament, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.