Taiwan Dog

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Taiwan Dog, also known as the Formosan Mountain Dog, is a small to medium dog from Taiwan. It is a very old breed, with roots going back 10,000 to 20,000 years. The medium type is the most common today.

Size and color:
- Males: about 48–52 cm tall and 14–18 kg
- Females: about 43–47 cm tall and 12–16 kg
- Colors: black, earthy yellow, or yellowish-brown
- Notable trait: the tongue is often black

Appearance:
Formosan dogs have almond-shaped eyes, a triangular face, and pointy or prick ears. They have a firm, athletic body, a thick coat, and a tail that can be curved or upright. Their belly is usually hairless. A distinctive trait is their black tongue.

Life and use:
They were originally native hunting dogs in Taiwan and are very agile and smart. They can be excellent guard dogs and loyal companions. They are usually alert and wary of strangers, and they bond strongly with one person or with their family. With good training and socialization, they can be friendly with people and other animals.

History and conservation:
The Formosan Mountain Dog nearly disappeared in the 20th century due to crossbreeding with foreign dogs and changes in land use. Today purebred Formosans are rare, and there is debate about preserving the original bloodline versus creating a new type through crossbreeding. Efforts to protect and breed pure Formosans have been mixed over the years.

In culture:
Taiwan Dog was the official mascot of Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League in 2019. In 2023, Google made a Doodle game featuring a Taiwan dog to celebrate Taiwan’s bubble tea.

Summary:
The Taiwan Dog is an ancient, loyal, energetic watchdog and family companion from Taiwan. It stays alert, loves to work, and requires training and socialization to bring out its best in new situations.