Characteristics
Average
43–52 cm
12–18 kg
10–13 years old
Spitz and breeds of primitive type
Brief information
Origin story
The ancestors of the Taiwanese dog lived in Asia before our era. Experts believe that nomadic tribes brought them with them about 5 thousand years ago. Then they were excellent hunting assistants and watchmen. Of course, no one was specifically engaged in breeding purebred animals, moreover, the ancestors of the Taiwanese dog ran freely throughout the island, breeding completely randomly. As a result, we can say that the breed became wild, but, unlike the same wolves, remained capable of training.
The Taiwanese dog as a separate breed could have been destroyed at least twice. In the 17th century, the colonialists crossed local animals with hunting dogs they brought with them. There were very few purebred animals left then, we can say that the population survived by a miracle. At the beginning of the 20th century, during the occupation of Taiwan by the Japanese military, essentially the same thing happened. By the way, among the relatives of some truly Japanese breeds, you can find a Taiwanese dog, which again confirms this theory. At the same time, that is, in the 20th century, the Taiwanese dog began to interbreed with German shepherds brought by the Japanese to guard their outposts.
We owe the reconstruction of the breed to specialists from the Taiwan University, who in the 70s of the last century decided to do a very painstaking work. First, they had to study almost cave paintings in order to understand exactly what a purebred Taiwanese dog looked like. Then, over the course of several years, they were able to select only 40 dogs from the remote villages of the island, which could be recognized as purebred. It is thanks to the efforts of scientists that today we can take home a Taiwanese dog.
Description
The Taiwanese dog is a medium-sized animal. The head appears triangular in front, but square in the back. The nose is usually black or very dark. A distinctive feature of the Taiwanese dog is the tongue in these animals it often also has a characteristic black color or even spotted. The ears of an animal are compared by many with the ears of bats the same pointed and thin. Eyes dark, almond shaped. Light eye color is a marriage and is not allowed in purebred animals.
The body of the Taiwanese dog is strong, with pronounced muscles. The tail is like a saber. Despite not some external massiveness, the Taiwanese dog is very agile.
The coat of these animals is very hard and short. Recognized official colors are brindle, black, white, various shades of red and a two-tone suit. In general, the appearance of the Taiwanese dog can be described, as they say, in a nutshell: it is very similar to the feral animals of other continents, which emphasizes its versatility.
Character
The Taiwanese dog is an excellent hunter, but today these animals are still used more for patrol and protection. Yes, the Taiwanese dog serves in the police of his homeland, and even beyond its borders. Moreover, many cynologists are sure that the Taiwanese dog follows the trail much better and reacts faster in an emergency situation than the recognized German Shepherd police assistants.
This breed is very attached to a person, but in the family it still chooses one owner, to whom it gives all its loyalty. She is very wary of strangers, which once again confirms her unsurpassed security qualities. But for families with small children, a Taiwanese dog will not be the best choice. This animal will definitely not become a patient nanny, moreover, the baby may suffer from its own importunity.
A novice dog breeder is also not recommended to opt for a Taiwanese dog. The independent disposition of the animal requires some effort in training, and force methods are not suitable for these animals at all.
Care
Caring for a Taiwanese dog does not require any special skills or costs. The short and coarse coat of the animal needs to be combed out, perhaps only during the molting period. Bathing a pet is also often not worth it, in addition, these dogs do not really like water procedures.
Dental and ear care is also required standard; the only thing: it is worth trimming the claws in time and watching them. Veterinarians recommend feeding a Taiwanese dog with specialized food, not natural food.
Conditions of detention
A country house with a large fenced area for walking will be a great place to live for a Taiwanese dog. But even in a city apartment, this dog will feel confident. The main thing is not to forget that these hunters need daily physical activity and long walks.
In our country, the Taiwanese dog belongs to exotic breeds. It is difficult to name even the approximate cost of a puppy, because there are simply no separate kennels. You will have to negotiate with the breeder about the purchase of a pet, and here the price will depend on the class of the animal.
