The Taiwan Dog is a resourceful pariah-type breed with a clever mind and keen senses. Originally bred as a guard dog and to hunt small game in the mountains of Taiwan with humans, he has a devoted nature toward his owner although is reserved with strangers. This medium-sized breed is rare in the United States (and purebred specimens are even rare in their home country – with many being mixed with other breeds). Taiwan Dogs are bold when they need to be, even protective in the face of danger, but otherwise intuitive and gentle.
The affectionate Taiwan Dog does not make a good outside-only pet and instead needs to live indoors with his owner or owners. Although quite capable of living with a family unit, he is most likely to bond most strongly to one person. Once he’s lived in a home, he can be very difficult to re-home with new owners. The Taiwan Dog needs regular contact and attention, including socialization to the outside world with his owner so as to not become fearful or overly protective.
The Taiwan Dog can live in a home with children and do very well although is not always recommended for those with toddlers. Some can be less forgiving of the harsher treatment which sometimes accompanies younger kids, and will stand up for themselves! Furthermore they can have strong prey drives and may get overexcited around children that run and play, and can end up accidentally hurting them. When socialized with slightly older kids, however, they can be excellent family dogs. Take further note – this high prey drive can make some of them unfit to live with cats and other small animals (they are fearless hunters). Finally, many are very dog-aggressive, especially with strange dogs but sometimes to dogs in the same household as well.
Taiwan Dogs require a high amount of exercise as they are very active dogs with plenty of athleticism, agility and endurance. Even after a high-intensity exercise session, it isn’t surprising for a Taiwan to still have energy afterward – this really isn’t a couch potato breed in any sense of the word. The breed needs a minimum of one or two very long walks or hikes a day, in addition to a game or two which will engage both the body and mind. Furthermore, many also need a job to keep them busy. Without this stimulation, they are likely to become loud and destructive – and may possibly try their hand at escaping the yard to find their own stuff to do!
The Taiwan Dog doesn’t tend to have a doggy odor and likes to keep himself clean. He is also frequently easy to housebreak compared to other breeds. This said, because of his vast exercise requirements and primitive nature, he is not recommended for owners who live in apartments or urban settings. This wild-at-heart breed needs frequent exposure to nature in the form of structured walks and exercise. He also needs a home with a fully fenced, escape-proof yard – his endless curiosity means he may want to explore the neighborhood on his own and he is very good at getting out if he sets his mind to it!
Taiwan Dogs aren’t always easily trained. While some enjoy working with their owners “on their terms”, most have a hard-headed streak when it comes to doing things in any other way. Very willful and stubborn, if they don’t feel like doing something… they may “dig their heels in” and refuse. Besides being independent, they can be inflexible and occasionally even dominant. Although intelligent (once taught a command, they tend to remember it for a very long time), many don’t see the point of formal obedience training. An owner or trainer must have a lot of patience and make sure to see things through to the end, without resorting to cruelty which will cause the dog to shut down or fight back. Fun, positive, and very short sessions are recommended!
The Taiwan Dog can be a good choice for someone who wants a dog that will guard their property and alert them to anyone entering the yard or house. Ever alert and suspicious of strangers, the breed is also very territorial and will launch into a loud cacophony of barks if they see or hear something. Furthermore – this is not a dog that is more bark then bite… if he feels it necessary, he will go to town on an intruder! Owning this breed requires a lot of responsibility as the dog may or may not distinguish a real intruder from the mailman! The breed was bred first and foremost as a guard dog and is even sometimes used by the Taiwanese military and police. This is not the breed for someone who has frequently visiting guests, nor is it the breed for a first-time dog owner.
