Taiwan Dog FCI Standard
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Prior to the XVII the Taiwan Dog preserved its purity undiluted by the influence of foreign dogs. The things changed when Dutch and Portuguese merchants colonised Taiwan and set their rules there. They began to destroy the population of the Sika Deer, which was the main source of nourishment both for local tribes and dogs. On their way they slaughtered many dogs and prohibited islanders to keep them. Dutch occupation also purported that original purity of the breed suffered a great deal because indigenous dogs were profusely interbred with imported foreign breeds.
In 1684 Chinese troops invaded Taiwan and delivered it from the Dutch rule. Up until 1895 the Taiwan Dog enjoyed quiet life and restored its former glory. Unfortunately then Taiwan was occupied by Japanese, who exceedingly disfavoured native ways of life. They purposefully killed countless dogs in order to break Taiwanese Aboriginals from their habit of hunting with native dogs. Additionally local dogs were uncontrollably crossed with some Japanese breeds (the Akita Inu, the Shikoku Inu and the Shiba Inu) and the breed almost completely lost its purity.
After the World War II China came into power in Taiwan. This designated even deeper decline for native dogs because of Chinese tradition of dog’s eating. Moreover the process of the worsening of the overall quality of the Taiwan Dog continued as it was vastly crossed with foreign breeds.
Since the late 70s of the XX century several fanciers conducted a lifelong breeding program aimed to save and restore the population of this ancient and honourable breed. The major contribution to this goal was made by ecologist Dr. Sung Yung-Yi and breeder Ming Nan Chen.
Nowadays the position of the Taiwan Dog is pretty secure in its homeland but there is a disagreement on a matter of principle between two groups of breeders. A number of breeders contends that the dog is perfect just as it is and should retain its purity as much as possible. The other group affirms the stock of pure-blooded animals is too small to guarantee healthy and stable future generations without the infusion of fresh blood from other breeds. Anyway specimens bred by both groups are acknowledged by the Taiwanese Kennel Club as purebred.
In 2004 the Taiwan Dog was granted a provisional recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). However, the breed remains virtually unknown outside its native country but its long-term survival is no longer questionable.
As a skilful guardian the Taiwan Dog is always on alert and manifests a great deal of aloofness in front of strange people. It’s rather slow to make friends and it usually takes time to win the dog’s favour. Poorly socialised specimens can be intensely nervous and even outright aggressive when they meet an unfamiliar person. Being highly territorial and observant this breed will make a wonderful watchdog. It often serves as a guard dog and despite its modest size it’s really valued in this role.
The Taiwan Dog is known to have major problems with other canines. This dog can pick a fight over a dominant stance, territory or just over some food or a toy. It does much better as a single dog but it will be accepting towards other canine with which it has spent its puppyhood. The Taiwan Dog got used to earn its daily bread by hunting and therefore possesses an incredibly strong hunting drive. Essentially nothing can guarantee the safety of other species of animals around this dog. Even if it has been raised with a home cat one day the dog can attack it out of the blue.
• canine hip dysplasia;
• elbow dysplasia;
• patellar luxation;
• eyes problems;
• demodex mange.
In order to make the training of the Taiwan dog at least reasonably successful the trainer should have individuality of a strong and self-assured leader. In addition it’s essential to use a lot of gentle encouragement and food incentives during lessons with this dog. Be mindful that forceful methods will only induce the dog’s natural stubbornness.
The dog, which is limited in physical activity, will definitely become hyper active, destructive, apprehensive or even aggressive. The Taiwan Dog is inappropriate for a life in an apartment since it indeed demands enough space to play and roam.
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