Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonSchweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland but Formosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may grow 9 cm / 3 inches shorter than Formosan Mountain Dog. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Formosan Mountain Dog are having almost same weight. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may live 4 years more than Formosan Mountain Dog. Schweizer Niederlaufhund may have less litter size than Formosan Mountain Dog. Both Schweizer Niederlaufhund and Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

schweizer niederlaufhund - historyOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

formosan mountain dog - historyThe Formosan Mountain Dog is most often known as the Taiwan dog and it is a landrace indigenous to Taiwan. It is a small to medium breed of dog that was semi-wild at one time. The colonialization of Taiwan and other foreigners help to fully domesticate the Formosan Mountain Dog. They were found to be very trainable and uniquely suited for the terrain around Taiwan. The dogs were easy to train and now serve as hunting dogs, stunt dogs, guard dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dog and personal companions. There are three types of Formosans two smaller types and one medium. However, the original pure Formosan Mountain Dog is getting close to extinction again because the government and people have provided no protection or conservation efforts for them. These dogs have been living in Taiwan in the mountains and were called Formosan Mountain Dogs when Taiwan was known as Formosa. They come from a line of Southeast Asian hunting/gun dogs and they are considered ‘rare’ now.

According to historian Dr. Sung Yung-yi, the breed went through 4 major catastrophes that affected their development. The first of these was the Dutch Establishment in 1624. The Dutch colonized Taiwan and imported both people and dogs. The dog they brought in was called the Flying Dog and was either Greyhound or Pointer. Eventually, the Flying Dog bred with the Formosan Mountain Dog. This along with the slaughter of dogs belonging to the indigenous people by the government, starting the decline of the original Taiwan dog.

In 1895, it was the Japanese acquiring Taiwan following the First Sino-Japanese War. The Japanese bred the Formosan Mountain Dog extensively with the own Japanese dogs. This further diluted the line and authenticity of Taiwan dogs.

This was followed by World War II when German Shepherds traveled with the US Army and they cross-bred with the Formosan. This was the third major dilution of the Formosan Mountain dog line. At the same time, the Japanese government considered the Formosan Mountain Dog a sanitation threat and barbaric. They massacred them in large numbers in the name of sanitation.

The fourth and final dilution took place during the Kuomintang Era beginning in 1945 with the arrival of the Chinese Nationalist Party. They brought with them the culture of eating dogs. During this time the economy of Taiwan took off and business people began to import their own foreign dogs that were high priced purebreds. These dogs bred with the Formosan and other Formosans were just abandoned to die. The ranks of the breed became very thin indeed. Today’s pure Formosan is highly valuable and extremely rare. Because of all the crossbreeding over the centuries, today’s purebred Formosan Mountain Dog is very different from the Taiwan dog of old. Today’s Formosan is loved all over the island and is a companion and watchdog.

Today there is an effort by Taiwanese ecologists to put together a research project that would study and preserve the Formosan in its indigenous form. Dr. Yung-yi led this effort. He located only 46 dogs with a pure pedigree, 21 females and 25 males. They let the Food and Agricultural of the United Nations know and the dogs were labeled close to extinction. Reproducing from the indigenous dogs to purify and increase the breed was the goal. The government was not very supportive.

Today the Royal Air Force is looking at the Formosan Dog to use for military security. They are currently only using German Shepherds and needed another choice. It was decided that the Formosan Mountain Dog had a better sense of smell, dexterity, alertness, and hearing as well as better padding on their paws.

Through these efforts and those of foundation stock breeders and owners, the Formosan Mountain Dog in its indigenous form was brought back. Some call this dog a purebred Formosan while others consider it a new type. Standards were presented to the FCI for registrations as a purebred. This debate continues today

Description

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

formosan mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Formosan Mountain Dog that was seen during Dr. Sung Yung-yi’s research is a medium-sized dog, athletic and fit. It has a deep chest and a slim waist. The ears are half-covered, the nose is black and there is a coating of black on the tongue. This black tongue is the most distinguishing attribute of the Formosan Mountain Dog. The breed has a strong jaw, the skull that is just slightly longer than the muzzle, which is flat and tapered, triangle face and almond eyes. They have a thick coat and upright, curved tail.

The dogs are known to be extremely agile with an ability to hop that is rare in dogs but helps when hunting animals like rats. The Formosan Mountain Dogs hunted in packs with each dog attacking the prey with one bite until it was too exhausted to fight them off any longer.

Characteristics

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Children friendliness

formosan mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Formosan Mountain Dog is very child-friendly. He is affectionate and loyal to his family and protective of his children.

Special talents

He is intelligent and has exceptional hunting skills. He is a good guard dog due to his alertness, but they can be fear-aggressive.

Adaptability

He is very adaptable to living in any location as long as there is somewhere for him to get adequate exercise. He is friendly to people and animals.

Learning ability

He is intelligent and learns quickly.

Health Problems

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

formosan mountain dog puppies - health problemsBecause there have not been any studies done on the health of the Formosan Mountain Dog, there is not a lot known about any inherent or genetic health issues. It would seem that some bloodlines are healthy, and others have some serious issues. Especially because there are no studies, it is important for breeders to test for eye issues and skeletal issues through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation.

Some of the health issues the Formosan Mountain Dog might be susceptible to.

  1. Dysplasia: Hip and/or Elbow
  2. Can cause lameness and/or arthritis
  3. Luxating Patella
  4. Floating or dislocated kneecap
  5. PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  6. Degeneration of the retina – causes blindness
  7. Cataracts
  8. Can be removed/causes sight issues or blindness
  9. Mange Demodex/Demodicosis/Demodectic
  10. Caused by mites and can be treated

Caring The Pet

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Feeding the puppy

formosan mountain dog dogs - caringFeed a high-quality puppy food for medium size dogs at the rate of a ¼ cup twice a day until 8 months then ½ to ¾ twice a day until 12-16 months.

Feeding the adult

1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food split into 2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Generally healthy breed. Keep clean and watch for mites.

Games and Exercises

This is an energetic breed and he needs a lot of exercise. He must have at least an hour of exercise daily but the more, the better. He loves swimming and jogging with his people. He’s athletic, smart and agile. He does well with field trials, tracking, agility, and obedience.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Switzerland
Taiwan
Height Male:
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
10 - 13
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Small Swiss Hound.
Taiwan Canis, Taiwanese Dog, Taiwanese Aboriginal Dog, Native Formosan Dog, Taiwanese Native Dog, Taiwanese Mountain Dog, National Dog Takasago Dog , and Taiwanese Dog., Formosan Hunting Dog, Formosan, Native Taiwanese Dog, Formosan Aboriginal Dog, Formosan Dog, Taiwanse Canis. Formosan Native Dog
Colors Available:
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
Coat:
smooth or coarse
smooth and oily
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  4. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  5. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  6. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  7. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  8. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  13. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Santal Hound - Breed Comparison
  14. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Formosan Mountain Dog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  30. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  31. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  32. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  33. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  34. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  35. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  38. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  39. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds