Toy Australian Shepherd vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Toy Australian Shepherd vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonToy Australian Shepherd is originated from United States but Formosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan. Toy Australian Shepherd may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Formosan Mountain Dog. Toy Australian Shepherd may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Formosan Mountain Dog. Both Toy Australian Shepherd and Formosan Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Toy Australian Shepherd may have less litter size than Formosan Mountain Dog. Toy Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance. But Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low maintenance

History

toy australian shepherd - historyThese beautiful little dogs interestingly don’t originate in Australia. They were originally bred in the western U.S. as herding dogs.

Today they are mainly companion dogs. Their lineage goes back to a pair of sibling dogs - the Wildhagen Dutchman and Fieldmaster of Flintridge and these two dogs began the lineage to which the Miniature Australian Shepherd belongs.

Known also as ‘Aussie’, there are different stories to its exact origins. It is thought that some Basque farmers brought dogs with them when they came to Australia, taking them to the United States during the 1849 California gold rush.

The dog has been crossed with a number of breeds to bring about a dog that could cope with harsh temperatures.

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

toy australian shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Toy Australian Shepherd, also referred to as the Mini- or Miniature Australian Shepherd is a small dog standing at between 26 - 36 cm in height and weighing between 3 to 9kg.

He looks very similar to the standard Australian Shepherd.

He has a medium-length, weather-resistant coat which is white with tan, black, red or blue merle. The coat is long, and slightly wavy with feathering around the legs and neck.

They eyes can be blue or brown or he can have two differently colored eyes.The tail of these dogs can be a natural bobtail or it is docked. They do shed but they don’t require that much grooming.

Temperament:

These playful little dogs may be small, but they are brave and full of courage. They’re also easy going, and love nothing more than to be around their human family.

They love the games that children play and are always ready to join in, making excellent playmates for children. Lively and alert, they also make good watchdogs and because they are so intelligent, they are easy to train and socialize.

Their intelligence means they need to be physically and mentally stimulated otherwise they can become destructive from sheer boredom. They’re full of energy and will require regular exercise every day.

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

toy australian shepherd dog - characteristicsThe Toy Australian Shepherd is such a clever little dog and eager to learn too. You won’t have trouble getting him trained and socialized as he is eager to learn.

He bonds closely with his human family, becoming a loyal, devoted pet. They are also great playmates for children. They’re the kind of dogs that will require mental and physical stimulation if they are to to be prevented from becoming bored and frustrated.

They need social interaction with their human family and will be devastated if they were to be stuck in the backyard and all but forgotten.

They have a lifespan of 12 – 14 years and you want to make sure they’re happy, contented years, because he is wiling to play his part and make you a wonderful pet and companion.

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

toy australian shepherd puppies - health problemsMake sure your Toy Australian Shepherd sees the vet as a puppy to be dewormed and to get his first puppy injections.

Dental Disease:

Dental disease is far more serious than you think. It can affect other areas of your dog’s body. Plaque and inflamed gums lead to bone- and tooth loss.

Bad breath is a sign of periodontal disease. Find out from your vet what to do to guard against periodontitis. It’s important because ignoring bad teeth can lead to heart disease, with bacteria constantly entering the blood stream.

Parasites:

Fleas and ticks are your pet’s enemy as well as heartworm. Dogs can die from heartworm infestations. Heartworm is linked to mosquito bites, so if you live in warm areas, check with your vet for preventative measures.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog illness to watch out for. This is a painful condition where the hip joint isn’t formed properly and it can lead to terrible pain and lameness.

Skin Allergies:

Just like people endure endless misery with eczema, dogs too can develop skin allergies. They can create endless frustration and misery for any pet because of the terrible itch and pain. All the licking and scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infections too.

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

Diet:

toy australian shepherd dogs - caringYour puppy will need 4 small bowls of food a day. If you’re wondering just how much, either speak to your vet or follow the portion-guide on the packaging of the puppy dog food.

As your puppy grows older, you feed less frequently so that he is getting two meals a day as an adult. For feeding an adult, there are excellent commercial dog foods available - remember to choose a good brand for your dogs age, size and energy levels.

Try and give him some tasty home-made food too from time to time – nothing exotic and spicy – just plain foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. Dogs thrive on simple, healthy food like this. Make sure he always has a bowl of cool, fresh water to drink.

Exercise:

These energetic little bundles of fur will need regular exercise – every day in fact. He’s a smart little dog too, so you need to provide him with stimulating games that will keep his mind and his body physically fit.

Grooming:

Reduce shedding and loose hair by brushing the long hair a least twice a week. This will also help to get rid of matting. Trim nails and check for fleas and ticks.

General:

Provide your Toy Australian with a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep. If he is outside often, make sure he has both sun and shade to lie in as well as a sheltered spot for when it rains.

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:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
Origin:
United States
Taiwan
Height Male:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
26 - 36 cm
10 - 15 inches
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 9 kg
6 - 20 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
10 - 13
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Aussie, Mini Australian Shepherd
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:
White with tan, red or blue merle, black
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
Coat:
Medium length, weather resistant coat
smooth and oily
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  4. Formosan Mountain Dog vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  5. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  7. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  8. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  9. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  10. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  13. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  14. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Toy Australian Shepherd vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  30. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Shetland Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Welsh Corgi vs Toy Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  33. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  34. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  35. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  37. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  40. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  41. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  43. Toy Australian Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  45. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  46. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  47. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  48. Toy Australian Shepherd vs Papillon - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds