Formosan Mountain Dog
Originally from Taiwan, the Formosan Mountain Dog is a small to medium-sized dog breed. The Taiwan Dog is another name for these canines. Since they evolved into a semi-wild species before the coming of several colonial eras and foreign powers, they are well adapted to Taiwan's hilly and densely wooded terrain.
Breed Profile
Height
17 - 20
Inches
Weight
26 - 40
Pounds
Life Span
10 – 13
Years
Health
health
Cataracts
What is it?:
Like people, canines also experience cataract development as they age. The lens of the eye develops a hazy layer that blocks light. Water and proteins are present in your dog's eyes. When the proteins in the lens of the eye start to group together, they create cataracts, which appear cloud-like. Proteins begin to accumulate and eventually cover the entire lens. Cataracts can develop gradually over time or they might come out of nowhere, rendering your dog entirely blind.
Clinical signs
Cloudy-pupils in either or both the eyes.
Scared to jump or climb.
Clumsiness.
Reluctance to enter dimly lit areas.
Scratching of eyes.
Changes in eyes colour or pupils.
Treatment
Once a cataract has formed, there are no known treatments that can stop it; surgery is the sole treatment available. Regaining functional vision after cataract surgery in the dogs is the primary objective.
Under general anesthesia, cataracts are surgically removed. The veterinarian removes the lens and replaces it with a plastic or acrylic lens. The veterinary ophthalmologist may only need to operate on one eye, or he or she may need to do so on both.
Aside from doing testing for cataracts, veterinarians also screen for underlying disorders that are known to do so. It is crucial to treat any problems that might lead to the development of cataracts since doing so lowers the likelihood that they will do so.
If your dog is diabetic then extra care and precaution are advised as they are especially prone to cataracts. You have to be active on the lookout for the above-mentioned symptoms in your dog, as diabetes can aggravate and accelerate the formation of cataracts at unprecedented speed. Diabetic dogs can form cataracts overnight, which can even blind your dog.
On a good note – Cataract surgeries have an astonishing 80 to 90% success rate.
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
What is it?:
A genetic eye condition called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causes blindness in canines. A non-painful disorder called PRA frequently begins with a decline in night vision before steadily progressing over time.
An early onset or hereditary type of PRA, also known as retinal dysplasia, is frequently identified in pups between the ages of 2-3 months while a late onset variant is commonly identified in adult dogs between the ages of 3 and 9 years.
The early onset type is frequently referred to as retinal dysplasia, while the late onset form is frequently referred to as PRA.
Clinical signs
Afraid of the dark areas.
Night Blindness.
Change in personality.
Bumping into things.
The list of symptoms is strikingly similar to cataracts, as both the conditions affects the eyes of dogs.
Treatment
There is currently no effective treatment available for PRA. To date, the use of antioxidant supplements or vitamins has not shown any measurable effect on this disease, although these supplements are not harmful to your pet and they may reduce stress on the lens cells and delay cataract formation. If a condition such as cataracts or retinal detachment has been determined to be the cause of your dog's blindness, treatment of this underlying cause may prevent further loss of vision.
Eligible vet bill
$4,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Intelligent
Formosan Mountain Dogs are a pure display of intelligence in the dog-verse.
Family-Friendly
These beasts can your families’ best protectors, given adequate training.
Extremely Loyal
Earning their reputation as one of the most loyal dogs would be an understatement to their loyalty.
Lifetime Care
Coat & Colors
There are several hues available for the Taiwan Dog coat, including black, white, fawn, and brindle. Several coatings can occasionally be one solid color or a combination of these hues.
Hypoallergenic
The Taiwan Dog is not a dog that drools over much. Even though he has a single coat, he is not a hypoallergenic dog
Grooming
Fortunately, the Formosan Mountain Dog doesn't shed a lot. It should just need weekly brushing and the odd wash to get rid of loose hair, dirt, and debris as far as grooming goes.
Some of its upkeep will take a bit longer than others. To avoid breaking and cracking, the nails will need to be clipped or ground periodically, possibly once a month.
Training
The Formosan Mountain Dog is a highly trainable breed that does best when its owner treats it as an equal partner. It is intelligent and eager to learn. Be strong, consistent, and explicit in your instructions, but avoid becoming overbearing or treating them unfairly. Methods of positive reinforcement are effective to train Formosans.
Overview of the Formosan Mountain Dog
The intuitive character and bond between the Taiwan Dog and its master were probably developed over many generations of cooperative mountain small-game hunting. This also implies that they are very obedient to directions and simple to teach. This breed is fierce when it comes to guarding their family but can be hesitant around strangers. In order to temper the Taiwan dog's powerful urge to defend its master and family, socialization is essential. As they thrive with daily connection and socialization, they should be a mainstay of the family household rather as an outdoor dog, and exactly for that reason they make very good house pets.
Formosan Mountain Dog Exercise
The Formosan Mountain Dog probably needs to exercise for at least one hour each day. It should go on multiple daily walks and spend at least some time running around unrestrained in a backyard, preferably one with a fence. This breed particularly enjoys trying out new games and activities, such as catch, fetch, tricks, swimming, hiking, and hide-and-seek.
Formosan Mountain Dog Nutrition and Diet
This dog will require a few cups of premium dog food each day; the precise amount will depend on its size and energy needs. To avoid obesity, owners should keep a close eye on their weight and make an effort to cut back on their caloric intake as needed. Look for a dog food that addresses the particular health issues and dietary requirements of this breed.
Formosan Mountain Dog is best Suited for:
The Taiwan Dog is undoubtedly one of the world's oldest breeds, and its DNA reflects millennia of knowledge and experience. These mountain dogs have been traveling with only one human for ages, and the Taiwan Dog still prefers to attach to one home caregiver. Not that your Taiwan dog won't or can't be friends with every member of the family, but it will be obvious whom they would risk their lives to defend.
Since Taiwan Dogs get so attached to their owners, they have the propensity to be suspicious of outsiders or unfamiliar people. The unwelcome hostility of strangers can be reduced with proper socializing training.
In light of this, the Taiwan Dog could be the right breed for you if you're seeking a watchdog that will warn you of any impending danger.
Taiwan Dog supporters claim that the breed is incredibly perceptive, but occasionally a little too smart for its own good. If left alone for too long or without the right amount of mental and physical stimulation, the breed may become bored. It's crucial to give your Taiwan Dog continuous, strict training if you wish to stop negative boredom patterns.
Conclusion
The Formosan Mountain Dog or Taiwan Dog is devoted and watchful, making it an excellent security dog. Taiwan dogs are intelligent and trainable, eager to learn new things, and fast to pick up new instructions. The Formosan Mountain Dog is a hard worker and versatile animal that can do many different jobs if trained properly. But at the same time, as they are wary of strangers and react impulsively, they should be socialized when young. Also, they need a good daily dose of exercise to keep them fit and entertained, as they can easily get bored and are prone to them being violent.
Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Love and Licks to you!
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