Taiwan Dogs have been genetically traced back between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest and most primitive dog breeds in the world. They are the descendants of the South Asian hunting dogs indigenous to the central mountainous regions of Taiwan and was the loyal companion of the ancient hunter in the wild forest.
Scholars from the National Taiwan University, Japan Gifu University and Nagoya University carried out a cooperative study in 1980 on the subject of the native Taiwan Dog. They visited twenty-nine tribes of local inhabitants and as a result, it was confirmed that the present Taiwan Dog is indeed a descendant of the South Asian hunting dogs.
This ancient breed has been an integral part of Taiwan’s historical and cultural landscape for thousands of years. Now, they are popular all across the island as a watch and companion dog.
Also known as Formosan Mountain Dogs, they have gained popularity in America due to the rescue efforts that have transplanted abandoned Taiwan Dog mixes to the U.S. However, purebred Taiwan Dogs are extremely rare and mostly kept for conservation efforts in Taiwan.