Hokkaido vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but Formosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan. Both Hokkaido and Formosan Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Hokkaido may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Formosan Mountain Dog. Hokkaido may live 3 years more than Formosan Mountain Dog. Hokkaido may have less litter size than Formosan Mountain Dog. Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance. But Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low maintenance

History

hokkaido - historyThe Hokkaido breed originates in Japan and is also called Ainu-ken, Ainu dog, Seta or Do-ken. The last being its common name in Japan. It is believed that the Hokkaido is descendent from the Japanese Matagi-ken, meaning hunting dog, deer hunting dog or bear hunting dog. It was the Ainu peoples that brought the breed to Tohoku. Many years later the Yayoi people brought in another breed of hunting dogs. These breeds were in isolation for most of their existence and therefore they had little influence on the further development of other breeds.

The Ainu dog was used in searches as well as hunting and became in 1937 “a rare species in Japan that is protected by law”. At that time the Official Name of the breed was set in place as Hokkaido-Inu. But they are still called Hokkaid0-Ken by most Japanese people.

This is a very rare breed of dog. It is hardly known outside of Japan and in country there are about ten to twelve thousand remaining. Of those about nine hundred to one thousand are registered in Japan every year. It is guessed that less than thirty exist outside Japan.

The Hokkaido breed is the oldest Japanese breed of dogs. Today they are great indoor companions, loyal and friendly. Most people in Japan still call them the Ainu dog.

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

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Japan
Taiwan
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
10 - 13
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
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:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
smooth and oily
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
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

Description

hokkaido puppy - descriptionThe Hokkaido breed is medium in size but very strong in build. Dogs bred outside Japan tend to be smaller. They have wide, deep chests, and long thick coats compared with Japanese dogs from other breeds. It is a double coat of long fur on top and short softer fur underneath for the second coat. Their ears are triangular and small while their eyes have a triangle outline. The double coat could be sesame, white, red, black, black and tan and wolf-gray.

They are an intelligent breed with an impulsive gait. They are alert, courageous and suspicious. They were used for guarding the city gates. Their skull is flat and broad and the tongue, like the chow chow, is blueish. black. With a black nose and a wedge shaped muzzle, the Hokkaido is a handsome dog. His lips are with black and tight. High set, thick tail over the back or slightly curved to the side.

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

Children friendliness

hokkaido dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very good with every member of the family and that includes children

Special talents

They have terrific stamina and good judgement

Adaptability

Good. They can adapt to live anywhere

Learning ability

They are intelligent and anxious 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

hokkaido puppies - health problemsOften breeds that are isolated like the Hokkaido, have a pretty good health history but there are a few serious issues that they face.

CEA- Collie Eye Anomaly

1/3 of all dogs have it while 2/3 are carriers. This disease is congenital and there is no cure. It affects the sclera, retina and choroid. It can be mild or it can cause blindness.

Hip Dysplasia

Affecting joints and cause arthritis and lameness.

Luxating Patella

Floating kneecap – not as prevalent here as in smaller dogs.

Heart Mumurs

Could be mild or serious. Could require a pacemaker.

Idiopathic Seizures

Seizures of an unknown origin. Can be treated with medication not cured.

Psychogenic Polydipsia

Excessive, uncontrollable urge to drink large amounts of fluid without a stimuli.

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

Feeding the puppy

hokkaido dogs - caringThe puppy needs about 300 -400 calories per day in 3-4 servings per day

Feeding the adult

The adult dog needs about 250-350 calories a day to maintain good weight and health. Feed 2-3 times per day.

Health Factors

Strong, stamina

Games and Exercises

These dogs love exercise and definitely need it. They will get to be anxious or bored if they don’t get enough exercise. A back yard run is fine but remember that the Hokkaido is a jumper and make sure your fence is at least six feet high. They need daily walks even if you have a fenced yard. Martindale collars or harnesses are needed when walking them.

These dogs love games and competitive activities. They are good at hunting and guarding of course. There are other activities they can excel at and enjoy jogging, biking with you, and hiking. In competition they enjoy and are good at agility, flyball, lure coursing, rally, weight pull, dock diving, and obedience. They do not participate in confirmation.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  8. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  9. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  10. Hokkaido vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  12. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  13. Hokkaido vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  14. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Hokkaido vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Hokkaido vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Hokkaido vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  21. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Hokkaido vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  24. Hokkaido vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - 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