Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonFormosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan but Tea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Formosan Mountain Dog may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Formosan Mountain Dog may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both Formosan Mountain Dog and Tea Cup Chihuahua has almost same life span. Formosan Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Toy dog
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Taiwan
Mexico
Height Male:
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
Height Female:
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
10 - 13
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
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
Toy Chihuahuas
Colors Available:
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
Coat:
smooth and oily
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

formosan mountain dogThe 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

tea cup chihuahuaChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

Description

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.

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

Characteristics

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.

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

Health Problems

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

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

Caring The Pet

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.

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Formosan Mountain Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Formosan Mountain Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Formosan Mountain Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Formosan Mountain Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison