Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonWetterhoun is originated from Netherlands but Formosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan. Wetterhoun may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Formosan Mountain Dog. Wetterhoun may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Formosan Mountain Dog. Both Wetterhoun and Formosan Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Wetterhoun may have less litter size than Formosan Mountain Dog. Wetterhoun requires Moderate maintenance. But Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low maintenance

History

wetterhoun - historyThe Wetterhoun is a water dog developed in the 1500 or 1600s to hunt otters. The breed was developed by the Frisians in the Netherlands near the Northwest corner. In addition to catching otters in the lakes near by, they were also used as gundogs to hunt game. They are a fearless, tough and loyal working dog. They love the water and they are build for it with a waterproof coat and tight tail that is spiraled. They will swim happily in freezing cold weather as well.

The Wetterhoun is rare and not seen outside of the Netherlands. Descendent of the Water Dog, that is now extinct, he is probably a relative of many spaniel types that also call the Water Dog their ancestor. Yet the Wetterhoun is not a spaniel or spaniel type.

The breed almost disappeared during World War II, like many others, they brought back and are now becoming more and more popular. The breed is only recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the United Kennel Club. AKC does not recognize them, but there are many hunting clubs and other registries that do. They are often promoted as one of the rare breeds.

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:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Netherlands
Taiwan
Height Male:
55 - 59 cm
21 - 24 inches
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
53 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 35 kg
55 - 78 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
10 - 13
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Frisian Water Dog , Dutch Spaniel, Otterhoun
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 or black & white, Liver & white, Liver
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
Coat:
Oily, Thick, Tight curls all over except smooth head, legs and ears. Coat must not be woolly. waterproof
smooth and oily
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

wetterhoun puppy - descriptionThe Wetterhoun is a compact, medium sized breed weighing about 55 to 77 pounds. Great water dogs they are athletically built with low set ears hanging next to their heads, a waterproof coat, distinctive eyes with a very serious expression and a tightly curled tail held aloft over the back. Their coat is waterproof, somewhat oily, curly and thick. The fur is of a smoother texture on the ears, head, and legs. They can be solid black, solid brown, brown with white, or black with white.

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

Characteristics

Children friendliness -yes but large and active

2.Special talents loves to swim

wetterhoun dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – not a great apartment dog even though he is not that big. They need space. They need a job and they will finish their job at their own pace no matter what you say. It is impossible to train this trait out of them.

4.Learning ability Very high learning ability, very eager to learn and very smart. He is stubborn about finishing whatever job he is working on

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

wetterhoun puppies - health problemsA hardy and healthy breed they do not have severe health issues. But like every his

  • Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness and/or arthritis.

• Ear Infections – like any breed with hanging ears they can be prone to infection. This is particularly true because the dogs are in the water a lot. Be sure to clean and dry them after every water episode and inspect them on a regular basis even if the dog has not been in the water.

• Patellar Luxation – Knee cap issue with movement and inflammation. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

  • Hunting/Swimming Injuries.

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

wetterhoun dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy -This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality puppy food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your puppy in smaller amounts 3-4 times per day.

2.Feeding the adult - This is an active, hunting and swimming breed. They need good nutrition and high quality adult food. A food formulated for active breeds or hunting dogs would be best. Feed your adult twice per day.

3.Points for Good Health - general excellent health

4. Games and Exercises – This is an active working dog that needs a lot of exercise every day. A 30 minute walk is only the beginning. They need outdoor time to play and run. They need to swim if at all possible.

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. Wetterhoun vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Wetterhoun vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Wetterhoun vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Wetterhoun vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Wetterhoun vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Wetterhoun vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Wetterhoun vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Wetterhoun vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Wetterhoun vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Wetterhoun vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Wetterhoun vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Wetterhoun vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Wetterhoun vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Wetterhoun vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Wetterhoun vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  21. Wetterhoun vs Welsh Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Wetterhoun vs West Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  23. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Wetterhoun - 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. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds