Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Taiwan Dog is an ancient aboriginal breed that developed on the island of Taiwan more than 10,000 years ago. Its ancestors were semi-wild dogs that accompanied local tribes during hunting and guarded their homes. The breed’s isolated evolution in mountainous regions preserved its genetic purity and unique instincts. Known as a fearless hunter and loyal companion, the Taiwan Dog was systematically bred and standardized in the mid-20th century, eventually being recognized as a national treasure of Taiwan. Today, it symbolizes loyalty, strength, and the natural harmony of ancient Asian culture.
General Appearance
The Taiwan Dog is a medium-sized, well-balanced breed with a strong frame, developed musculature, and a distinct silhouette. The body is compact, square in shape, with smooth, harmonious lines. The head is wedge-shaped, with a moderately broad skull and a defined stop. Ears are erect and triangular, eyes almond-shaped and dark, with an alert and confident expression. The tail is of medium length, curled in a sickle or ring shape over the back. The coat is short, dense, and glossy. The overall impression is one of energy, endurance, and strength typical of a hunting breed. The Taiwan Dog appears agile, proud, and determined.
Important Proportions
The body is nearly square, with the length approximately equal to the height at the withers. The head is proportional to the body, with the muzzle about half the length of the head. The neck is strong but not short, blending smoothly into the withers. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, and the ribs are moderately sprung. The limbs are strong and proportionate, providing stability and fluid movement. The tail of medium length balances the outline. All proportions aim to convey power, agility, and balance—essential qualities of a hunting dog capable of quick response and endurance in mountainous terrain.
Behavior and Temperament
The Taiwan Dog is intelligent, independent, and naturally loyal to its owner. Brave, alert, and even-tempered, it possesses strong guarding and hunting instincts. With excellent orientation and quick reflexes, it is a dependable companion in all terrains. Suspicious of strangers but never aggressive without reason, the breed is affectionate, attentive, and obedient with family members. Active and curious, it requires regular exercise and close interaction with humans. Its temperament combines loyalty, determination, and innate independence.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped, dry, and proportional to the body, with well-developed cheeks and strong jaws. The skull is moderately broad, slightly convex between the ears; the stop is smooth yet distinct. The muzzle is straight, of medium length, tapering evenly toward the black nose. Lips are tight and dry. Teeth are large with a scissor bite. Eyes are almond-shaped, dark, lively, and expressive. Ears are erect, triangular, of medium size, and directed forward. The head reflects alertness, confidence, and natural intelligence, emphasizing the breed’s hunting origin.
Muzzle
The muzzle is dry, well-defined, with a straight nasal bridge and a strong lower jaw. Of medium length and wedge-shaped, it blends proportionally with the head. The nose is always black, with wide, open nostrils. Lips are thin and tight, corners soft and not drooping. Cheeks are defined but not coarse, adding expressiveness to the face. The scissor bite and strong, even teeth underline the breed’s vigor. The muzzle expresses a balance of strength and intelligence, while the attentive eyes and erect ears convey alertness and determination.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, slightly slanted, and set moderately deep, giving an intelligent, confident, and watchful look. The iris is dark brown to almost black, harmonizing with the coat color. Eyelids are tight and well-pigmented. The gaze is lively and focused, reflecting the breed’s temperament—decisive, responsive, and loyal. Light or round eyes are undesirable, as they distort the characteristic oriental expression.
Ears
Ears are erect, triangular, of medium size, with a broad base and slightly rounded tips. Set high and pointing forward, they emphasize the dog’s alertness and confidence. The cartilage is firm; ears are mobile and responsive to sounds and emotions. When relaxed, they remain upright without tilting sideways. The inner surface is covered with short hair. Ears that are too large, low-set, or drooping are faults. Correct ears give the breed its characteristic alert and noble appearance.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular, dry, and slightly arched on top, blending smoothly into the withers. High-set, it gives the dog a proud, confident posture. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. The neck is strong enough to provide flexible head movement and stability during motion in rough terrain. Its shape emphasizes endurance and athleticism. Males have slightly more powerful necks, but proportions remain balanced. The correct neck contributes to the overall impression of harmony, strength, and agility.
Body
The body is strong, compact, and well-balanced, with a square outline. The back is straight, strong, and elastic; the loin short and muscular. The chest is deep but not overly broad, with moderately sprung ribs ensuring free breathing during movement. The withers are pronounced; the croup short and slightly sloping toward the tail. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, emphasizing the athletic build. All lines are clean and harmonious, expressing endurance and agility. The Taiwan Dog should appear strong yet light, capable of fast, sustained movement.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, set high, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. At rest, it curls over the back in a ring or sickle shape, completing the silhouette. The coat on the tail is short, dense, and uniform. In motion, the tail is lively and firm, reflecting the breed’s confidence and temperament. A tail that is too short, straight, or weakly curled is considered a fault. The correct tail form enhances balance, activity, and the confident character of the breed.
Description of Exterior
Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, strong, and well-muscled with solid bone. Shoulder blades are long, sloping, and close to the body, forming an angle of 100–110° with the upper arms, ensuring freedom of movement. Forearms are straight, elbows directed backward and not turned out. Pasterns are short, slightly slanted, and resilient, providing stability and elasticity. Feet are oval, compact, with strong nails and thick pads. The forequarters provide power and agility necessary for hunting and endurance over rough terrain.
Hindquarters
Hind legs are powerful, muscular, and well-angulated, providing drive and stability. Thighs are long, broad, and muscular; stifles well-defined and balanced. Lower thighs are strong with low-set hocks, contributing to springy and agile movement. Metatarsi are short and nearly vertical; feet are compact, oval, with elastic pads. Hind legs move parallel and smoothly. Proper angulation ensures endurance, stability, and speed.
Gait and Movement
Movement is light, energetic, and confident, with free front reach and powerful rear drive. Actions are straight, smooth, and coordinated, maintaining a steady rhythm. The dog moves flexibly and efficiently, demonstrating balance and stamina. At the trot, the topline remains level and stable. Movement should be effortless and springy, showing natural agility and strength. Any signs of stiffness, wobbling, or crossing are faults. The gait expresses the breed’s confidence, focus, and readiness for action.
Coat
The coat is short, dense, and close-fitting, with a natural shine. The outer hair is straight, firm, and even in length; the undercoat is moderate and compact, adapted to humid and warm climates. The coat must protect against sun, rain, and wind, never too soft or sparse. Hair may be slightly thicker around the tail and neck. Proper coat texture emphasizes athletic form and neat appearance. Long, wavy, or thin coats are faults.
Permissible Colors
Acceptable colors include black, brindle, fawn, and reddish-brown, sometimes with white markings. Solid and brindle coats are most typical, with even color distribution. White markings on chest, legs, muzzle, or tail tip are allowed if they cover no more than one-third of the body. The coat should be glossy and rich in tone. Nose, eye rims, and lips must always be black, regardless of coat color. Uneven patches, grayish, or faded hues are undesirable.
Size
The Taiwan Dog is medium-sized, strong, and compact. Height at withers: males 48–52 cm, females 43–48 cm. Weight: 14–18 kg depending on sex and build. The body is nearly square, with length approximately equal to height. The dog should appear agile, strong, and well-balanced, without heaviness or narrowness. All proportions promote endurance and efficient movement. Oversized, heavy, or overly light individuals are faults.
Faults
Minor faults include weak muscles, narrow chest, long or short body, soft or thin coat, light eyes, pale nose, poor angulation, low-set or oversized ears, or a tail not curled correctly. Shyness, excitability, or unwarranted aggression are also undesirable. Any signs of instability, loss of confidence, or deviation from the breed’s alert and determined expression are considered faults.
Disqualifications
Serious defects leading to disqualification include aggression or timidity; physical faults such as overbite, underbite, or missing more than three teeth; blue, light, or mismatched eyes; depigmented nose, eyelids, or lips; drooping or malformed ears; tail straight, too short, or hanging; soft, long, or wavy coat; absence of undercoat; non-standard coat color (including white or excessively spotted); and any signs of crossbreeding or deformity.
Important Notes
The Taiwan Dog is a national treasure and a symbol of the island’s endurance and natural harmony. It preserves ancient purity, strength, and devotion to humans. The breed requires respectful handling, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. It does not tolerate harsh treatment but responds sensitively to attention and care. Clean, intelligent, and territorial by nature, it should not be crossbred to maintain its original traits. Breeding priorities include stable temperament, sound health, and a balance of appearance and character.
Conclusion
The Taiwan Dog is a rare and unique breed, combining ancient origins with natural strength and noble character. It embodies harmony between man and nature while maintaining independence and loyalty. Intelligent, enduring, and alert, it serves as both a devoted companion and reliable guardian. Its natural energy demands activity and close human contact. The Taiwan Dog symbolizes loyalty, courage, and dignity—a living reflection of the ancient hunter’s spirit and balance with the natural world.
