Formosan Mountain Dog vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison

Formosan Mountain Dog vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed ComparisonChinese Shar Pei is originated from China but Formosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan. Both Chinese Shar Pei and Formosan Mountain Dog are having almost same height. Chinese Shar Pei may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Formosan Mountain Dog. Both Chinese Shar Pei and Formosan Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Chinese Shar Pei may have less litter size than Formosan Mountain Dog. Chinese Shar Pei requires Moderate Maintenance. But Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Sporting dog
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China
Taiwan
Height Male:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
43 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 24 kg
35 - 53 pounds
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 11 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
10 - 13
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Shar-Pei, char pei
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:
cream, red, blue, black silver sables, black bronze sables, isabelle (silver shading on a dilute-colored dog), cream dilute, flower (white with either blue or black patche , apricot dilute, lilac, chocolate, five-point red, sables, chocolate dilute, black, red fawn, brown
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
Coat:
Horse-coat, Brush-coat and Bear-coat
smooth and oily
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Responsive, 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

History

chinese shar peiThe Chinese Shar-Pei is originally from Canton, China. The Shar-Pei has a blue-black tongue and many deep wrinkles. They have more wrinkles as a puppy than the adult dogs do. They are one of the rarest breeds in the world and are considered a basal breed – meaning their existence predates modern canines. Most canines are related to the gray wolf through genetic admixture. However, there are breeds like the Siberian Husky, the Greenland Dog, Finnish Spitz and the Shar Pei are all related to the Taymyr Wolk of North Asia through admixture. The Shar Pei is found throughout the centuries in Chinese artwork, especially found during the Han Dynasty, and are considered one of the most ancient of breeds on earth today. In this period, they were fighting dogs then became beloved pets. Today the Tibetans still use them as fighting dogs.

Following the Communist Revolution, the Char Pei was almost extinct until Margo Law saved the breed. During this time, they smuggled around 200 dogs into the United States. All the dogs in the United States today come from those 200 dogs. They were accepted in 1992 into the AKC. The dogs served as trackers, hunters, ratters, guard dogs and herders.

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

Description

chinese shar pei puppy - descriptionThe Chines Sar Pei has what if known as a Horse-coat which is prickly, harsh, and rough to the touch on one direction and rough to touch on the other. Western Shar Peis can be Horse, Bearcoat and Brush. The Brush is longer and smoother while the Bear coat is rare and in-between the two. The Bearcoat is not accepted by the AKC while the other two types of coats are.

The Shar Pei should have a hippo shaped head, a black-purple tongue, black mouth, deep set almond shaped dark eyes, small ears and red coats. His profile is square, and his muzzle is full and wide. Most Shar Peis only have facial and neck wrinkles left as adults.

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

chinese shar pei dog - characteristicsThe Shar Pei must be socialized early to other people, children and animals if he is to be friendly with them. He is loyal to his people and instinctively wary of strangers. He will be completed devoted to his people, but he is reserved and independent. They can be aggressive and territorial if not socialized. They are stubborn, loving and loyal. They are dominant, brave and playful. They are great watch dogs. Keep them busy because they tend to think a lot independently and if they don’t have a job they may create one.

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

chinese shar pei puppies - health problemsBecause of the rushed and inexperienced breeding programs in the United States due to the popularity of the breed, there are many health issues in the North American version of the Shar Pei. Their life expectancy is generally under ten years. They are prone to:

  • Familial Shar Pei Fever - congenital
  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF
  • Entropion eye issues
  • Ear infections
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary

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

chinese shar pei dogs - caringFeed a good quality dry dog food but do not overfeed. You should feed twice a day about one cup per six pounds for puppies. Adults should have two cups a day.

Health issues

• Familial Shar Pei Fever – congenital and serious. This produces fevers that can last from 24 hours to three days. Swelling around the ankles is due to fluid retention.

  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF and leads to renal failure.

• Entropion eye issues – eyelashes curl in and inflame the eye. Can cause blindness if not treated. Requires surgery.

  • Ear infections – yeast infections – clean them often.
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary – causes swollen hocks syndrome and fever.

Exercise and games

Both as a puppy and an adult this is a pretty active dog. He needs at the very least to be walked every day or have a back yard to play in. They are sensitive to heat so bring them in when its really hot and don’t walk them in the heat. They love to play, are athletic and competitive. Try agility, tracking, rally and obedience trials.

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