Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonFormosan Mountain Dog is originated from Taiwan but Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is originated from France. Formosan Mountain Dog may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Formosan Mountain Dog may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Both Formosan Mountain Dog and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has same life span. Formosan Mountain Dog may have more litter size than Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Formosan Mountain Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Wirehaired Pointing Griffon requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
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Taiwan
France
Height Male:
48 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Height Female:
43 - 47 cm
16 - 19 inches
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 16 kg
26 - 36 pounds
23 - 27 kg
50 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
10 - 13
6 - 9
Size:
Medium
Medium
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
Korthals Griffon
Colors Available:
earthly yellow, Black, or yellow
steel gray with brown markings., White and brown, white and orange
Coat:
smooth and oily
Medium length, wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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

wirehaired pointing griffonKnown also as the Korthals Griffon, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a hunting- and gundog. It was Eduard Karel Korthals who is thought to have brought about this dog breed around 1873.

He was a Dutchman living in France. It is believed that quite a few dog breeds were used to bring about this dog such as the Otterhound, Spniels, Setters and possibly a Pointer. The dog is known as a supreme gundog and it is a very popular dog breed.

Edward Korthals of Holland was looking for an ideal gun dog. It was in 1888 that the first Griffon Club was formed. It was only in 1916 that this dog was officially recognized as the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon in the United States.

It is also recognized by the FCI or Federation Cynologique Internationale.

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.

wirehaired pointing griffon puppy - descriptionThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or Korthals Griffon is a medium-to-large sized dog standing at between 50 and 60cm both male and female and weighing between 23and 27kg.

He has a wiry, somewhat harsh curly outer coat and a softer undercoat. The head is quite large. He has thick eyebrows and a beard. The eyes are brown with yellow irises.

This is a low-shedding dog. There are a few colors such as white and brown, white and orange but the coat is also steel gray with brown markings.

Temperament:

These dogs are intelligent and independent with a desire to please their owners. He is able to learn tricks and commands easily. They love their human families and want to be around them all the time.

It would be devastating for such a dog to find himself stuck in the backyard with no human contact. He is also not suited to cramped living conditions in the city but is essentially a country dog, especially since he has boundless energy.

As a family pet, he is playful, friendly, loyal, loving and gentle, behaving well with children and other pets. They’re not aggressive dogs but they make excellent watchdogs, barking if someone comes into their property.

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.

wirehaired pointing griffon dog - characteristicsThe Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has always been a great hunting dog and he doubles as an excellent pet and companion as well.

This dog is extremely loyal to his human family and is friendly, intelligent, loving and affectionate, getting on well with children as well as other pets in the home.

He can reach 14 years of age and doesn’t often get sick, making him an all-round great pet and companion.

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

wirehaired pointing griffon puppies - health problemsTo avoid ear problems, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's ears should be kept clean and dry. If you do detect redness inside the ear, it could mean he has an infection that will need to be treated.

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.

Exercise:

wirehaired pointing griffon dogs - caringThis dog loves his exercise, and if you live in the country so much the better. He will love to go hiking and swimming with you or running next to you as you go cycling. He also loves all kinds of rope- and ball games in the garden. It’s why this active dog isn’t ideal for life in the city.

Always have the telephone number of a good vet in your phone.

Spay or neuter your pet if you don’t want unwanted puppies. Don't do it too early. Speak to your vet about the procedure and about the health benefits that come from spaying and neutering a dog.

Diet:

These are active dogs and they will require top quality food if they’re to remain healthy and active.

Always check the packaging to see what ingredients are present in your dog’s food. Some of the cheaper, more inferior brands can actually be harmful to your pet with their useless ingredients devoid of vitamins and minerals.

Some home-made food is good and this needs to be plain and free from spicy additives. Dogs have sensitive stomachs and anything unusual can cause them digestive problems.

Make sure your dog’s vaccines are up to date.

Provide your pet with a quiet, warm, dry sleeping place to call his own.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
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  20. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  22. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 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