Dogs in Taiwan: Superstitions, Expectations & Trends

Taiwanese people tend to have a very superstitious nature and because of this have a few terrible beliefs when it comes to dogs. For example, if a dog is solid black and stray, it will most likely be killed and eaten. If the dog is solid black with white paws, it will just be killed. These markings are considered unlucky and no one wants to risk catching the contaminated luck by eating the poor animal. Unfortunately, many people in Taiwan still believe in this nonsense and won’t hesitate to tell you about it. In their defense, there are quite a few wild dog packs in the city and in the mountains and yes, some of these dogs are too far gone to be rehabilitated into a home.

Strays are a big concern for Taiwan. When the mining towns closed and people migrated to the city, many dogs were abandoned. There are not very may large predators in Taiwan and, consequently, there are now a number of packs roaming the mountains. It is not uncommon to run into them and they can be aggressive. Certainly, don’t try to pet them, but I haven’t heard of them actually killing anyone. Occasionally, someone does come back with a few scratches and a bite mark though. There are even some of the packs in Taipei proper. Again, approach with caution. One last thing, apparently, it’s not unknown for dog owners to take their family pet into the mountains and let go after getting tired of it. For this reason, family dogs are no longer allowed in national parks, such as Kenting, Yangmingshan and Taroko.

Some people and organizations are trying to improve the situation. There’s at least one catch and release spay and neuter outfit going around. If the volunteers think a dog has a chance at being adopted, they will do their best to find a foster home for the animal. There are, also, half a dozen different animal shelters in Taipei alone. The big government shelter located in Neihu seems to be the most popular. However, Taiwan has its own SPCA and there’s a shelter called Animals Taiwan. If you’re thinking of adopting, try following these groups on Facebook. They regularly update their feeds with available pets. There’s another organization that frequents the big flower market under the expressway on Saturdays. They always have the cutest puppies on display.

The requirements for owning or fostering a dog in Taiwan are quite lax compared to the United States. No one expects you to have a fenced in yard or hours of free time. If you can buy your pet food and take it for a half hour walk everyday, you’re good to go. Of course, you will have to train your dog to use a designated pee pad. Also, the lack of exercise may make it crazy and bark all the time. So be honest with yourself and your responsibilities before you decide to take on a pet. If people did this to being with, the shelters would be far less crowded. For example, golden retrievers were popular in Taiwan a few years ago, but few people realized how big they would get. (The Taiwanese idea of a big dog is about 30 pounds.) Consequently, many of them ended up in the shelters. A word of advice: Try fostering first. The SPCA is always looking for a new foster family and they even pay for everything until the dog is officially adopted. Also, if you don’t speak Chinese, it’s not a problem. They are very nice and helpful.

Dog Parks

If you do decide to adopt, owning a dog in Taiwan is easy and inexpensive. There are a number of popular dog parks with designated free roaming areas. The best one is called the “number four” park and is a short walk from Yongan Market MRT Station on the orange line. (You can't miss it. It's the park with the big library in the middle of it.) At the parks, you’ll see unleashed dogs running around and having fun, especially on a Saturday afternoon. They’re great places to go and the people are very friendly. In fact, they are sometimes too friendly, but never mean. There are even a number of dog cafes in the city, and many restaurants will welcome a well-behaved pooch. I can personally recommend Tiere Pet Hotel, which doubles as a doggy day care. It’s great. People get to eat food and give dogs some attention while their owners are away.

Pet Hotels

If you need to board you dog while on a trip or just for an afternoon, there are lots of places to choose from, including Tiere Pet Hotel and Pet Pet, which is near the number four park. Pet Pet is cheaper and fine for a short term stay. If you’re going on a longer trip though, spring for Tiere Pet Hotel. They will send you Line updates, wash your dog and let it play with the customers in the café. For a small fee, they will even pick up and return your dog to your apartment. Again, if you don’t speak or write Chinese, it isn’t a problem. Someone on staff will be able to help you. Prices run between $500 and $1000 NTD per night. That’s around $12 to $30 USD, which is pretty good compared to prices back home.

Veterinary Appointments

Veterinary appointments are around the same price actually. Like boarding houses, they are extremely common and there’s bound to be at least one within walking distance of your apartment. Frontline and Heartgard are inexpensive as well. (If your dog spends any amount of time outside get Frontline. It’s the only thing strong enough. Concrete does not mean no fleas.) You can get a six month supply of each for about $2000 NTD or $60 USD. These can be found at your local vet and maybe even at your local pet store.

Pet Supply Stores

Pet supply stores are also very common and offer a wide selection of high end products, including KONG, Science Diet and other brands. I can recommend Mixed Pet Shop, Hapet, Sophie Dog and Pet Park. Hapet, Sophie Dog and Pet Park are all chain stores that you can find throughout Taipei. Mixed Pet Shop is cute little shop near the Dinxi MRT Station. All the proceeds go toward helping shelter dogs and there’s also a dog training studio above the store.

When it comes to buying food, get a Costco card. (That’s right. Taiwan has a Costco.) This could potentially save you up to $2,000 NTD a month. The most expensive bag of food at Costco is $1,500 NTD and will feed one medium sized dog for two and half months. At specialty pet supply stores, the same bag would, literally, be double the price. The cheapest bag at Costco is around $600 NTD. You won’t find dog food at this price anywhere else in Taiwan.

Apartment Expectations

If you live in an apartment, there are a few things to be aware of. First, if your dog barks loudly and often, you may be fined. Second, if you put feces in your trash bin, instead of in the organic waste pile, you might be fined. These are easy problems to fix. Just recycle the poop along with any other organic matter properly. A barking issue may be slightly more difficult to fix. If your dog is just barking (and not tearing up your apartment), consider giving your pet more exercise or trying a shock collar if things things don’t improve. I know it’s inhumane, but it’s a lot better than ending up back at the shelter.

If your dog is barking and tearing up the apartment, you may need to buy a kennel. Don’t worry, these are relatively cheap. You will have to hunt around, but you can find a large kennel for about $1000 NTD. Then buy some blankets to go in and on top of the kennel. Basically, turn it into a den for your dog. Then, of course, you will have to kennel train you dog. Here in Taiwan, if you’re dog needs to be kenneled for seven to eight hours, it isn’t considered to be a huge problem. Again, it’s terrible, but doable and a lot better than being back at the shelter.

Trends

The most popular dogs in Taiwan are (without a doubt) poodles and Shiba Inus. People here love their little bundles of pure-bred fluff. Their owners will cut crazy designs into their fur, dress them up and then push them around in strollers. (Don’t Judge! I wouldn’t want my baby walking around barefoot on a city sidewalk either.) Other popular dog breeds include the corgi and french bulldog. Since owner’s can’t cut shapes out of their fur, they settle for cutting designs into it. My favorite so far has been the batman logo. Can’t tell you how much hair cuts and baths cost, but they can’t be too expensive. I know a nail trim only costs around $50 NTD or $2 USD. Also, doggy salons can be found all over the city.