Hailing from the South Korean island of Jindo, the Korean Jindo Dog is known for its loyal reputation. Its courageous yet gentle disposition has won the hearts of many, both in its homeland and internationally. Read on to learn more about the Korean Jindo!
1. This Breed Originated from Jindo Island
The Korean Jindo Dog, or Jindo-gae, originated on the Korean island of Jindo, located off the Korean Peninsula. While the breed’s origins remain rather uncertain, the Korean Jindo is an ancient breed, dating back more than 1,500 years. One theory suggests that the Jindo descends from dogs imported to Korea from China during the Song Dynasty. In contrast, another theory suggests that this breed descended from Mongolian guard dogs. The most accepted theory, though, is that the Korean Jindo descended from dogs already indigenous to the Korean Peninsula.
The Korean Jindo is considered a spitz breed, a rather generalized category of dog breeds known for their pricked ears, double coats, pointy snouts, and almond-shaped eyes. The Korean Jindo has ties with other East Asian dog breeds. During Japanese rule in World War II, the Korean Jindo was spared as they were seen as similar to Japanese dog breeds, whereas other dogs were unfortunately exterminated.
Having stringent requirements, only Korean Jindo Dogs born on the island of Jindo may be registered as such by the South Korean government. In Korea, the Jindo Dog is traditionally categorized into two body types: tonggol/gyeopgae, which are typically stockier in build, and hudu/hotgae, which are slenderer and longer in length. While this breed usually comes in white or yellowish-tan (fawn), they can also come in grey, brindle, black-and-tan, and very rarely, solid black.
The Korean Jindo was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1998 and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2005. This breed was registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s Foundation Stock Service in 2008 just three years later.
2. They Were Bred to Hunt and Guard
The Korean Jindo was originally bred for both hunting and guarding. Having a strong prey drive, this breed was prized by hunters because of its ability to pursue large game, including deer and wild boar. While a single dog could not take down an ornery boar or deer alone, a pack of Jindos could collaborate and take down their prey together.
The Jindo is also known for its ability to retrieve game without having to be taught; puppies start off pursuing rodents and birds, then move on to larger prey, such as rabbits. In case a Jindo ever gets lost during a hunting trip, its strong homing instinct will usually guide itself back home even from long distances.
Nobles would also bring Jindos from their native island to the Korean Peninsula to utilize them for their hunting trips. Legend holds that when tigers were much more common in the peninsula, it took as little as three dogs to pursue a single big cat (though how true this rather romanticized claim is cannot be fully verified).
3. Jindo Dogs: A Korean National Treasure
The Korean Jindo was designated as a South Korean National Treasure in 1962. This breed is of high cultural importance in Korea. As mentioned earlier, only dogs born on the island of Jindo can be registered as such. Exporting pure Jindo Dogs outside of South Korea is also very difficult.
At the 1988 Olympic Games, which took place in Seoul, Jindo Dogs were marched along during the opening ceremony. The Jindo even has its very own holiday: May 3rd has been designated as “Jindo Dog Day,” and this day is celebrated on the island of Jindo every year!
At the time of this article’s writing, there were currently only four Jindo breeders in the United States that were registered with the AKC. The kennels are also members of the Korean Jindo Dog Association of America.
4. The Jindo’s Loyalty Is Revered
Perhaps the most notable trait of the Korean Jindo is its loyalty. This canine is known for forming a strong bond with its family and fiercely protecting them.
The most famous example of the Korean Jindo’s loyalty is that of an individual named Baekgu (which simply means “white dog” in Korean). In 1993, an elderly woman was no longer able to care for Baekgu and ended up selling her dog to his new owner about 180 miles away from Jindo Island. Baekgu, determined to return to his original owner, spent around seven months making the long journey back home. Astonished, Baekgu’s original owner decided to keep him for the rest of his life until his passing in 2000. The story made headlines throughout the country, and this tale has inspired documentaries, cartoons, and even children’s storybooks.
5. This Breed Is Generally Healthy
The Korean Jindo is a typically healthy dog, with not many health complications being reported for this rather robust breed. Hypothyroidism and discoid lupus are a few issues that have been observed in this canine. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, causing a huge imbalance with the dog’s metabolism. Discoid lupus is a very painful skin condition that occurs when the immune system attacks skin cells. It causes itchy, scaly irritations on the skin and can even cause permanent hair loss.
As with all other dogs, an annual veterinary checkup is highly recommended to ensure that any issues detected early will be targeted before they worsen. If your dog shows any symptoms of illness, schedule an appointment with their veterinarian as soon as possible.
6. Korean Jindo Dogs Have Low-maintenance Grooming Needs
The Korean Jindo is known to be very clean by dog standards. Its coat only needs to be brushed once a week. Bathing only needs to be done occasionally with this canine as well. The Korean Jindo Dog’s coat doesn’t shed much outside of its twice-yearly seasonal shed. During this time, this canine will shed a lot of its undercoat, so daily brushing will keep the shedding under control.
As with other double-coated breeds, the Korean Jindo’s layered coat protects this canine from the elements, including inclement temperatures. NEVER shave a double-coated dog, such as the Jindo, as this could permanently damage their coat. This will also expose your canine to weather and temperature extremes, along with parasites. Shaving a double-coated breed will NOT cool off your dog and can do the opposite.
As with all dogs, the Korean Jindo’s nails should be trimmed every few weeks. Your dog’s ears should also be cleaned frequently to prevent infection. Your dog’s teeth should be brushed to maintain its dental health; while it’s best to brush them daily, brushing them two to three times a week should usually suffice.
7. These Dogs Require Regular Exercise
The Korean Jindo is an active breed that relishes exercise. At minimum, this breed should have at least half an hour of exercise a day, though more is highly recommended. Long walks or hikes on a trail or in the park are very appreciated, but due to its high prey drive, the Korean Jindo must always be kept on a leash.
The Korean Jindo is also a natural-born athlete, reflecting its original purpose as a hunting dog. This breed usually excels in activities such as lure coursing and agility trials. Along with physical stimulation, the highly intelligent Jindo also needs to be exercised mentally. Being a working breed at heart, this dog appreciates being kept busy with tasks. Obedience training and puzzle toys are a few ways to offer much-needed stimulation.
8. These Breeds Are Best for Experienced Owners
The Korean Jindo Dog isn’t ideal for first-time dog owners. This intelligent breed has an independent streak that can be difficult for some to handle. Due to its protective nature, the Korean Jindo is very suspicious of strangers and doesn’t tolerate handling from unfamiliar people. This breed’s position as a guard dog owes much to its territoriality as well. As with all dogs, but especially with this breed, training and socialization must begin early in puppyhood.
Due to its high prey drive, owners should exercise extreme caution if other small animals, including cats and smaller dogs, share the household. In general, the Jindo doesn’t tolerate rude behavior from other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones. This breed usually prefers its own space; while it prefers being at its owner’s side, this dog isn’t known to be overly affectionate or cuddly. Having a large, escape-proof yard is highly recommended due to its exercise requirements.
Provided you can meet all of the Jindo’s needs, finding one for adoption can be very difficult due to its rarity, especially for those looking for a purebred dog. While rescues are occasionally available, finding a reputable breeder is very important. The Korean Jindo Association of America is a great resource to find breeders, but take note that due to its rarity, there may be a waitlist that could span from months to even years. Always do your research before bringing a Jindo, or any other dog, home!
