Korean JindoCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says there are no written records of the breed's origin, but many experts agree that it has lived for several thousand years on Jindo Island, at the south-western tip of the Korean Peninsula. The most widely accepted theory is that it is a native Korean dog, kept pure on the island because transport used to be difficult.

Wikipedia says that in 1962 the South Korean government declared the Jindo the country's 53rd natural monument. Because of this status, only dogs born on Jindo Island can be officially registered as Jindos by the South Korean government, after an inspection.

How the breed developed

• For thousands of years – The dogs live on Jindo Island.
• 1962 – South Korea declares the Jindo a natural monument.
• 1988 – Jindo dogs parade at the opening of the Seoul Olympic Games.
• 6 July 2005 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a well-proportioned, medium-sized dog used for hunting and guarding. With its erect ears and curled or sickle tail, it should show agility, strength, alertness and dignity.

General appearance

The coat is double: the undercoat is soft, dense and light in colour, while the topcoat is harsh and stands slightly off the body. The hair is shorter on the head, legs and ears and longer on the neck, withers, back, croup, tail and the back of the thighs.

The accepted colours are red fawn, white, black, black and tan, wolf grey and brindle.

The AKC describes it as a very serious hunting dog, renowned for its loyalty to its owner and family. It is highly intelligent and independent, good at solving problems and thinks for itself. It has a calm, confident and thoughtful nature and is not fearful or aggressive without reason.

The AKC says it is a “one-person dog” and that its strong prey drive can make it dig under a fence or jump over it, however well trained it is.

Tips for effective training

• Provide a very good fence. It may jump or dig to escape.
• Socialise it as a puppy. It is reserved with strangers.
• Be consistent and patient. It is very independent.
• Be careful around other dogs. The AKC gives it a low score for getting on with other dogs.

The AKC says it is an energetic hunting and guard dog, but with impeccable manners in the house. It was bred to cover long distances, so it needs plenty of physical and mental exercise.

Tips for a balanced life

• The fence must be high and set into the ground.
• It is not a dog for dog parks.
• It suits experienced owners.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says it is a very clean dog. The double coat repels dirt and water, usually has no odour and should be brushed once a week with a slicker or pin brush. During moulting periods, it needs brushing more often.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is a healthy, long-lived breed that often lives 14 years or more. Few problems have been reported, but these are worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the skin on its nose.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Go for regular check-ups.

The AKC says the Jindo eats little and its lean look worries owners. However, it is very easy to overfeed.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not overfeed it just because it looks thin.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Baekgu came home. Wikipedia says that in 1993 a Jindo bitch sold 300 km away made her own way back to her owner after 7 months.
• A natural monument. It is South Korea's 53rd natural monument.
• At the Olympic Games. Jindo dogs paraded at the opening of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
• Very clean. The AKC says its coat usually has no odour.
• A one-person dog. It is very attached to a single person.

The story of Baekgu

Wikipedia says that in 1993 the bitch Baekgu was sold to an owner in Daejeon, about 300 km from Jindo Island. She ran away and returned to her former owner after seven months. The story became famous in South Korea and inspired cartoons and a TV documentary.

Where does the name come from?

From Jindo Island, in south-western South Korea.

How big does it get?

Males measure 50–55 cm and weigh 18–23 kg; females measure 45–50 cm and weigh 15–19 kg.

Is it suited to beginners?

Usually not. It is independent, territorial and can easily run off.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 14–15 years.