Korean Jindo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Korean Jindo?

The origins of the Korean Jindo breed can be traced back to a tiny island off the coast of South Korea named Jindo. It is thought that the breed lived alongside humans for thousands of years on this island. They were used as hunting dogs, and guard dogs, and Koreans consider the Jindo to be a national treasure.

On Jindo island, the breed is especially revered, and visitors to the island are greeted with a Korean Jindo statue. In 1988, they were also part of the opening ceremonies for the Seoul Olympic Games.

The breed is recognised by the United Kennel Club and is classified within the Northern Breeds Group. However, the American Kennel Club is yet to fully recognise the Jindo, and they are currently one of the breeds in the Foundation Stock Service.

Who are Korean Jindo dogs best for?

Korean Jindos can make good pets for most owners as they're very friendly and are relatively easy to care for. Although they have a lot of energy and require a good amount of physical and mental stimulation, their exercise needs can be satisfied with a 30-minute walk each day.

They will still happily come along on hikes and long walks, they were originally bred as hunters, after all, but intense daily exercise isn't an absolute necessity.

This makes them well-suited to both very active owners and families and to people who may not be able to commit to more than 30 minutes of exercise each day.

If you have other dogs at home, the Jindo might not be the best choice for you as they are very territorial and can react aggressively towards dogs of the same sex.

How much grooming does a Korean Jindo need?

The Korean Jindo has a relatively low-maintenance coat and only needs to be brushed once a week. However, twice a year, they go through a period of heavy shedding and will need to be brushed daily to minimise the amount of hair they leave around the home.

They don't require regular baths and will only need to be bathed if they're dirty or a bit smelly. Their nails grow quickly, and they usually need to be trimmed once a week or when you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Their ears also need to be cleaned out often to reduce the risk of ear infections.

Do Korean Jindo bark much?

When compared to other dog breeds, the Korean Jindo isn't very vocal and usually only barks to alert its owner to intruders or danger. They're very territorial, which means that they make good guard dogs, but excessive barking isn't usually an issue.

If your Jindo is barking a lot, it may be because they're not getting enough mental and physical stimulation and are bored. If you make sure they have a lot to do, then they should be quiet and well-behaved.

Do Korean Jindo bite?

Korean Jindos are not known to be particularly mouthy dogs and don't have a reputation for biting. They're a friendly and well-balanced breed when properly trained, but like most other dogs, they will nip when they're puppies. As the Jindo develops into an adult dog, this behaviour should cease.

What is the temperament & personality of a Korean Jindo?

The Korean Jindo is an intensely loyal breed that can make a loving and faithful companion to any owner that can give them the same amount of devotion back.

Due to their intelligence and athleticism, they have been used as rescue dogs and military dogs in South Korea, and they enjoy participating in dog sports.

As the Korean Jindo originated as a hunting dog, they still have a high prey instinct which means they are likely to chase and herd other pets, especially smaller animals like cats and mice. For this reason, they're not well suited to multi-pet households.

They mostly have a calm and reserved temperament when at home with their owners and are active and engaged when out on a walk. This makes them a well-balanced breed that's easy to get along with.

What is the weight & size of a Korean Jindo?

The Korean Jindo is a medium-sized dog, and its weight usually ranges from 15 kg to 22 kg, while its height is typically between 44 cm to 54 cm.

How much training does a Korean Jindo need?

Due to their high level of intelligence, Jindos have a good capacity for learning, but they do also have an independent streak which can make them quite stubborn.

This means that training them requires a lot of patience and consistency, and their sessions should involve rewards and lots of positive reinforcement. They also need early socialisation to help them get used to children and strangers.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Korean Jindo?

Korean Jindos are mostly healthy dogs but are susceptible to certain health issues that are common to the breed, such as:

• Hypothyroidism - a condition where the thyroid gland becomes underactive, causing the dog's metabolism and bodily functions to slow down. The symptoms include lethargy and weight gain.

• Discoid Lupus Erythematosus - is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. The symptoms include flaking skin, scabbing, and a loss of skin pigmentation.

What is the lifespan of a Korean Jindo?

The average life expectancy for a Korean Jindo is 12 to 15 years. The best way to ensure your pooch lives the longest and happiest life possible is to give them lots of exercise and to take them for regular medical checkups.

How much should you feed a Korean Jindo?

The ideal diet is different for each individual dog and depends on several factors like their metabolism, age, and size. You should always use good-quality, dry dog food that's high in protein and other nutrients.

If you're unsure about how much to feed your Jindo, then you can speak to a vet to help you formulate the right diet plan for your pooch.

What is the price of a Korean Jindo in Australia?

As Jindos are a rare breed, their price varies widely depending on whether you choose to adopt from an animal shelter or buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.

The cost is typically between $500 - $2,500. You can find information about reputable breeders in your area by contacting a National Breed Club such as the Australian National Kennel Club.