Korean Jindo Dog Breed Information

Group

Sporting

Weight

15-22 kg

Height

44-54 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Korean Jindo Dog

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Korean Jindo is a loyal and faithful breed that is revered in its native country of South Korea. Their intelligence means they need plenty of stimulation and their athleticism and hunting instincts make them great companions for hikes and long walks.

Although they adore their owners, they do also have a bit of an independent streak which can make them a little tricky to train. But, with the right amount of patience and commitment, these rare dogs will make a great addition to most homes.

In this guide, we’ve laid out the fascinating history and typical characteristics of the Korean Jindo, along with some helpful tips and information to get you acquainted with this incredible breed.

What is the history & origin of the Korean Jindo Dog?

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.

What is a Korean Jindo Dog breed?

Korean Jindos are rare and are considered to be one of the spitz breeds. They have a dense double coat, a long, curly tail, a wedge-like head and triangle-shaped ears.

Like other double-coated dogs, their thick coat is due to them originating in a cold region and protects them from low temperatures.

The colours of their coat can vary quite widely and can be either red, fawn, white, wolf grey, black, black and tan or brindle. They have an elegant, svelt build and strong hind legs, which makes them agile and athletic.

They’re renowned for their loyalty to their owners and for their affectionate nature, but they do have a stubborn side that can require some patience when training. Their unwavering devotion to their owners can make them wary of strangers, but they are not known to be aggressive.

Who is a Korean Jindo Dog 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.

Korean Jindo Dog Grooming & Shedding

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 Dogs bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Korean Jindo Dog?

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

Are Korean Jindo Dogs easy to train?

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.

How do Korean Jindo Dogs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Korean Jindo Dog have any common health issues?

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 Dog?

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 does a Korean Jindo Dog need to be fed?

The ideal diet is different for each individual dog and depends on several factors like their metabolism, age and size. You should always use a 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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Korean Jindo Dog 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.

Korean Jindo Dog FAQs

Is a Korean Jindo ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Korean Jindos are loyal and devoted to their owners, but they do also require a lot of attention and almost constant stimulation. This means they’re not often the best choice for first-time owners, especially owners who don’t have any previous experience in training dogs.

Do Korean Jindos suffer from separation anxiety?

Korean Jindos are particularly prone to separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. Jindos don’t react well to being separated from their owners, and they can often resort to destructive behaviour when left in the home alone.

Are Korean Jindos hypoallergenic dogs?

Jindos aren’t considered to be hypoallergenic as they shed very heavily twice a year. This means there is a high risk of them causing reactions in people who have dog allergies.

Will a Korean Jindo need professional grooming?

Jindos are pretty easy to groom, and for most of the year, they only need to be brushed weekly, and they don’t require frequent bathing. When they’re going through their heavy shedding periods, they will need daily brushing, but they shouldn’t need to go to a professional groomer for this.