The Korean Jindo is not for inexperienced dog owners. They need someone who can build a rapport quickly and who shows strong leadership. The Korean Jindo has an inborn dominance toward other dogs and can show same-sex aggression, especially male-to-male aggression. They also have a very high prey drive, and some don’t even accept other animals in the same household. But on the other hand, the Korean Jindo is an extremely loyal dog who will follow you everywhere and show what true dog friendship means.
Origins: ancient breed, South Korea
AKC: Non-sporting group, not fully recognized, part of the Foundation Stock Service
RKC: Utility group
FCI: group 5 (Spitz and primitive types)
UKC: Northern breed group
Photo by Canarian
Physical Traits
The Korean Jindo is a medium-sized dog used for hunting and guarding. They have well-balanced, muscular bodies, appearing strong and alert. The dog walks with a strong, consistent stride.
Height: males – 19 to 22 inches (50 to 55 cm);
females – 17 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm)
Weight: males – 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23kg);
females – 30 to 40 pounds (15 to 19 kg)
Coat: medium and double
Color: black, white, fawn, gray, brindle, black and tan
Eye color: brown
Tail: sickle-shaped or rolled (over the back)
Ears: erect, medium-size
Muzzle: scissor bite, nose is black unless the coat
color is white when the nose can be flesh color
Social Traits
If you’re looking for an affectionate and playful family dog, the Korean Jindo is not the dog for you. These are calm and reserved dogs who show love through unwavering loyalty. The FCI states it’s a “one-man dog” that bonds so strongly with its first owner, it takes some time to get used to a new one. Forever bonded with their first owner.
This would be amazing, weren’t it so sad because of the amount of abuse animals, and especially dogs, go through with their owners. And these dogs often go through some kind of abuse because some people think that’s how you make a strong guard dog.
High prey drive
Not suitable for families with other animals
Never walk off leash in unsecured areas
Socialization is absolutely necessary
They are excellent protective dogs, but they
need proper training!
They are protective of the children in the family, but
need space; never leave a child alone with any dog
let alone one who’s quite independent
Photo by michelle143ny
Activity Needs and Training
The Korean Jindo Dog is a working/hunting dog that needs more exercise than an average family dog. An adult Jindo needs around 2 hours of daily mental and physical activity. Of course, the best option would be to divide the overall time into smaller bits.
The key is to give a Korean Jindo dog something to do. They will enjoy a long hike where they can run and explore. Playing just catch is not enough for them and will soon become mischievous if they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation.
What’s good is that they are very clean and easily learn where to urinate. The Korean Jindo will follow its owner through hell and back. It’s smart and will quickly learn commands, but if it catches a scent of a potential prey, calling its name might not work every time.
High-energy dog
Activity Needs: at least 2 hours a day
of physical and mental stimulation
Trainability: Obedient, but high prey drive causes bad recall
Needs an experienced owner
They will benefit from jogs, long walks,
hikes, and some work they could do
Photo by michelle143ny
Health and Nutrition
The Korean Jindo Dog is a healthy breed. However, according to the Korean Jingo Dog Association of America, some genetic diseases have been found in American dogs.
These health issues are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE)
A few dogs have shown signs of eye issues, seizures, luxating patellas, etc., but these cases are infrequent and will be the subject of further research if they remain prevalent in the breed. The main prevention of any genetic disease is a responsible breeding program. Get your dogs from people who have tested their dogs and take good care of them.
Hypothyroidism and DLE are present in the American lines
Life Expectancy: around 15 years
Photo by songee Yang
Grooming
The Korean Jindo Dog and Shiba Inu have something in common: they often groom themselves, similar to cats. This, combined with their natural odor-free coats, makes them very clean dogs.
But the Korean Jindo Dog sheds, especially during shedding seasons, which come around spring and fall. Daily brushing is necessary to control the shedding during that particular season. On other days, they need weekly brushing.
For proper brushing, you can use a combination of a slicker brush and a metal comb for the final touch. You can also use the deshedding tool during the shedding season, but it’s not necessary.
Shedding: moderately, more during shedding seasons (spring and fall)
Brushing: once a week; every day during shedding seasons
You can use a combination of a slicker and pin brush, and a metal comb
Baths: rare, every couple of months (unless they get dirty)
Photo by Arotto
Summary
It’s a beautiful, bold, and extremely loyal dog. The Korean Jindo is not for an everyday family who doesn’t have a lot of time to spend training, bonding, and exercising with the dog. If you’re looking for a “nanny dog” or someone who will protect your family but also stays cool and doesn’t need a lot of physical activity, some other breeds might be a better choice. For example, a Leonberger. The Korean Jindo Dog needs a confident owner who can make sure their dog is respecting and obeying them.
Cover photo by michelle143ny
