Korean Jindo Dog

The Jindo is a spitz-type hunting dog from Jindo Island in South Korea, where it is protected as a national treasure — famed for loyalty, cleanliness and a strong hunting instinct.

History

It developed as a landrace on the isolated island of Jindo, hunting game and guarding home with little outside influence, which kept the type pure. Stories of Jindos finding their way home over great distances are part of the breed's reputation for devotion.

Temperament

The breed is known for being intensely loyal — often to one person — intelligent, independent and reserved with strangers. It is notably clean and self-possessed, with a powerful prey drive.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and secure fencing against a strong urge to hunt and roam, and its independent mind rewards patient, respectful training and early socialising. The double coat sheds heavily twice a year and needs regular brushing.

Health

The breed is generally very healthy and hardy, with few widespread inherited problems; hypothyroidism is noted in some dogs. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.