Donggyeongi

The Donggyeongi is a naturally tailless Korean dog from Gyeongju, and its missing tail nearly cost it its existence.

History

It has lived around Gyeongju, the old Silla capital, for around two thousand years and appears in Silla-era pottery figures. Under Japanese colonial rule it was persecuted on the grounds that a tailless dog was unlucky and resembled nothing proper, and large numbers were killed. South Korea named it a natural monument in 2012 after Korean researchers established it as a distinct native breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being friendly, lively and sociable — notably more outgoing than the other Korean natives — affectionate with its household and good with children.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work. The medium double coat sheds seasonally. It trains readily.

Health

Generally healthy, though the gene responsible for the short tail is associated with spinal defects when doubled, which breeders manage. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.