Jindo dog

Jindos are loyal, alert dogs that originated in South Korea. With his family, this breed enjoys a lot of physical activity (hiking is his favorite!).

LIFE SPAN -12–15 years

BREED SIZE -medium (26-60 lbs.)

HEIGHT-18–22 inches

WEIGHT-30–50 pounds

GOOD WITH -families children dogs

TEMPERAMENT -gentle playful anxious

INTELLIGENCE -high

SHEDDING AMOUNT -seasonal

EXERCISE NEEDS -medium

ENERGY LEVEL -active

BARKING LEVEL -when necessary

DROOL AMOUNT -low

BREED GROUP -none

COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE -medium

COLORS -white,gray,fawn

PATTERNS -brindle black and tan

Korean Jindos are medium-sized dogs that are loyal to their owners, highly intelligent, and thrive with an active lifestyle. Despite their popularity as pets in South Korea, Korean Jindos (also known as Jindos) have also been bred for consumption throughout history. In the United States, Jindos are relatively unknown, but they have gained in prominence as rescue organizations work to save them from the dog meat trade and high-kill shelters in South Korea. 

Because of the dire conditions Jindos are living in, Founder and President of Jindo Love Rescue, Patti Kim, was inspired to rescue and place Jindos in U.S. homes.

I explain that every dog deserves a home to people who ask why I don't just adopt locally. My calling is for the dogs in Korea because of how they are killed since they are destined for the dog meat trade."

Jindo owners are advised to give their new family member a lot of space and time to decompress after coming from such an environment. Once they've settled into a routine, they become a devoted and loyal companion, according to Gina Boehler, executive director of Korean K9 Rescue.

"If we respect the Jindo coming into our home and give the dog time to acclimate, they will be the best friends we ever had," Boehler says. "We just need to give them the chance early on and see it from their point of view."

Appearance

Its almond-shaped eyes and sickle-shaped tail mirror the Jindo's alert personality. He stands between 18–22 inches in height, making him the ideal companion for adventurers who love to hike and travel. The Jindo weighs between 30–50 pounds, but he is light on his feet and carries himself with grace.

Jindos come in a variety of colors, including white, gray, fawn, black and tan, and brindle. Even though they shed a lot, the Jindo keeps themselves quite clean (and are easy to housebreak). The Jindo is always awake and can often be seen wagging his tail if he is comfortable or near his owner. 

"When they're outside, they're very active," Boehler says. "Their tail starts to wag, their eyes get bright. They love being outside hiking with their owners or taking lots of walks." 

With his foxy face and perky ears, you might mistake a Jindo for a Shiba Inu at first glance. However, if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell the two apart. Some giveaways: A Shiba is smaller (only reaching 23 pounds) and has cute chubby cheeks that the Jindo does not have.

Temperament

The Jindo is known for his devotion and devotion to his owners. He is generally calm and responsive but also has a tendency to be suspicious of strangers and possess a strong prey drive. Especially with a rescued Jindo, care should be taken to earn his trust and socialize him with others.  

Jindos can make great companion dogs for first-time owners, but Boehler suggests doing plenty of research on the breed before adopting. Most Jindos available at Korean K9 Rescue were saved from high-kill shelters or slaughterhouses, meaning they are under-socialized because of their upbringing. Although Jindos enjoy building positive associations with humans, they can be reserved until that trust is fully built. 

From mother to litter, trauma, timidity, and fearfulness can be passed along. Boehler says that adopting a dog like that can be a challenge for some people. "We need someone who is willing to put in the work." They may not have the most confident and outgoing dog, but they will have a loved family member."

It takes time and effort to earn Jindo's trust. Despite being extremely smart and eager to learn new skills, he is a very polite and obedient member of the household. Once settled in, he will be happy to go for a walk or run an agility course in the backyard with any member of the family. 

"They're very loyal to not only one human, but also their family," Boehler says. "They like to please people; they want to be beside you."

Living Needs

The majority of Jindos would be happiest in a household where they are included in all aspects of daily life. What would be his ideal schedule? The majority of Jindos would love a 30-minute morning walk (or jog! ), a trip to a dog park, and then a quiet evening at home with a human and a dog puzzle to ponder. Kim says the Jindo is a breed that needs mental and physical stimulation throughout the day - he's definitely not a couch potato dog. 

"For the Jindos program, we want active people who hike or do a lot of outdoor activities," Kim explains. The Jindo is not suitable for people who work from home and walk them two or three times a day around the block, and pretty much just stay at home."

Jindos love to play with other dogs and amuse children if they are well-socialized. Kim says Jindos can live with other dogs (or even cats if introduced properly, but they have a high prey drive). 

Especially in the backyard, where they might decide to embark on an adventure all by themselves, Jindos should never be left alone for long periods of time. When living in a fenced-in yard, the Jindo is capable of escaping for a number of reasons, including spotting a squirrel to chase or simply feeling like he is not at home. Keeping Jindo on-leash, building a strong relationship, and closely watching him are important steps to take. Korean K9 Rescue provides owners with Fi GPS collars that pinpoint Jindo's location..

"It It takes three to twelve months for these dogs to feel at home," Boehler says. "GPS collars minimize the Jindo's flight risk, but training helps the owner develop a better relationship with their dog." risk."

Care

Jindos would benefit from regular exercise and socialization in an active family. As a puppy or during training, the Jindo needs to be socialized in order to be happy. In his early days, Jindo may exhibit suspicious behavior if he is not exposed to other dogs and people. 

The owners of Jindos must be patient with them, but once a solid relationship is established, the dog will learn quickly. Through positive reinforcement and relationship-based training, make sure your Jindo understands what you are asking of him.

Similarly to double-coated dogs, Jindo also has his coat blown twice a year. According to Boehler, jindos moving to a new climate will shed more until their bodies adapt to it. To keep the Jindo's double coat looking beautiful, she recommends brushing him weekly with a slicker or pin brush. 

Health

The life expectancy of Jindo dogs is 12-15 years. According to the Korean Jindo Association of America, Jindo's good health is the result of centuries of natural development in South Korea. 

Jindo is still undergoing long-term health testing since it is relatively new to the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) reports that Jindos in the U.S. show signs of hypothyroidism, a condition that affects the thyroid gland. The immune system of dogs may also react negatively to new environments, resulting in allergies.

As there have been isolated cases of Jindos suffering from cataracts and hip dysplasia, owners should keep an eye out for any signs of joint or eye problems. Generally, Jindos live an active, robust lifestyle, although the Korean Jindo Association of America notes that some rescue dogs may be at higher risk for health issues.

History

The Korean Jindo originated on Jindo Island, the third largest island in South Korea. Even though the Jindo is named after the island, it is not known how it arrived there. In 220 AD, a Chinese trade ship sank off the coast of South Korea, introducing the beloved dogs to the country. However, other scholars believe that the dogs arrived later, during the Mongol invasion. Its culture is deeply ingrained in the Jindo breed, which has been present on the island for centuries.

The South Korean Cultural Heritage Administration designated Jindos "national monuments" in 1962 to recognize their significance. Jindos joined the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club in 2008, but they cannot yet compete in elite AKC events. While Jindos cannot compete at certain levels, they are excellent at agility.

Several rescue organizations have adopted Jindos in the U.S., but the breed is still relatively rare outside of South Korea. Keep in mind that puppies from another country will need time to learn their new environment if you are thinking about getting a Jindo (or any dog from another country). Structure, a schedule, and patience are the best ways for new owners to support their international dog.

When working with international dogs, Boehler says, "you're dealing with a completely new environment, a new culture, and new humans." I want people to realize that there will be work involved. They won't just jump into your lap right away. It would take time, work, and a lot of patience. And a lot of training.

Fun Facts

The Jindo is South Korea's 53rd Living National Treasure, meaning the pups are considered an important part of the country's cultural heritage. 

Baekgu, a 5-year-old female Jindo that was sold in 1993 to a family that lived 186 miles away, is one of the most famous Jindos. After spending seven months apart from her former owner, Baekgu escaped from her new residence and returned to her original home. Baekgu is often believed to be a symbol of the Jindo breed's devoted loyalty.

In 2021, Jindo (also known as Baekgu) kept his 90-year-old owner warm until rescuers reached them by keeping her warm as they walked. Baekgu was named the first honorary rescue dog in South Korea after his heroics.

Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy and TV psychologist Phil McGraw (also known as Dr. Phil) are proud Jindo owners. After the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Kenworthy adopted a Jindo mix from a dog meat farm.