Jindo Dog Facts

As many other old breeds, this one was used primarily for hunting and guard duty.

Jindo was not introduced to the United States until 1980s, so it's considered a latecomer.

This breed was designated as a national treasure by the Korean government in 1938.

Physical Characteristics of a Jindo Dog

This is a medium sized breed with a head that's shaped like an octagon. Its ears are small and prickly and eyes are small and dark. The tail is short, thick and curly.

The coat is medium in length and consists of a harsh outer layer and softer inner layer.

		Height	Weight
	Male	18 to 22 inches	33 to 45 pounds
	Female	17 to 21 inches	22 to 35 pounds

Temperament

The Jindo is affectionate with its family but wary with strangers. It's also very active, intelligent, independent, and loyal.

Because it can be aggressive towards other dogs, I recommend puppy socialization training while your pet is still young.

Here is something you would not expect from such a rugged dog - it's fussy and hard to please. Some dog owners even compare them to cats!

Here are some more interesting facts about these dogs...

• They have a very strong innate sense of direction and are capable of returning home from great distances (again, like cats).
• They can remember and recognize tens of thousands of different scents.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

This is a very active breed and requires an active owner. These dogs will do best with an experienced dog owner who has a large yard and lives in the suburbs.

Some Jindo breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

This is a breed that loves to roam.

If you have a fenced yard, let your pet run off leash.

If your yard is not fenced, consider getting an electronic dog fence. There are a lot of systems that are cheap (a lot cheaper than a physical fence), easy to install and will keep your pet well protected.

Otherwise, walk him on lead for at least one hour each day (it doesn't have to be all at once).

Grooming

Jindos shed heavily twice a year. During that time, brush your pet every day. Puppies will normally shed when they are several months old. Warm baths will speed up the shedding process.

Depending on your dog's diet, you may need to clean his teeth to keep them and gums healthy.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Jindo is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

Additional health concerns include hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and hypothyroidism. For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Jindo breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

p>The average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Jindo rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.