Korean Jindo
History
Many theories as to the origin of the breed have been put forward. The one that is best substantiated is that the Jindo is indigenous to the Korean peninsula. This has been proved by the discovery of the remains of dogs in shell mounds dating from the Palaeolithic era. The Jindo is Koreas most famous dog and is named after the Island off the south-west coast of the Korean peninsula.
Jindo Island is accessible by just one road, which crosses Grand Jindo Bridge, built in the late 1970’s. This bridge links Jindo Island to mainland Korea. As you reach the island side of the bridge two larger-than-life statues of Jindo Gae, (Jindo Dog), confront you. Below the statues you will find an island policeman on duty. This is the checkpoint monitoring dogs entering and leaving the island. Jindo Island is a “leash free†environment and many Jindos wander freely.
In 1962 the Korean government designated the Jindo Gae as National Treasure number 53. ‘National Treasure’ is the highest honour which can be given to precious cultural artefacts, animals or persons.
A breeding Institute was created on Jindo Island in 1999 with the aim of preserving the purity of the breed. Approximately eighty adult dogs are housed here and used in the institute’s breeding programme. The quality of dogs bred there is excellent, and much progress has been made since its establishment, something of which the Institute is extremely proud. Through the interest and guidance of Samsung Chairman, Kum-Hee Lee, the original club in Korea was established in 1979. He still continues to take a great interest in the breeds progress.
The first six officially-approved micro-chipped Jindos to leave Jindo Island for the outside world were sent to the UK in 2002 and 2003. One of these, a white male named General, was first seen on the Samsung stand at Crufts Dog Show in 2003. These Jindos were to form the foundation of the breed in the UK. They were accepted by The Kennel Club for registration in 2006 and placed onto the Import Register within the Utility group. They have been extremely successful in the show ring, even more popular as family pets. English-bred stock has already been exported to five countries.
At present there is no Breed club in the UK, however it is hoped that an application will be made to The Kennel Club in the near future. A number of Jindos have qualified for Crufts during the past year and will be exhibited in the Import classes which are being scheduled for the first time.
Characteristics
The Jindo is a medium-sized breed with a bold, daring character and wonderful hunting skills, very independent of mind and best known for being totally loyal to its master. With regard to training, they are very quick to learn however they are very independent characters. The Jindo may not be suitable for everyone as, in many ways, it is still quite primitive and possesses strong instincts.
What are Korean Jindos like as pets ? - The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- They will be very loyal to their owners
- They have a great homing instinct and will always find their way home.
- They have a great sense of humor.
- They are very clean, an excellent house dog.
- They have an “easy-care†coat.
Cons:
- They have a great hunting instinct and, when thus engaged, may not always respond to your calls. In short, they can be stubborn.
- To own a Jindo you will need patience, understanding, an extendable lead and a well-fenced garden!
Health
So far there have been very few health problems found in the breed and eye testing is performed as a precaution. Average length of life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Recommended Health Tests
More Information
Historical Average Puppy Prices
| Year | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (£) | 1500 | 1500 |
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