Korean Jindo Dog

The Korean Jindo is a native dog of South Korea. Jindos are bold, independent, and highly intelligent dogs. Bred to guard, they can be aloof. They have Spitz-like bodies with pricked ears and a curved tail.

Korean Jindo Dog Breed Overview

Korean Jindos are reserved dogs that can be alert around strangers. They are usually devoted to one owner. Clean and neat, they thrive when they are given a job to do, especially guarding. These dogs are descended from indigenous dogs brought by the Mongols to modern-day South Korea in the 13th century. (Jindo Island is off the Korean coast.) The dog lived an isolated life, and in turn, a pure breed was developed. They were named National Treasures by the Korean government in 1938, and the dogs featured in the Seoul Olympics in 1988. They are rare in the United States.  

Korean Jindo Dog Facts

• Rare dog in the United States
• Closely resembles Spitz-type dogs
• Loyal to one person
• They were originally bred to guard and protect
• Will bark to alert
• They come in six colors: white, wolf gray, red fawn, black, brindle, or black and tan

How to Care for Your Korean Jindo Dog

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming, hygiene, and living with a Korean Jindo dog.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Korean Jindo?

Your Korean Jindo dog needs a food with high-quality protein, moderate fiber and carbs, and healthy fats. Jindos can be picky dogs and can even go on hunger strikes if they feel bored with their food. If this occurs, try rotating dog food toppers to keep them engaged. A size-appropriate food line with high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and beef, such as Purina Pro Plan, is a good starting point.

How Much to Feed a Korean Jindo Dog?

To find out how much to feed your Korean Jindo, consult your vet or your dog’s food label. Try to get them to eat at scheduled feeds rather than via free feeding, although Jindos are known as self-regulators that only eat when they are truly hungry. If this is the case, try stimulating hunger through exercise or mental stimulation. To get an accurate food amount for your particular Jindo dog, head to the Purina Feeding Calculator, where you can put in your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and more.

Treats & Supplements

The Jindo dog doesn’t require any specific supplements, but you can always discuss joint supplements and fatty acid supplements with your vet, especially as your dog ages and will need more support. Treats can be used sparingly along with positive reinforcement training and should not exceed 10% of the dog’s daily overall calories.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Jindo dogs will need regular vet checkups like any other breed, where you can discuss vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and more with your dog’s vet. Be sure to include routine dental care in your Jindo’s daily routine to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Your vet can also talk with you about spaying or neutering your dog.

Korean Jindo Dog Enrichment & Exercise Needs

The Korean Jindo dog enjoys physical exercise and mental stimulation, including walks, playtime, and games. They might be stubborn when it comes to training thanks to their independent nature, but a gentle and consistent approach can get them to comply. They love having a job to do, so consider task-based activities like fetch. They do not like water, so swimming is not the best activity for them.

Understanding Your Korean Jindo Dog’s Behavior

Jindos are independent dogs, but are also fiercely loyal to their owners, usually one person in particular. They are so devoted that they might even follow that person from room to room. They can be prone to separation anxiety because of this bond, so it’s important to socialize them frequently and get them used to unfamiliar places and people. They were bred to guard, so they can be a fairly vocal dog breed, something to consider if you live in close proximity to others or in a high-traffic area. This can be worked on with consistent training.

What to Expect as Your Korean Jindo Dog Ages

Korean Jindo dogs can live to be 14 to 15 years old if they are healthy and cared for properly. They could develop hypothyroidism or discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), something your vet can keep a close eye on. Keep them healthy as they age by switching them to a senior dog food when your vet recommends it. These formulas are supplemented with nutrients elderly dogs need for mental sharpness and to help with conditions like joint pain or arthritis.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

You’ll need to be OK with shedding if you own a Korean Jindo dog, especially because they can shed quite a bit depending on the season. Brush them frequently to remove loose and dead hairs, especially during heavy shedding periods. They can also be prone to allergies, something that can manifest through their skin. If your dog has itchy paws, is licking themselves, has red spots on their skin, or is rubbing their face, call your veterinarian. Because they hate water, you might need to ease into bathing them. The good news is that their double coat can shed mud and dirt on its own fairly well.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

The Jindo’s pricked ears should be checked regularly for signs of an ear infection, such as redness, discharge, or a foul smell. Check their paw pads for scrapes and cuts that could lead to infection, and be sure to incorporate dental care and nail trims into their routines.

Anal Gland Care

The Jindo may or may not be able to express their anal glands naturally. If they have an abscess or blockage, you might need to call your vet. You’ll know you need help if they are excessively licking their behind, scooting, emitting a foul-smelling odor, or are straining to go to the bathroom.

Living With a Korean Jindo Dog

Living Space

So long as they have plenty of access to exercise, the medium-sized Jindo dog will be happy, although a yard in a suburban or rural area is preferred with a high fence because they can jump. They were originally bred to guard, so they can be a vocal breed. Keep this in mind if you live in an urban setting with close neighbors, or in a high-traffic area where they might bark all day long at passersby.

Socialization

This breed is fairly independent and is inherently alert around others. They should be socialized frequently and early to help them build confidence in unfamiliar situations.

Climate Considerations

The Jindo was originally bred on Jindo Island in South Korea. The climate there is temperate, and all four seasons occur. The dog’s double coat can help protect them in winter, although they should never be outside in prolonged extreme weather. They don’t do as well in warm climates, and their time outside should be limited if you live in a hot area.

Potential Challenges

Devoted to their owners, the Jindo is a loving and caring dog. However, they can have some potential challenges, like separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior. Try not to leave your Jindo at home for very long stretches of time, and make sure they are mentally and physically stimulated before leaving. They can also be aloof, and as a result, often bark a lot. This can be worked on through training, although it’s not recommended that Jindos live in high-density areas because this can be hard to control fully. Lastly, their independent streak can mean stubbornness in training, so owners must be consistent and not give up quickly on them.

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