Jindo Dog Breed

Jindos are hunting dogs, pure and simple. The American Kennel Club (AKC), however, has categorized this breed in the Non-Sporting Group. A great many Jindo clubs worldwide appear to have taken offense at this classification, noting that it implies a relatively inactive dog — and more. (The general argument is that this leads to thinking the Jindo doesn't need much exercise, which in turn prompts destructive and dangerous behavior.) While this breed can be a great family dog fulfilling many duties, it is by no means an easy dog to raise, train and socialize — and Jindos are definitely not for first-time families.

PROS

• Staunchly loyal
• Great guard dogs
• Superb watchdogs
• Extremely protective
• Low grooming needs
• Excellent hunting dogs
• Uncommonly courageous
• Preference for being indoors

CONS

• High jumpers
• Love to roam
• Escape artists
• Fearful of water
• Highly dominant
• Very difficult to train
• Steadfastly stubborn
• Very strong prey drive
• Require a lot of patient training
• Tend to be uncontrollable in packs
• Early and on-going socialization is a must
• Moderate shedding with two annual blowouts

Despite it being a rare dog outside Korea (and Japan, where the breed was harbored for a while), there is a lot to be offered for those who may have only heard of the breed and now seek the 101 on Korean Jindo dogs. This highly-skilled hunting dog has long been kept restricted to the point that even coat colors were mandated — and most coat colors were even made illegal — by national governments.

Along with the breed's unique look is their unique intelligence. They are well-known escape artists, and they have been known to open doors and leap over seemingly high-enough fences. These dogs absolutely must be trained properly as well as with great patience and by a human alpha who is also part of the family.

The Jindo tends to be a very calm dog, even when ready to attack. They tend to go from zero to 60 in a second, and they tend to not give any overt warning when they launch; this surprise is part of their success as a hunter that seeks smaller, very fast prey. On the other hand, deftly trained Jindos will be remarkably protective of and steadfastly loyal to their family members.

This dog runs swiftly and is much stronger than the thin body may suggest, and they are very active dogs who need a lot of daily exercise. They will very quickly develop destructive behavior if their energy is not burned off with ample workouts.

The Jindo temperament is a distinguished, historic and demanding one. This ancient, relatively rare and highly specialized purebred dog is very difficult to train, socialize and maintain — but if you have the patience, resources and background to undertake such a relationship, the rewards will be great.

You absolutely must establish yourself as the alpha when taking on the life-long responsibility of having one of these dogs in the family; failing to do so will render all future attempts to manage this dog basically impossible. Even when under the command of the pack or human alpha, this top-notch-intelligent dog will exhibit a very independent personality. Training your Jindo will be neither easy nor quick, and despite their potential for aggression, these dogs must be handled gently when being trained.

Another Jindo characteristic is that these dogs are hard-wired to hunt, chase down and kill smaller animals. If you have cats, hamsters or any other such pets, you should not get a Jindo. Their loyalty is also significant to a fault: they are fiercely protective of family members. Even with proper socialization, they may well tend to regard strangers with near-aggressive suspicion. Once you have broken the barrier, however, your Jindo will be eager to please, ready to learn new tricks and set for a lifelong relationship.

Jindos are extremely healthy dogs that nevertheless have a couple of health concerns: hypothyroidism and obesity. While the former can be treated if signs of its onset are watched for, the latter can be prevented with a diet managed as closely as the training and socialization that this dog requires.

There is also thought to be an aversion to wetness — whether bodies of water or rain — that is believed to cause health complications; as such, it may be best to not force your Jindo into water other than a bath when he absolutely needs one.

Your Jindo, if kept healthy, happy and relatively dry, should live to be about 12 to 14 years old.