Breed Characteristics
The Jindo dogs are typically medium-sized, weighing anywhere from 16 to 27 pounds, with a thick double coat that can be any color but black. The most popular color variants for Jindos are white or yellow. They have a long, narrow muzzle and almond-shaped eyes that can be either brown or green. Ears are pointed and stand up, and the tail is long and bushy, typically carried high. They are a fearless and tenacious breed, and are known for their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are also excellent swimmers, and have been known to swim long distances to reach their prey.
Bark
Jindos are known for their characteristic “singing” howl, which has been described as sounding somewhat like “a cross between a wolf and a fox”. Be prepared for some occasional neighborhood noise!
Temperament
Having been bred as hunting dogs in Korea, Jindos are known for their stamina, strength, and bravery. They are excellent at tracking prey and can cover a lot of ground quickly. In addition to their hunting skills, they are also very loyal to their families and very protective of their owners, making them excellent guard dogs. Jindos are not the best choice for first-time dog owners, as they can be quite independent and require a lot of exercise and obedience training. With the right owner, however, a Jindo can make an excellent pet.
Health
The Jindo is also a very healthy breed. However, they are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems such as cataracts. As with any dog, it is important to ensure that they receive proper veterinary care.
Hip Dysplasia
This disorder can lead to pain and joint problems, and in severe cases, can cause the dog to lose the ability to walk. Jindo dogs are particularly prone to hip dysplasia due to their size and breeding history. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for preventing long-term damage to the hips and essentially preserving the dog’s quality of life. Jindos that are affected by hip dysplasia may need to take medications or undergo surgery to correct the problem.
Cataracts
Cataracts can cause the dog to have blurry vision, and in severe cases, they can even lead to blindness. Jindo dogs are particularly prone to cataracts, and as such, it is important for owners to be aware of that. Treatment for cataracts in dogs usually involves surgically removing the cloudy lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens.
How to Care for a Jindo?
Physical Activity
Jindos are a highly energetic breed and need plenty of activity. They enjoy running around and playing fetch or going on walks. A minimum of one hour per day is recommended, although two hours would be better. If you’re interested in adding a Jindo to your family, be prepared to commit time and energy to training and exercising your dog. They are an excellent choice for people who live in rural areas or who enjoy outdoor activities. In turn, they are not recommended for apartment living; they need plenty of space to roam and explore. If you don’t have a yard, be prepared to take your Jindo on regular walks or trips to the park.
Mental Activity
Jindos are intelligent dogs and will quickly get bored if they don’t have anything to do. Be sure to provide them with plenty of toys and chew items to keep them occupied when you’re not around. Otherwise, your Jindo may become destructive or hyperactive.
Training
Jindos are considered to be one of the most versatile dog breeds, excelling in a variety of activities including obedience, agility, tracking, and herding. If you want to your Jindo to live to their full potential, you’ll need to provide regular training. Remember that these dogs have an exceptionally high prey drive! They require a lot of training and exposure to different kinds of animals to ensure that they will not react negatively in the presence of smaller creatures. Also, they can be a little territorial with fellow dogs, so it’s important to socialize them early on. A good way to provide both mental and physical stimulation is by enrolling your dog in obedience or agility training classes. These activities will also help to develop a strong bond between you and your pet.
Grooming
The process of grooming a Jindo dog is not very complicated, but it does require a bit of time and patience due to the fact that Jindos boast a thick double coat. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Start by brushing your dog’s coat to remove any loose hair or dirt.
2. Next, use a comb to detangle any knots in the hair.
3. If your dog has a lot of mats in its coat, you may need to cut them out with scissors.
4. Once the coat is clean and tangle-free, you can start brushing it in the direction of the hair growth to make it shine.
Not only will your Jindo look and feel better, but it will also be less likely to shed hair all over your house.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of a Jindo puppy, there are a few things to consider. The price of a Jindo puppy will vary depending on the breeder, as well as the location. In general, though, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1,200 for a Jindo puppy. Some things that may affect the price include the age and rarity of the puppy, as well as whether or not the breeder is licensed. While this may seem like a lot of money, remember that Jindos are a unique breed of dog that is known for its intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty.
History of the Korean Jindo Dog
The Jindo dog is an ancient breed that originated in Jindo Island in Korea, hence their name. The breed is thought to be the result of a cross between Mongolian dogs and local Korean dogs, similarly to the Shiba Inu, with which Jindo shares many characteristics. They are believed to have been around for over 2000 years, and were used as working dogs in the rural areas of Korea for their outstanding hunting skills. They have been known to take down deer, boar, and even bears! The first mention of the Jindo dog in writing dates back to the 13th century, and they were mentioned again in a 19th century book about Korean animals. The Jindo breed was officially recognized as a separate breed by the Korea Kennel Club in 1946, and began to be exported to other countries in the 1970s.
Trivia
The Jindo remains one of the most fascinating breeds out there. Here are some of the most peculiar facts:
The Jindo is considered a national treasure in Korea, and are the only breed of dog that is protected under Korean law. In fact, the Jindo Dog has been designated as the Korean National Monument No. 53, next to such gems as the Ginkgo Tree of the Confucian Shrine of Seoul or the Mount Hallasan Nature Reserve on Jeju Island.
- The Jindo Dog is said to be one of the most primitive dog breeds in the world. It is thought that they may have originated from some of the oldest canine species, sharing a common ancestor of the wolf.
- They rank in at number 3 on the intelligence scale, just behind the Poodle and Border Collie breeds.
- The Korean Jindo was considered for the official Korean Olympic Games mascot not once, but twice: first in 1988, and again in 2018. The main reason it was rejected is that the breed was not distinctive enough from other illustrated domestic dogs.
These dogs are not the best fit for everyone, but those who are able to provide them with the love and attention they need will be rewarded with a loyal, brave, and intelligent companion. Thanks for reading!
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