Korea Jindo Dog

The Korea Jindo Dog (진�개) is a breed of dog originating in Korea. The Jindo is a hunting dog, originally from Jindo Island. Although relatively unknown outside Korea, it is celebrated in its native land for its unswerving loyalty to its master. more...

Appearance

The Jindo is a medium-sized, double-coated spitz-type dog, with prick ears. The body is either square or slightly longer than tall. It has been divided into two body types: Tonggol or Gyupgae and Hudu or Heutgae. The former is very muscular and shorter in body, with a depth of chest equal to one-half the height at the withers and a shorter loin, while the latter is more slender with somewhat less depth of chest and a slightly longer loin, resulting in a height to length ratio of 10:11. Typically, males are larger with heavier heads and females have more fox-like features. These two types are gradually being blended into a third type called Gakgol, which retains the length of body of the Hudu style and the depth of chest of the Tonggol style. "The topline inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers to a strong back with a slight but definite arch over the loin, which blends into a slightly sloping croup. The ribs are moderately sprung out from the spine, then curving down and inward to form a body that would be nearly oval if viewed in cross-section. The loin is muscular but narrower than the rib cage and with a moderate tuck-up. The chest is deep and moderately broad. When viewed from the side, the lowest point of the chest is immediately behind the elbow. The forechest should extend in a shallow oval shape in front of the forelegs but the sternum should not be excessively pointed.

• Maturity: May reach full size by 5 months, but takes 2 years to physically and emotionally mature.
• Height: At maturity, desirable height for male dogs should be 19 1/2 to 21 inches and 18 1/2 to 20 inches for females.
• Weight: In good condition, males should be 35-45 lbs. and 30-40 lbs. for a female.
• Tail: There are two types: ring tail, rolled on its back; erect tail, straight up.
• Eyes: Gingko nut-shaped yellowish brown eyes with clear pupils. Jindos with reddish eyes are considered better hunters.
• Ears: Ears start out floppy and usually stand erect by 5 or 6 months. Jindos with ears that straighten later are said to be better hunters.
• Hair: Coat is of medium length, coarse with a thick undercoat. Jindos shed twice a year.
• Color: Korean law currently only recognizes white Jindos and red (tan) Jindos, thus they are the most popular colors. Some Jindo Island residents have valued black, black/tan and red/white Jindos for being good hunters over the years. The UKC recognizes five different coat colors: white, fawn, gray, black and tan, and brindle (tiger pattern).

Temperament

The Korean Jindo Dog is well known for its unwavering loyalty. Because of this there is a misunderstanding that a Jindo will be loyal only to its first owner or the owner when young. However, there are many examples of older Jindos being adopted out of shelters in the United States and becoming very loyal friends to their new owners.

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