Jindo

The Jindo is an ancient breed of dog that is native to Korea, where it originated on Jindo Island. This medium-sized dog is related to the northern Spitz type dogs, and shares many physical traits with them as well as many similarities in temperament. The Jindo was originally used to hunt a vast variety of game, from rodents to deer, and it was also used as an all-around farm worker. It is still today the most popular breed in Korea, and is considered a national treasure. Today's Jindo is still used to hunt wild boar, raccoon, badger, deer and rabbits. The Jindo hunts in packs which hunt and down the prey; one Jindo will run back to the hunter to show the way to the kill, while the others wait patiently and keep scavengers at bay. This breed is also used on military bases where handlers report it can remember thousands of personnel and pick out one intruder. The Jindo is believed to be able to recall 30,000 scents. The Jindo is long, lean, graceful and lithe. It is powerful, robust and very fast. It is known to run long distances and have exceptional stamina. This breed stands from 18 to 25 inches tall on average, with the female averaging an inch smaller. Beautifully exotic in appearance, the Jindo carries a bushy, luxurious tail that comes in two types: the first curves over its back like a sickle, and the second is carried straight up and erect. This dog has a fox-like, wedge-shaped head, and triangular prick ears that are very mobile. Its eyes are any shade of amber, from yellowish to reddish. In Korea, it is believed that the red-eyed dogs are better hunters. The Jindo wears a friendly, courteous and alert expression. Its double coat is thick and is comprised of a coarser outer layer of long guard hairs to resist weather, and a thick, dense undercoat for insulation. Korean law only recognizes the coat colors of solid white and solid fawn. But other colors do exist, such as brindle, red and white, black and tan, and black. Although there is no documentary evidence, it is widely believed in Korea that the Jindo has existed on Jindo Island for many centuries. The earliest known immigrants to Southeast Asia arrived around 7,000 BC. These settlers may have brought the ancestor of the Jindo with them. Archeological evidence suggests that their dogs were domesticated before 1,000 BC. In Japan, they left structures known as "shell mounds"�, dated to the 3rd century BC, that contained, along with human bones, the remains of a canine with prick ears and a curved tail. The modern-day Jindo greatly resembles the native dog breeds of Japan such as the Shiba Inu, Kai Ken, and Kishu Ken. The Jindo was officially designated the 53rd Korean National Treasure in 1962 and the Korean government passed the Jindo Preservation Ordinance. Today the breed is also protected under the Cultural Properties Protection Act. The Jindo was brought to the United States in the 1980's. In 1988 Jindos marched in the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Seoul, South Korea. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1998, and has been listed with the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 2008. This breed is easy to groom, but it must be brushed regularly to remove dead fur and keep the coat clean. Begin this daily vigorous brushing when the dog is a puppy so that it becomes accustomed early to the routine. The Jindo should be bathed infrequently, as doing so strips the waterproofing oils from its undercoat. Also, many Jindos display an often inexplicable fear of water, be it running water or standing water. They will consent to being bathed but only with great reluctance and with training. Although a good indoor dog, this breed needs a great deal of exercise to be healthy and mentally stable. Daily walks are essential. This is a generally healthy breed, but individuals may be prone to hypothyroidism. The average lifespan for the Jindo is 10-15 years, with individuals often reaching 16 or 17. The Jindo is charming, energetic, and willful. It is a "primitive"� breed, that displays many characteristics of dogs in the wild. For example, it is prone to roaming, and must be carefully contained at all times. It is also prone to marking its territory, and can be fiercely protective of its food, toys and other belongings. If socialized early in life to accept other dogs, it can do well with canine friends. But when it is not socialized, it can be quite dominant and even dog aggressive. The Jinto has extremely strong hunting instincts and is not recommended for households that have smaller pets such as cats, rodents and birds. This breed is bright, eager, and very trainable under the care of a dog-savvy handler. It is very important that the owner is a strong leader with this little dog, lest it become a tyrant. It must be taught to be well-mannered with visitors, because it is innately suspicious of strangers, protective, and may exhibit jealousy. It is not a barker, and will be moderately active indoors. It feels itself strongly part of the human pack, and does not like to be left alone outside. Jindos can easily scale walls and fences, and will do so if left alone in the yard to their own devices. The Jindo is good with older, respectful children it does not take kindly to rough handling and may retaliate. Jindos are very affectionate with family and with people they know. They bond very strongly, are extremely loyal, and are not suitable to being left alone for hours, since they tend to become bored, frustrated and destructive. This breed can also exhibit separation anxiety when separated from the owner. Many Jindos will not take food from anyone other than the owner. Besides hunting with their dogs, Jindo owners enjoy involving their dogs in hunting, tracking, and agility competitions.

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