All About the Breed: Jindo

Also known as the Korea Jindo Dog, Chindo, Jindo Gae, and the JindoGae, the Jindo is a loyal and intelligent breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.

History

The exact origin of the Jindo has not been well documented, but enthusiasts believe the breed to have lived on the Jindo Islands for hundreds of years, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.

Throughout its history, the Jindo has been most commonly used for hunting medium to large game in packs, and as a guard and watch dog, proving its superior abilities to work in most any environment.

The Jindo was introduced to the United States during the 20th century, and was recognized by the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service in 2008, categorized into the Non-Sporting Group.

Today, the Jindo remains very rare outside of its native Korea.

Personality Traits

Best known for its friendly and loyal nature, the Jindo thrives on strong and dependable relationships with humans. This breed is very intelligent and easily trainable. The Jindo is an active and tough breed, capable of climbing trees and fences. These dogs are very alert, territorial, and protective of their owners and property. As a pet, the Jindo is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate.

Train-ability

Due to its need for human relationships and instinct to work in a pack, the Jindo generally responds well to basic training and commands. This breed is very bright and has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach.

Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Jindo. These dogs respond best to a stern approach by a confident and strong handler.

Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed

There are many benefits to owning a Jindo, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This breed is very active and often quite amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. The Jindo is intelligent, easily trainable, and capable of learning to perform many impressive tricks and tasks. When properly socialized from a young age, the Jindo gets along well with small children and other pets, often making friends quickly. These dogs are alert and protective, making excellent guard and watch dogs, willing to do whatever is necessary to defend its owner and property. The Jindo is obedient, loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an amazing family pet and companion alike.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning a Jindo. These energetic and athletic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase the Jindo lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. A Jindo not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, digging, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.

The Jindo is known as somewhat of an escape artist. These dogs are capable of climbing fences and even trees, and are quite good at digging. It is not unusual for a Jindo to dig a large hole under a fence within the matter of only a few minutes. The Jindo must be properly secured or supervised when outdoors.

This breed has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, the Jindo is very fast, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Jindo must be leashed or properly secured at all times while outdoors.

As previously mentioned, the Jindo remains rather rare outside of its native Korea and can prove quite difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, extremely high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.

Common Health Concerns

While the Jindo is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism – the failure of one or both testicles to fully descend, and bloat.

Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own a Jindo? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.

Sources:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/jindo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/jindo