The Chindo dog or Korean Jindo, as its name suggests, comes from Korea, and, to this day, continues to very limited to this country. It was used for hunting, but it is also a great companion dog, as long as a series of considerations are taken into account, as we will see. On the other hand, it is a strong, robust and energetic dog. She loves going for free runs, walking with her caregiver and protecting him from strangers. It is also characterized by having great intelligence and a strong character, requiring proper education from puppyhood. Keep reading this article on our site to learn more about this Korean breed, its origin, its characteristics and the care it needs.
Origin of the dog from Chindo or Korean Jindo
The Chindo dog or Korean Jindo is native to southeastern Korea, specifically in the Jindo Island, and, for years, it has been used as a guard dog and for hunting rabbits, badgers, wild boars and deer. It is the national dog of Korea. Studies have been done that prove their relationship with the Canadian Eskimo dog, as well as with the Sakhalin, Sapsali and other breeds from Korea. Furthermore, experts agree that the Jindo dog lived on this island for a long time, perhaps well preserved by the complications of transportation in the past.
There are several theories about its origin, but the most notorious considers it to be a hybrid of native Korean dogs with Mongolian dogs of the forces that They invaded Korea in the 13th century. Today it is a dog protected by the Korean Cultural Property Protection Law, being designated as the 53rd natural treasure by the Government of South Korea, which approved the Chindo Dog Preservation Ordinance. Currently, it is very difficult to export them outside the country.
As a fun fact, these dogs marched in the opening ceremonies of the Seoul Olympics in 1988. A legend circulates about them that a Jindo dog named Baekgu was sold and transported throughout 300 km, but returned to its first owner more than seven months later, emaciated and nearly dead. It is a sign of the loy alty and courage of this dog breed. The United Kennel Club recognized it on January 1, 1998 and the International Cinological Federation did so in 2005.
Characteristics of the Chindo or Korean Jindo dog
Chindo's dog can present two different body types:
- Tonggol or Gyupgae: muscular and stocky, with a similar proportion of length and height.
- Hudu or Heutgae: slimmer carriage, shallower chest and slightly longer back. In addition, it tends to have a longer head, snout, and ears.
- Also, there can be a mixture of both types, called Gakgol, which has the length of the body of the Hudu, but the depth of the chest of the Tonggol.
The males measure between 48 and 53 cm and the females between 45 and 50 cm. They weigh about 15-19 kg, while males range between 18 and 23. The main physical characteristics of the Korean Jindo dog are:
- Head broad and rounded, with a medium-sized skull and in proportion to the body.
- Exact snout, neither raised nor bulky.
- Black lips, thin and closed. The upper one slightly covers the lower one.
- Black nose except in white specimens, which are pink.
- Almond-shaped eyes, bright and dark brown.
- Scissor bite with strong teeth.
- Well-developed thin cheeks.
- Triangular ears, medium, thick and straight, slightly pointed forward.
- Thick neck, muscular and balanced.
- Strong back and straight.
- Muscular loin, thin and stiff.
- Chest slightly deep and strong.
- Well sprung ribs with developed chest.
- Belly tucked in.
- Sickle-shaped tail or coiled with a point that touches the back.
- Strong and muscular front legs.
- Moderately angulated and muscular hind legs.
Dog Colors of Chindo or Korean Jindo
Chindo's dog has double coated hair to resist the cold, admitted in the following colors:
- Ivory.
- Red.
- White.
- Fire.
- Ripe wheat.
- Gray.
- Black.
- Lined.
How is the dog of Chindo or Korean Jindo puppy?
The Korean Jindo dog as a puppy is similar to the chow chow, but with a wolf-like appearance reminiscent of spitz dogs. They are puppies athletic, of medium size, well proportioned and already clearly differentiated depending on whether they are male or female. Females tend to be slimmer and more angular, while males tend to look stockier, broader, and broader.
It is important the socialization of these dogs from puppies, since they can show some signs of aggression with strangers if they are not properly socialized. It is also good to teach them from puppies to stay home alone and to use places of refuge, as they tend to suffer from separation anxiety.
Chindo or Korean Jindo dog character
These dogs are brave, bold, attentive, calm, loyal, protective, impetuous and highly intelligent. It is also said that are single-keeper, due to their great loy alty. In addition, they are very active, so they need space to run and let off steam. On the other hand, they are not too affectionate, on the contrary, they are characterized by their independent character
In general, they have a strong temperament that must be controlled. Although they are hunting dogs by nature, they are also very good companions in the home and great watchdogs. They know perfectly how to differentiate their caregivers and close people from strangers.
Chindo or Korean Jindo dog care
This dog has a lot of energy that he has to vent through outdoor games, frequent walks and runs, if possible daily. For this reason he is not a dog for a sedentary or inactive person. He needs a committed sitter who likes to be on the move in the company of his dog. On the other hand, although he is independent, he doesn't like being alone, so he needs to have some places or physical and mental stimuli at home to avoid boredom, anxiety and depression when you must be alone.
In terms of hygiene, the coat does not require much care. They are clean dogs that will rarely have dirty coats or in such poor condition as to urgently need brushing. In general, brushed once a week is sufficient, although at certain times it can be done more frequently due to shedding. cleaning your teeth is important to prevent and detect early oral pathologies such as tartar, periodontal disease, gingivitis, fractures, wounds, tumors or infections. The ears should also be cleaned on a regular basis, and any abnormal discharge should be watched for, as this could indicate inflammation or infection.
Food must be complete, balanced and of quality to maintain your good muscles, your strength, your vitality and preserve your he alth. In this regard, vaccination and deworming are important as part of preventive medicine. Its objective is to avoid the main infectious diseases and parasites that affect dogs.
Chindo or Korean Jindo Dog Education
Chindo's dog is very intelligent, which, in principle, makes it easy to train However, it must be taken into account They are also strong-willed dogs and, in addition, there are two important points to consider in their education, which are aggressiveness towards the unknown and fear of abandonment. For all these reasons, training must be carried out conscientiously, with care and patience. It should be based on positive reinforcement, which consists of rewarding desirable behaviors in order to achieve faster learning and avoid fear, punishment and unnecessary stress.
Chindo or Korean Jindo Dog He alth
Chindo's dog has an estimated life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. It is a robust, strong canine and, as a general rule, with few he alth problems, as long as it is properly cared for and does not suffer from hereditary diseases. However, this breed does seem to have a greater predisposition to the following pathologies:
- Patellar dislocation: an orthopedic disorder in which the patella, essential to the knee joint, slips out of the trochlea, causing great pain, crepitus, weakness, increased sensitivity and instability in the joint, causing lameness and restlessness in the affected dog.
- Hip dysplasia: This degenerative disease consists of the lack of adaptation between the acetabulum and the head of the femur, which are the surfaces joints of the bones involved in the hip joint. It produces laxity in the joint, allowing the movement of both bones with the consequent weakening, instability and subsequent osteoarthritis, which ends up causing lameness, pain, inactivity and muscle atrophy.
- Hypothyroidism: Endocrine disease characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones resulting in low metabolism and clinical signs such as weight gain, cold intolerance, anemia, lethargy, muscle weakness, infertility, hypothermia, alopecia, nystagmus, ataxia, or digestive disturbances.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus: autoimmune disease that affects the skin, especially in the area of the nose, ears and around the the eyes, without signs of systemic disease. It causes lesions that can initially be seen as ash-colored or pink areas of depigmentation. They progressively become inflamed and scabs or ulcers form.
Where to adopt a Korean Chindo or Jindo dog?
Unfortunately, Chindo's dogs are virtually impossible to adopt if you don't live in Korea. You always have the option of searching the net in case you find any rescue association for this breed, but it is certainly very difficult as movement outside its country of origin is so restricted. In any case, we encourage you not to rule out the adoption of a mestizo specimen. Race is not the most important thing.
