Korean Jindo Breed Guide

Dec 03, 2024

Meet the Korean Jindo, a dog that comes with a built-in sense of pride and a no-nonsense approach to life. Need a loyal companion? Check. A guard dog? Check. A personal trainer who quietly critiques your stamina? Check and double-check. Originating from Jindo Island in South Korea, this dog is the ultimate multi-tasker: part hunter, part protector, part “I’ll decide when it’s time for cuddles, thanks.”

The Jindo’s independent streak runs deep, but don’t let that fool you—they’re absolute softies for their humans.

THE BASICS:

Category: Utility Dog
Size: Medium (15-23 kg for males, 12-18 kg for females)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Low to Moderate
Coat: Double-layered, comes in colours like red, white, black, and brindle
Shedding: Moderate to heavy
Health Issues: Generally healthy, but watch for hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Home Needs: A secure garden for their “patrols,” daily exercise, and a family that understands they take loyalty seriously
Sociability: Devoted to their humans but aloof with strangers

HISTORY: THE NOBLE HUNTERS OF JINDO ISLAND

The Korean Jindo was bred to be a hunter extraordinaire, and rumour has it they could bring down a deer and find their way home without GPS. Yes, these dogs are basically nature’s own homing missiles, with an impressive sense of direction and loyalty that makes them famous in their homeland.

Legends of the Jindo’s ability to travel great distances to return to their families are as abundant as their fur during shedding season. In fact, they’ve earned the nickname “one-way dog” because they form such deep bonds with their owners that they would trek miles, crossing rivers and mountains, just to get back to them. (Eat your heart out, Google Maps.)

Jindos have been so beloved in Korea that for years, it was illegal to export them, like a canine national treasure. And honestly, we get it—if you had a dog that was part dog, part ninja, you wouldn’t want to share it either.

Korean Jindo PERSONALITY: INDEPENDENT, LOYAL, AND PROBABLY PLOTTING SOMETHING

The Korean Jindo is the definition of “cool, calm, and collected”—unless you’re a stranger knocking at the door, in which case they’ll alert you with barks that say, “Who are you and what do you want?” These dogs have a built-in stranger-danger radar, so they’ll keep your home safe and sound while you sleep soundly in your bed (assuming they allow you bed space, of course).

Once they decide you’re worthy of their loyalty, though, Jindos will follow you to the ends of the earth—or at least to the kitchen. But they’re not in-your-face affectionate like some breeds. Think of them as the dog version of the “strong silent type”—they love you, but they’re not going to plaster it all over social media.

Training a Jindo can sometimes feel like trying to teach maths to a cat. They’re smart, but they’ve got a bit of a rebellious streak. You’re going to need treats—good treats. Try Scrumbles Treats to keep them focused.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A Korean Jindo NEED?

If your idea of a good time involves long walks and exploring the great outdoors, the Jindo is your spirit animal. These dogs were bred for action, so an hour-long walk is their idea of a warm-up. Make sure your shoes are laced tight, because they’re ready to clock in the miles like marathon runners on a coffee buzz.

They also excel in agility, and mental stimulation is key to keeping them happy. Think puzzle toys, hide-and-seek games, and maybe a treasure hunt for the last snack you accidentally dropped under the sofa. Whatever it is, they’re up for the challenge. Pro tip: Invest in a sturdy lead. You never know when they might see a squirrel and decide today’s the day they finally catch one.

HOW TO GROOM A Korean Jindo: LOW MAINTENANCE, BUT EXPECT A FUR-POCALYPSE TWICE A YEAR

Korean Jindos are like the minimalist influencers of the dog world when it comes to grooming. Their double coat naturally repels dirt, so you won’t be dealing with a mudball every time they go outside. But during shedding season, you’ll be buried in lots of fur.

Brushing a few times a week will help keep their coat in check and minimise fur drifts across your living room. Oh, and don’t worry about frequent baths—these pups have a natural knack for staying clean.

For dental hygiene, grab some Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats—they’ll help with those pearly whites while freshening up their breath, which will definitely be appreciated after a day of patrol duty.

HEALTH: HARDY WITH THE OCCASIONAL JOINT COMPLAINT

The Jindo is generally a healthy breed, but they’re not invincible. Keep an eye on their hips, as they can be prone to hip dysplasia, especially if they’re carrying a few extra pounds from too many post-walk treats (yes, it’s hard to resist those eyes, but stay strong!).

Thyroid issues are another potential concern, so regular check-ups are a must. In the grand scheme of things, though, Jindos are relatively low-maintenance on the health front, giving you more time to focus on trying to figure out if they’re secretly plotting to take over the household.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE KOREAN JINDO:

Super Loyal: These dogs are so loyal they’d probably fetch you the moon if you asked nicely (and maybe had a piece of chicken in your hand).
GPS Optional: Jindos are known for their ability to find their way home from miles away. It’s like they’ve got Google Maps built into their DNA.
Low-Key Clean Freaks: Despite their love for the outdoors, Jindos somehow manage to stay remarkably clean. Must be magic.

LIVING WITH A KOREAN JINDO

Living with a Korean Jindo is like sharing your home with a quiet, dignified scholar who also happens to be a ninja. They’re not overly needy, but they do like to keep an eye on you to make sure everything’s running smoothly—because let’s face it, without them, it wouldn’t.

These dogs do best in a household that can meet their exercise needs and appreciate their independent nature. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a good challenge and admires a dog with a “work smarter, not harder” philosophy, the Jindo is the perfect match.

IS THE KOREAN JINDO THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a dog that’s fiercely loyal, smart, and just a little bit stubborn, the Korean Jindo is the canine for you. They thrive in active homes with people who understand their need for both physical activity and intellectual stimulation (yes, they need you to think too).

With a Jindo by your side, you’ll never feel alone—and you’ll never stop being slightly impressed by how independent they are. Sure, they’ll act like they don’t need you, but don’t be fooled. You’re their favourite human… even if they play hard to get.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for the Korean Jindo

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Korean Jindo owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Jindos are known for their agility and energy, so they need top-quality food to fuel their adventures. To fuel their antics, they need premium nutrition. Scrumbles uses only high-quality, natural ingredients, steering clear of artificial additives and fillers, so your Jindo stays healthy and happy.
Coat and Skin Health: A Jindo’s thick, weather-resistant coat is as beautiful as it is practical. To keep their fur soft and their skin healthy, Scrumbles’ recipes are enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.