The Korean Jindo Dog (진돗개, 珍島개) originates from an island located off the southwest coast of South Korea called “Jindo”.
They are a primitive landrace breed of spitz-type dog that emerged from ancient Korean hunting dogs over 1500 years ago. The breed is famous in Korea and around the world for its fierce loyalty, attachment to home, and hunting abilities.
They have been, and still are, used to hunt water deer (*see image) and Korean boar, but it’s also recorded that historically - packs of Jindos were brought in to hunt big game animals such as Amur leopards, tigers, wolves, bears, and boar.
The Jindo Dog developed certain character traits as it developed on Jindo Island. They are noted as having strong spirit, which was encouraged due to the difficult living conditions on the island. Dogs roamed free on Jindo island, and they retained many primitive traits in order to survive and thrive.
For more in depth information about the history of Korean Jindo dogs, click here.