History of the Korean Jindo
The Jindo is a medium – sized breed with a bold, daring character, and wonderful hunting skills, very independent of mind and best known for being totally loyal to its master. However, the Jindo may not be suitable for everyone as, in many ways, it’s still quite primitive and possesses strong instincts.
Many theories as to the origin of the breed have been put forward. The one that is best substantiated is that the Jindo is indigenous to the Korean peninsula. This has been proved by the discovery of the remains of dogs in shell mounds dating from the Paleolithic era. The Jindo is Korea’s most famous dog and is named after the Island of the south-west coast of the Korean peninsula.
Jindo Island is accessible by just one road, which crosses Grand Jindo Bridge, built in the late 1970’s. This bridge links Jindo Island to mainland Korea. As you reach the island side of the bridge two larger than life statues of Jindo Gae, (Jindo Dog) confront you. Below the statues you will find island policeman on duty. This is a checkpoint monitoring dogs entering and leaving the island. Jindo Island is a “leash free” environment and many Jindo’s wander freely.
A National Treasure
The Korean Government has designated the Jindo Gae as a National Treasure Number 53. ‘National Treasure’ is the highest honour which can be given to a precious cultural artifacts, animals or persons.
A breeding Institute was created on Jindo Island in 1999 with the aim of preserving the purity of the breed. Approximately 80 adult dogs are housed here and used in the institutes breeding programme. The quality of the dogs bred there is excellent and much progress has been made since its establishment, something the Institute is extremely proud of. Through the interest and guidance of Samsung Chairman, Kum-Hee Lee, the original club in Korea was established in 1979. He still continues to take a great interest in the breed’s progress.
Korean Jindo in the UK
The first six officially approved micro-chipped Jindo’s to leave Jindo Island for the outside world were sent to the UK in 2002 & 2003. One of these, a white male named General, was first seen on the Samsung Stand at Crufts Dog Show in 2003.
These Jindos were to form the foundation of the breed in the UK. They were accepted by the Kennel Club for registration in 2006 and placed onto the Import Register within the Utility group.
There are now approximately 180 Jindos registered. Although only occasionally appearing in the show ring, they have been extremely successful. English-bred stock has already been exported to five counties.