History of the Korean Jindo Dog
Presumed to be the oldest confirmed photograph of a Jindo.
The Jindo (Korean Jindo Dog) is South Korea's most famous dog breed, and was recognized as the 53rd National Treasure in 1937. They are perhaps most well known for their devotion to their owners and unshakeable loyalty. Clean and fastidious, this breed tends to avoid getting dirty and getting into things that it knows it shouldn't. Typically, potty training is a breeze, due to their natural inclination to avoid causing a mess.
Evolved as a natural hunting dog that later on, also found use as watchdogs, KJDs harbor a keen eye and acute senses. They are very quick to notice changes in their surroundings, and are useful in discerning danger in their surroundings. Because a natural suspicion of strangers is usually to be expected in this breed, it is important to learn about and plan accordingly for socializing and exposing your young puppy to new stimuli.
As we at Hwarang are very dedicated to the presentation of quality dogs in the AKC, we find great importance in selecting for a temperament that can thrive in a variety of environments.
The Jindo's FCI standard was published in 2004 (the same year I was born), and was officially recognized in 2005. They were recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1998, and are currently under the American Kennel Club (AKC)'s FSS program - which is the first step towards recognition. Participation in AKC registration and events move the breed forward in the registry.
What is a 'dog fancier'?
Animal fancy is a hobby involving the appreciation, promotion, or breeding of pet or domestic animals. In the dog fancy, individuals and organizations came together in the history of domesticated animals in order to create breeds.
One of the most recognizable breeds of the dogs, the Golden Retriever, originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s. Dudley Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth, is credited as the father of the breed. In 1865, he purchased a dog by the name of "Nous", which was the only golden-furred puppy in a litter of black puppies bred for retrieving. Marjoribanks bred Nous to a female "Tweed Water Spaniel" (a breed that is now extinct), of which the pair produced several golden-furred puppies. Of those puppies, Marjoribanks started his bloodline of yellow retrieving dogs, with a specific temperament, appearance, and working ability in his vision, which over time began to appear in the early dog shows, and became standardized as the Golden Retriever breed.
"Cheonbok" bred by Sunghyun Kim
"Biho x Gukhee" male, born November 2005
"Buri" - 31st Seoul Dog Festival
Awarded Jindo BISS by Judge Jae-Heon Choi.
Okay, that was the history of the Golden Retriever. I thought this was supposed to be about Jindos?
Yep! Here's where we start talking about our beloved Korean Jindo Dog.
The vast majority of widespread, familiar dog breeds that we see today as loving companions and recognized by kennel clubs have had very similar origins. Bred selectively for very specific characteristic for a period of time by particular fanciers, with a vision of the end result. Reverend Phillip Honeywood with the Beagle, Julius Wipfel with the Eurasier, and many more.
However, unlike many of these breeds of European origin, asian breeds have tended to originate from groups of "landrace" dogs. Populations that have moreso evolved around the environment and terrain.
Historically in Korea, our ancestors have not selectively bred animals for a specific purpose, other than horses for war. Rather, pet dogs were free to roam the land throughout the day to interact with wildlife and other dogs, and returned home to his master at dusk to have his dinner. If he was hungry, he would hunt small animals he could find in his environment, such as mice and rabbits. If his master was a soldier, he would help. If his master was a hunter, he would help.
Naturally, with these dogs being free to breed on their own, their physical characteristics and personality traits were largely inconsistent - so there was no real concept of these dogs being an actual "breed". However, because of the time period and other historical factors, foreign dogs being introduced to these populations was a non-issue, therefore they shared many general characteristics in the land (upright ears, erect/curled tails, independent character). Some traits were distinct outliers from this however, such as the shaggy Korean breed "Sapsaree".
The Korean Jindo Dog is from the island of Jindo, located in the Jeolla province of South Korea.
"Noraeng Jongbau" - 2002 World Cup Mascot Select Exhibition
Bred by Hyun-Gyu Park, owned by Young-Mi Lee
Awarded Jindo BISS by Judge Kang-Il Choi.
What came next?
Though the "clad" originated from this very loose, free breeding population, people on Jindo (island) began to breed the dogs. Gaining recognition for their innate hunting instinct and devotion to their owners, the dogs of Jindo became well known throughout Korea, and began to be exported to the mainland for very large sums of money.
Most notably from the mid 1980s, breed fanciers began to form clubs and associations, and organize formal exhibitions for quality assessment.
"Baekgu, who returned..."
The most famous Jindo dog of all, was a female named Baekgu. "Baek-gu" means "white dog".
In 1993, 7-year old Baekgu was sold by her owner, Ms. Bok-Dan Park, to a new owner in Daejeon, which was over 180 miles away from Ms. Park's home.
After being taken to her new home, Baekgu managed to escape. What followed was an incredible journey that took her nearly seven months, as she crossed mountains, rivers, and other challenging terrain, driven by her desire to reunite with her original owner.
Despite the long distance and the difficult conditions she faced, Baekgu never gave up.
When she finally made it back home, Baekgu’s story spread across South Korea, and she was celebrated as an incredible show of loyalty.
Her story has been immortalized in books, television shows, and even a statue on Jindo Island, where she is remembered as a symbol of devotion.
Statue of Baekgu with her owner, on Jindo Island. The inscription reads, "Baekgu, who returned".