The Jindo dog () is an indigenous dog native to the island of Jindo in South Korea. It is also known as () and formerly known as the Chindo dog.
It is one of South Korea's Natural Treasures. It has a reputation for being loyal and good at tracking things. Due to its protected status within South Korea, only dogs born on Jindo Island can be officially registered as a Jindo by the Government of South Korea after an inspection. The dog was registered as a breed by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1998 and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2005.
Description
Appearance
Jindos are double-coated spitz-type dogs. The keen and alert appearance of the Jindo gives the impression of intelligence, strength, loyalty, and agility. Other features include forward-pointing upright ears and prominent testicles.
Body
Korean Jindo owners have traditionally divided Jindos into two body types:
Tonggol or Gyeopgae: This type is more muscular and stocky with the Korean National Dog Association (KNDA) recognizing an equal proportion of height at the withers to length (10:10). The depth of chest is approximately equal to one-half the height at the withers. The loin is also typically shorter. Hudu or Hotgae: This type is more slender with a somewhat less depth of chest and a slightly longer loin. Moreover, other physical features tend to have an increased length, such as the ears, muzzle, and head. This results in an appearance that is longer than tall with the KNDA recommending a height at the withers to length ratio of 10:11.
The KNDA also recognizes a third body type called Gakgol which is a gradually emerging combination of the two traditional types, retaining the length of body of the Hudu and the depth of chest of the Tonggol.
In regards to the Jindo's body appearance, the United Kennel Club currently states, "The squarely built Jindo has a chest that is moderately deep but not too broad. At its deepest point the chest reaches to, or just above, the elbow. The brisket is well developed and the ribs are well sprung. The back is strong and straight and the loin is well muscled, taut, lean and narrower than the ribcage. There is considerable tuck up."
Color
Jindos come in six colors: White (baekgu/백구) - This color is actually an off-white or ivory shade with tan or light brown around the tips of the ears, the back of the hind legs, and the tip of the tail. Some whites may have a subtle tan stripe running from the head, down the top line, to the tail. Fawn (hwanggu/황구) - The color of well-ripened wheat. Wolf Grey (jaegu/재구) - This coat looks gray from a distance but is actually made up of individual white, black, and fawn colored hairs. Black and tan (Nenunbagi/네눈박이) - Black with tan on the muzzle, legs, and paws, and an eye-shaped tan spot over each eye. Brindle (hogu/호구) - Also known as "Tiger" pattern. Thin, dark brown or black stripes like a tiger's on a fawn base. These stripes appear at an early age. Black (heukgu/흙구) - Solid black, very rare.
Some Jindo Island residents value black, black/red, and red/white Jindos as good hunters. The United Kennel Club recognizes six different coat colors: white, red fawn, wolf grey, black, black and tan, and brindle (tiger pattern).
Feet
The feet are of medium size, round in shape, with thick, strong tan pads. Nails are hard and may be black, cream or gray.
Gait
The Jindo moves with strides of moderate length. It is a quick, light, elastic trot which enables the Jindo to travel quickly over any terrain. The forelegs and hind legs are carried straight forward, with neither elbows nor stifles turned in or out. At a normal walking speed, the Jindo tends to lower its head.