Characteristics of a Jindo

by Kristen Edmonds

The most unique trait of a Jindo is they are the easiest dogs in the world to house train. A Jindo will practically housetrain itself. Many owners have said that a Jindo will either be the best dog you’ve ever had or the most difficult dog you’ve ever had. New Jindo owners need to be properly prepared to fully appreciate the special characteristics of a Jindo. Jindo owners need to be prepared for a dog that:

▪ Is Highly Dominant: A Jindo is not for the novice dog owner. You must understand pack mentality and the techniques you will need to firmly establish your role as the pack leader. We highly recommend Jindo owners have a working knowledge Cesar Millan’s (aka the Dog Whisper) dog psychology methods. Once a Jindo respects the human as the pack leader, the Jindo is very obedient and easy to train using positive reinforcement.

▪ Is An Escape Artist: Jindos have a strong instinct to expand their territory by roaming and exploring and can easily escape by climbing fences and digging under gates. A 6ft solid fence is recommended, but is not guaranteed to contain a Jindo. 

▪ Has High Prey Drive:  Jindos are excellent hunters and this translates into an extremely high prey drive. Jindos were used by Korean hunters as the weapon to kill prey. Jindos are capable of killing large animals such as deer and wild boar and are also very proficient at hunting small prey like rabbits, squirrels, mice and rats. Jindos should NEVER be allowed off-leash unless in a secured area, as they are always at risk of taking off after prey and disobeying any commands to stop, no matter how well trained. Jindos can see animals like small dogs, cats and birds as prey.  Some Jindos can learn to accept cats and small animals as part of their pack, but it takes an experienced owner who’s willing to put in the time and effort to work with the dog.

▪ Is Difficult to Have in a Pack:  Because of their dominant personalities, it is difficult to own a pack of Jindos. Opposite sex Jindo pairs typically do better than same sex pairs. If a Jindo is with another breed, the Jindo will most likely be the dominant dog. If you already have a dominant dog, adopting a Jindo as a playmate can be difficult.  Assimilating a Jindo into a household with other pets can take time and requires experience and patience on the part of the owner. Anyone owning more than one Jindo should be prepared for the occasional dog fight. Jindos are not always the best “dog park” dogs either because of their dominance.

▪ Is a Good Guard Dog: Jindos are quiet but will bark when necessary. With the ability to distinguish between 30,000 different people, a Jindo has a keen sense of who belongs and who doesn’t, and they will alert if something is out of the ordinary. Jindos are also very sensitive to the energy of people and will show their distrust by barking or growling at strangers. Jindos will often not allow strangers into their homes and thus require an owner prepared to accept and manage this behavior. Jindos can also be protective of their owners. Jindos are often aloof towards people and are not the most affectionate dogs.

▪ Is Highly Intelligent: Jindos are extremely smart and are quite capable of thinking for themselves. They are capable of uncrating themselves in a matter of seconds and solving problems.

▪ Is Extremely Courageous: Jindos are fearless and exhibit extreme courage and bravery. Remember, this is a dog that is capable of killing a wild boar. Jindos often move forward when threatened and will become more aggressive when challenged. An insecure Jindo can be exhibit fear aggression. Many Jindos need to be muzzled during a vet visit because they do not like being handled, restrained or feeling vulnerable.

▪ Is a Great Indoor Dog: Jindos have an ability to keep themselves very clean, don’t have much of a doggie odor are very respectful inside a home, are rarely destructive and almost never get on the furniture unless invited. Jindos are medium sized dogs that easily live in small spaces like apartments as long as they get daily exercise. However, they do shed twice a year.

▪ Is Great for Loosing Weight and Staying Fit: Jindos need daily exercise and a minimum of one 30 minute walk or run per day. Taking different routes helps a Jindo to fulfill their instinctual need to expand their territory.

▪ Is Extremely Loyal to Their Owner:  Jindos bond very strongly to their owners, although it can take time for an adult Jindo to bond to a new owner. Although not necessarily among the most affectionate of breeds, a Jindo does like to be inside with the pack. A Jindo is almost always in the same room as the rest of the family and will often take a guarding position.