Koreans consume dogs, so it might be a bit confusing when we talk about Korean dog breeds.
However, this article discusses the most popular Korean dog breeds that exist. Read on!
You ask yourself why this information is necessary when you doubt if any dog remains in the country.
Dogs are usually kept as guard dogs in some parts of Korea, while they are marked as meat in other parts of the country, as it is Korean culture.
But in recent years, a change in mentality has occurred, with them being increasingly considered pets.
And it’s very excellent as they have some of the intelligent and most enjoyable native races.
Below is the list of some popular Korean dog breeds;
1. Korean Jindo
The Jindo is an indigenous dog from South Korea’s Jindo Island. This dog breed is the most popular of all Korean dog breeds.
Young jindos are, however, famous for attempting to destroy objects when left alone for too long. It has a medium energy level and is easy to train.
Furthermore, they are excellent companions for their owners due to their tremendous loyalty.
The Korean army also uses them as watchdogs at military bases.
Other Facts
- The Korean Jindo has a double coat.
- The breed is about 19 to 21 inches tall.
- It weighs about 40 to 50 pounds.
- This pet is not hypoallergenic.
- And its life expectancy is 14 years.
2. Sapsali
The Sapsali is a hairy, devoted, protective South Korean dog breed with deep ties to its owner.
This dog has an eye-capped, long, shaggy haircut. It’s a patient dog breed, and this has ensured that children are safe around it.
Although the Sapsali may be a bit cautious with strangers, they are typically a charming breed.
Further, you should start training them as early as possible and ensure the dog gets many workouts to stop it from developing troublesome behaviors.
Other Facts
- This dog breed has a double-layer type of coat.
- It is about 20 to 23 inches tall.
- It weighs about 40 to 62 pounds.
- This breed is not hypoallergenic.
- And its lifespan is between 10 and 12 years.
3. Korean Mastiff
The Korean Mastiff is an exceptionally unusual dog breed, also known as the Dosa dog.
This dog breed is enormous and not for owners who don’t have a large residence. Its face is so wrinkled that you can barely see its face, but its personality is lovely.
Due to its scarcity, the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom and America don’t recognize it.
Nonetheless, it is a great companion dog and acts friendly among children and other pets.
Other Facts
- The Korean Mastiff has a short double type of coat.
- It is about 23 to 30 inches tall.
- It weighs about 150lbs to 200lbs.
- This breed is not hypoallergenic.
- And its life expectancy is around 6 to 12 years.
4. Donggyeongi
The Donggyeongi is a rare Korean spitz breed and is famous for its bobtail.
It was named after the medieval Korean dynasty capital, Donggyeong.
South Koreans dislike this breed because they interpret the absence of a tail as a symbol of ill luck.
However, research shows that this dog breed shares a common progenitor with another Korean indigenous breed, the Jindo.
Today, the Donggyeong dog is a threatened race protected by Korea’s Cultural Heritage Authority.
Other Facts
- This dog breed has a double coat.
- It is about 17 to 22 inches tall.
- And it weighs 31 to 55 lbs.
5. Jeju
The Jeju Dog is a dog breed that returned from extinction in 1986. People also refer to it as the Cheju Dog, and maybe the rarest breed in South Korea.
However, the male Jejus looks like wolves, and the female Jejus looks like foxes.
They have somehow become one of Korea’s most consumed dog breeds in the past.
Furthermore, they got protection when they were given ‘national heritage animals’ status.
Other Facts
- This dog weighs 12 to 16 kg.
- It is about 49 to 55 cm tall.
- And its life expectancy is 13 to 15 years.
