The Korean Jindo Dog (Jindo Gae)

Except for Jindo Island residents, most Koreans have never experienced a purebred Jindo Dog. For one thing, there aren't too many Jindo dogs outside Jindo Island. Until the late 1970's, when Jindo Island was linked to the mainland by a bridge, Jindo dogs had been isolated from the rest of the world for thousands of years

There is a strong current running between Jindo Island and the mainland that makes it difficult to cross the narrow strait. In the year 1592, Chosun Dynasty's General Yee Soon-Shin sunk invading Japanese warships at this location. The current also kept Mongolians from setting foot on the island in the 12th century, when they invaded the Korean peninsula.

The Jindo dog is a medium-sized hunting dog with exceptional loyalty to its master. The Jindo's innate sense of direction enables the dog to pursue prey long distances without getting lost. Over the years, its tenacity as a hunter has been misdirected into dog fighting much too often, however Jindo is not a fighting dog.

Jindo Island as well as the rest of Korea is a leashless environment. Jindo dogs manage to get along with people and dogs in this free environment. The dogs roam free but not too far from home. When bitches are in heat, the males fight for dominance (sort of a natural selection.) I met a farmer with two bitches who had never met the stud dog during six litters his bitches delivered.