Overview
The Jeju Dog is a rare native of Jeju Island in South Korea and is considered the largest of Korea's indigenous breeds. It is a lean, medium-sized, tawny dog with a fox-like or wolfish look.
It has long been valued as a watchful guard and a capable hunter. Today it is mainly a conservation story, with only a small population carefully bred to keep the line alive.
History
Where the Jeju Dog first came from is unclear. It may have travelled from China down the Korean peninsula and onto the island. Over time it served as a hunting dog and a military dog, and later suffered heavily from being eaten and from colonial-era culls of native dogs.
By 1986 only three were found on the island. A determined breeding programme then rebuilt the numbers to a few hundred, though true pure-bred animals were far fewer. Korea granted it national heritage status in 2010, and the island's livestock institute continues to breed and place puppies.
Appearance
The Jeju Dog is a medium-sized spitz type, usually about 12 to 16 kg, with a broad forehead that tapers to a pointed muzzle. Females look rather fox-like, while males can look strikingly like wolves. The body is lean and agile.
The coat is short and tawny brown. The tail is carried up over the back in a brush-like curve, which is the main way to tell it from the similar Korean Jindo.
Temperament
This is a loyal, alert and brave dog that bonds closely with its family and is wary of strangers. It has sharp hearing and scent, and a strong hunting drive, making it a natural guardian.
It is curious and can be spirited, so it needs experienced, patient handling and early socialisation.
Care and exercise
The Jeju Dog needs daily brisk walks and chances to run and sniff in secure areas, as its prey drive is strong and it may chase small animals. Mental activity helps keep it settled.
The short coat is easy to keep tidy with weekly brushing, with extra care during seasonal shedding. Good fencing is important.
Health
The breed is generally regarded as hardy and long-lived, with an average life span around 15 years. Its very small gene pool is the main concern, so careful breeding is important.
