Jindos come from Jindo Island off South Korea's southwest coast, where they hunted game such as deer and boar and guarded homes. South Korea protects the breed as a natural monument, and its legendary loyalty includes a famous dog that traveled roughly 180 miles back to its original owner. These medium-sized spitz-type dogs have upright, forward-tilted ears, a curled or sickle tail and a thick double coat in white, fawn, gray, black, black and tan or brindle.
Jindos and Jindo mixes appear often in US rescues, many brought over from Korean rescue efforts. Most are clean, quiet, intelligent and deeply devoted to their own people, but independent, wary of strangers and driven to chase small animals. They tend to reward patient, experienced adopters who can offer secure fencing, gradual socialization and respect for a dog that bonds on its own terms.