Korean Job Discussion Forums

Princess Soraya · Joined: 30 Oct 2008

I often get depressed about not having a dog here but I would NEVER subject any dog (regardless of size) to Korean city living.In addition, I often see people offering their pets for adoption before they return to their respective countries. I think it's so selfish not to consider the long-term implications.

Pluto · Joined: 19 Dec 2006

mises · Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Location: retired

Aelric · Joined: 02 Mar 2009

Malamute/wolf mix. My dad had the same sort of dog and it was one of the best behaved and smart dogs I've ever seen. That and the wolf blood gave her blue eyes, which a a trip to see on any dog because they look so intelligent.

I would also get a Bichon/Shitzu mix for a small toy dog like my mom got because those things are puppies forever and I'm a 5-year-old girl when it comes to cute animals.

Bramble · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Location: National treasures need homes

Yes, the Jindos are going to need active families and lots of brushing. Also, to anyone who has/has had Jindos, your comments and advice would be very helpful in the thread I linked to on the ARK forum.

(And of course there are plenty of cute angels of all breeds on the ARK forum.)

eslguyinsanbon · Joined: 22 Jul 2007 Location: Mokpo, South Korea

I have a 1 year old English Bulldog. I've had him for about 6 months now in a small 8pyeong officetel, so size doesn't really matter that much. He's out at least 5 times a day for walks, so he gets out to stretch his legs. We're moving to a big place now (36pyeong) so he'll be fine.

Steelrails · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System

I'd want a good tracking dog, maybe a bloodhound. And a good guard dog or three- something that kills. A cancer sniffing dog to make sure I'm always in good health. A hunting dog to flush out game and retrieve and a good nice peaceful dog to always be there and something for the kids to play with.

Bramble · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Location: National treasures need homes

^ My little Chihuahua mix is the perfect guard dog.

T-dot · Joined: 16 May 2004 Location: bundang

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I had dogs growing up and really miss having one. I really like labs because they're energetic and relatively easy to train. That said, make sure you exercise them a lot because they're crazy hyper.

If you want a calmer version, a golden retriver would be better. For me they're too laid back, but if you want a less intense pet, go with that.

I like the look of Jindos, German Shepherds, Huskies, etc. but have no experience with them.

Bramble · Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Location: National treasures need homes

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I'd strongly advise anyone in Korea getting anything other than a toy breed. Many many Koreans get freaked out by any dog bigger than a Shihtzu.

I've had a mini Schnauzer now for 5 years. Fantastic dogs. Obedient, and very easy to take care of. Never aggressive. Yet, about 30% of Korean people freak out when I we walk near them. He's only 11kg's!! About a foot tall. But that seems threatening to many Koreans.

It has actually become an issue in the apartment complex where I live. The old people don't want me walking him in grounds. Despite the fact that I always use a leash, he has never been threatening to anyone, and I always have plastic bags for poop. I'm talking model dog owner here. Yet they complain.

I believe a part of it is because I'm a foreigner. They just don't like anything out of the ordinary. I'm talking the old people here. I've only had friendly treatment from younger people.

I never had any problems when I lived in a 'villa' neighborhood. No one bothers anyone there. But when you move into apartment complexes, there are a lot of busy-bodies.

Really, don't get a big dog if you live in Korea. Get a toy breed.

mlh · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

I think owning a larger dog like a Jindo is OK in Korea you just need to know what you're in for.

I love my Jindo and when I decided to get a dog I definitely knew I didn't want a smaller breed dog. However, you do need to be prepared for the realities of owning a larger dog. Such as the fact that Koreans will freak out about it and you should make sure that its ok to have a larger dog in your apartment.

My dog is walked at least 2 hours a day and is fine when I leave for work. But it can be tricky transporting a larger dog here. If I were to live here for more than a year I'd probably get a car just so I could take my dog around with me. Since buses aren't really an option (you'd have to put him in the cargo hold which will NOT happen) and its at least an hour taxi ride to any KTX station we don't go anywhere.

But Jindos are great pets. They're clean, independent, and very smart. As long as they're excercised enough (they need at least 2 30 minute brisk walks a day) they do fine in apartments. Even though I got my dog when he was older he's become really attached to me and he's been really fun and easy to train with a clicker.

I think if anything despite the challenges of owning a larger dog here in some ways its easier to be a dog owner here because I simply have more time for my dog here. In the States I'd have to work a more full schedule and I think it would be more difficult to find the time for the long walks and daily training sessions I have with my dog.

Grimda · Joined: 15 Aug 2009