Donggyeongi

The Donggyeongi is a breed of dog originating in Korea that unfortunately is currently in danger of extinction. Their most distinctive physical feature is their natural short tail, which can also be absent. They are also noted for their intelligence and agility.

General details

Dogs of the breed are of medium size and their weight ranges between 14 and 25 kilograms, while their height varies between 43 and 55 centimeters. In addition, their life expectancy is around 12-14 years. The breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

Breed history in brief

The Donggyeongi is a breed originating in Korea. The origin of the breed is undefined, although it is believed to have existed for hundreds of years and has been valued for its hunting abilities, as it was used to hunt small animals and rodents. Unfortunately, during the time of Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) many dogs of the breed were slaughtered, although after the end of this era, the situation did not improve. The dogs were despised by the population because their tails were considered unlucky or deformed, so the number of Donggyeongi was greatly reduced. Later, after the breed was accepted by the population, preservation efforts began and continue today. Unfortunately, it still faces the threat of extinction.

Breed characteristics

The Donggyeongi is a slender, muscular breed with a deep chest and strong legs that give it great speed and agility. Its head is triangular in shape with pointed ears and round, dark eyes. The most distinctive feature is that dogs of this breed can be born without a tail or with a short tail. The coat is of medium length with a double coat, which can come in a variety of colors, such as white, black, brown and cream. Dogs of the breed are intelligent, alert and easily trainable. However, they can also be stubborn, so they require an experienced breeder. They are energetic dogs that need wide open spaces. In addition, proper training and early socialization is essential to help the dog adapt to the human environment.

Common health problems

The breed has not been recognized by the major kennel clubs, so information on the most common diseases in the Donggyeongi breed is very limited. Still, as with other breeds, the Donggyeongi is prone to some of the common dog diseases such as hip dysplasia, cataracts and patellar luxation.