Jindos- Pg.2

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In Korea, my breed is called "Jindo Gae", which simply means: Jin-do= Jin Island Gae= dog "dog of Jin Island".     The name has been shortened to Jindo or Korean Jindo in the rest of the world. The circled area on the map to the right is Jin Island, an island famous for its "Moses Miracle" and its amazing dogs. Jin Island is found just off the SW coast of the South Korean mainland. The area is rich in its culture as well as in its history!!
    During the period of Korean dynastic rule, Jin Island was known as the place to which those on the ruler's "bad list" (usually intellectuals or noisy nobles) were sent into exile. Exile at this point in time was often used as a time of reflection and spiritual development.
    One legend about the origin of the Jindo speaks of a certain individual who was making a spiritual journey to Jin Island. (apparently there was a strong sort of 'energy' or power source present on the island which would intensify spiritual experience) Desiring non human company during what

promised to be a long, lonely stay on the island, the man brought along a dog. (which breed, I am not sure) This dog mated with a wolf on the island, and the first litter of Jindo pups was born. The island is still the home of the Jindo dog.

This story is just a legend, but may have a bit of truth to it! Jindos have retained the look and often exhibit the behaviour of the Asian wolf.

Another story that I have heard states that the Jindo has been with the Korean people since the stone age (I am not sure if this is the correct translation,) and that Jin Island was the only area of the peninsula fit for the Jindo's survival. The Jindo is then said to have gone into hiding for an immeasurable period of time. The dogs are said to have re-emerged somewhere in the 18th or 19th century to live with humans again. This is a nice STORY, but there is little truth to it. The actual origin of the Jindo can be traced as far back as the Medieval period of Korean history, but no further back than this age which can hardly be classified as the Stone Age!

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