The Jindo Terrier Mix is a lively mixed breed that is known for their liveliness, loyalty, and high intelligence. Their parent breeds, the Korean Jindo and the Terrier, are quite different dogs in terms of temperament and personality. Therefore, you never know exactly what you are going to get when adopting a Jindo Terrier. The unique traits and personalities that these mixed dogs display come down to which ones they inherit from each of their parents.

Some Jindo Terriers take after their Terrier parent, while others take more after their Jindo parent. Then there are those that take on a fairly equal number of traits from each parent. Read on to learn more about this interesting mixed breed.

Breed Overview

The Jindo Terrier is not the typical mixed dog breed that can be commonly found hanging out in public settings. While you might see Terriers everywhere, chances are that they are not mixed with the Korean Jindo! This unique mixed breed looks a bit like a Jack Russell Terrier, just bigger and bouncier. These generally intelligent dogs take well to training and are always eager to please.

The Jindo Terrier can be trained as a watchdog and will bark and warn potential threats away whenever they are detected near their property. Don’t get them mixed up with guard dogs, though, as they’re mostly bark with no bite. These dogs like to form strong bonds with their human companions. Once that bonding occurs, loyalty abounds.

Jindo Terrier Mix Characteristics

Jindo Terrier Mix Puppies

The typical Jindo Terrier Mix mother can have four to eight puppies at a time, all of which will generally become more curious and energetic as they age. They will show loyalty to their mother and “pack members,” just as they eventually will to their human companions. These pups are smart from the start, so obedience training can begin as early as 8 weeks of age.

These pups tend to yearn for consistent attention and interaction, so someone should be home with them as they learn about their world and until they become more confident and independent. While this is not a particularly popular mixed breed, reputable breeders out there offer healthy pups for sale and are happy to be transparent in their breeding practices.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Jindo Terrier Mix

Both Jindo and Terrier breeds are known for being family-oriented, independent, and curious. So, it makes sense that the Jindo Terrier Mix would take on these traits too. These energetic dogs can get into trouble if they aren’t able to release pent-up energy in healthy ways. They are also intelligent, so they can be sneaky when it comes to things like getting into the garbage.

This mixed breed can be charming when interacting with others, but they can also be standoffish with strangers if they are not well-socialized as puppies. Another trait that these dogs tend to take on is stubbornness, which can get in the way of training and socializing. Exposure to other animals and people alongside ongoing obedience training can help keep their stubborn streaks in check.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Jindo Terrier Mix can make a great family pet, but they do best in households with older children. Younger kids can be too rambunctious and boisterous for this mixed breed’s liking, which can result in problems like snapping and accidental injuries. While the typical Jindo Terrier Mix is independent, they thrive on attention and don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. Therefore, it is ideal for them to live in a house where someone is home most of the time.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

The answer to this question comes down to the dog’s unique personality and temperament. Some Jindo Terrier Mixes can live with other dogs, while others prefer to live alone and will make sure everyone, including other animals in the home, knows it. The best way to ensure that a Jindo Terrier Mix will get along with other pets in a household is to introduce them while they are still young puppies so they can get socialized and accustomed to the situation before they are too old and set in their ways.

Keep in mind that this mixed breed comes from longlines of hunters, so they have an extremely high prey drive. Therefore, they tend to chase and “hunt down” smaller animals like cats, rabbits, and ferrets. Therefore, it is best not to introduce them to households with these pets living in them.

Things to Know When Owning a Jindo Terrier Mix

Food & Diet Requirements

The Jindo Terrier Mix should eat high-quality commercial food that includes real meat protein as one of the first ingredients. These dogs can enjoy veggies like carrots and fruits like apples as snacks or treats. This mixed breed is prone to becoming overweight, so it is important not to free-feed them. Instead, they should be fed according to the instructions of the food that they’re eating or based on guidance from a veterinarian.

Exercise

These dogs have a great deal of energy, so they require plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives. Without going outdoors for a long daily walk and maybe a game of fetch, the Jindo Terrier Mix can cause trouble while spending time indoors, such as chewing on shoes or furniture and tearing up books. This mixed breed should get at least 1 hour of outdoor exercise in the form of activities like walking, hiking, and playing in the park.

Interactive and puzzle toys can provide much-needed stimulation between outdoor exercise events and when the weather does not afford much outdoor exercise for the day. Note that these dogs are considered expert escape artists, so it’s best not to allow them to spend time alone outdoors, even in a fully fenced yard.

Training

All dogs need training, but it is especially crucial for dogs like the Jindo Terrier Mix. Their stubbornness and energy can make training challenging, so it is important to start training and socialization as early as possible. It’s never too early to guide a puppy and teach them to get along with other dogs and people. Basic training and socialization exercises should begin from the time that a Jindo Terrier pup can move around and eat on their own.

A strong, firm hand must be used during training to avoid the pitfalls of being challenged or losing the leader role in the relationship. It can be beneficial to work with a professional trainer for a while until basic obedience has been established. The younger a puppy is when training starts, the better they will take to it and the more easily they can be managed as adults.

Grooming ✂️

The Jindo Terrier Mix may shed lightly or heavily depending on which parent breed they most take after in this regard. To be on the safe side, owners should be prepared to brush their pups at least once a week. Bathing is only necessary when needed (soiled fur, etc.). Nails should be trimmed once a month to keep them from becoming too sharp. Their daily walks should keep them naturally filed down between trims. Their teeth should be brushed regularly with a toothbrush, and dental chews can be offered too.

Health and Conditions

While the Jindo Terrier Mix is generally a healthy dog, there are a few health conditions that they are susceptible to:

Male vs. Female

As is the case with many dog breeds, female Jindo Terriers tend to be smaller than males. However, the difference in size is minimal and sometimes can’t even be noticed unless a male and female are standing directly side by side. Otherwise, both males and females are similar when it comes to personality and temperament. Keep in mind that all dogs are different, so while some males might seem more independent than some females, the opposite can be true in other cases.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Jindo Terrier Mix

1. They Are Not Fans of Water

The Jindo Terrier Mix can excel at many land activities, but this mixed breed is not a big fan of anything that has to do with water. Like the Korean Jindo, this dog tends to be fearful and unsure when near sources of water. This is something to keep in mind whether spending time at the beach or simply preparing for a bath.

2. They Are Great on the Agility Course

This mixed dog breed excels at agility because of their incredible athleticism hunting instincts and skills that are passed on to them by their Jindo parents. These dogs are powerful, light on their feet, and instinctive, which makes them formidable competitors. Training this mixed breed in agility is a great form of exercise and an excellent outlet for their minds and bodies.

3. They Can Be Troublemakers

While most dogs can get into trouble when spending time in the house unsupervised, the Jindo Terrier tends to be extra susceptible to this behavior. Many owners underestimate the energy that their pups have and end up coming home to ruined furniture, clothing, and other items.

Final Thoughts

The Jindo Terrier Mix can be an excellent pet for active households and those with older kids. Singles who like to camp and hunt will find an unwavering companion in this mixed breed. This may not be the best option for first-time dog owners, but they are suitable for anyone who has experience as a “pack leader” around dogs.

Related Reads:

• Jindo Corgi Mix: Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care
• Jindo Spitz Mix: Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care

Featured Image Credit: (L) designer.oki, Shutterstock | (R) Elena Valebnaya, Shutterstock