DongGyeongi
Description
The DongGyeongi is a rare Korean breed known for its distinctive short or missing tail. This dog has been part of Korea’s history for over a thousand years, with roots tracing back to the ancient Silla Kingdom. It shares some traits with the Jindo but stands out with its unique tail feature and coastal origins in Gyeongju. The breed faced near extinction during the Japanese Colonial Era because its stump tail was wrongly seen as unlucky. Today, the DongGyeongi is protected as a national treasure in Korea. It’s a medium-sized dog, weighing between 31 and 55 pounds, with a thick double coat that comes in black, brown, cream, or white. While not much is widely known about its personality, these dogs tend to be alert and friendly. They need early socialization and are best suited for owners who have some experience with dogs.
Grooming
The DongGyeongi’s short double coat needs regular attention to stay healthy. Expect heavy shedding during spring and fall when the undercoat blows out. Brush your dog twice a week to keep the coat smooth and remove loose hair. During shedding seasons, brush daily and use an undercoat rake on dense areas to clear dead fur. Bathing should happen every 6 to 8 weeks. Make sure to dry the coat thoroughly to prevent any dampness that could cause skin issues. Avoid shaving the coat; the double layer protects the dog from weather changes. - Brush 2× weekly; daily in heavy sheds - Use undercoat rake on thick spots - Bathe every 6–8 weeks, dry completely - Do not shave the coat Pro tip: A professional de-shedding treatment every 6 to 8 weeks helps keep the coat manageable and reduces loose hair around the house. Keep an eye on lighter coats like cream and white for any dirt or staining, especially around the face and paws.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
The DongGyeongi needs about 65 minutes of walking each day, done in one solid session. This breed enjoys a steady pace that lets it explore while staying focused. A single daily walk helps burn off energy and keeps the dog mentally sharp. Start with a 10-minute warm-up stroll to loosen muscles. Then pick up the pace for 40 minutes, mixing in some sniff breaks and light jogging if your dog is up for it. Finish with a 15-minute cool-down walk to relax. Example routine: - 7:00 AM: 10-minute easy walk around the block - 7:10 AM: 40-minute brisk walk in the park with some off-leash sniff time - 7:50 AM: 15-minute slow walk back home for cooldown This routine fits the DongGyeongi’s moderate activity level and helps keep it balanced and happy.
Boarding
When boarding a DongGyeongi, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to give enough room for comfort and stretching. These dogs enjoy active play but aren’t overly demanding, so plan for two play sessions daily. Include scent games and brain teasers to keep their minds busy. Staff should note the breed’s alert nature and moderate activity. Early socialization means they usually get along well with other dogs, but new environments can cause some wariness. Gentle introductions and calm handling work best. Offer chew toys and puzzle feeders during downtime to prevent boredom. Regular walks outside the kennel area help maintain their routine and reduce stress. Keep bedding clean and dry, and watch for signs of restlessness or anxiety so you can adjust care as needed.