Jindo Spitz Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
The Jindo Spitz Mix is a rare but fascinating breed that is becoming more popular. It combines the Jindo, a loyal and independent Korean breed, with the Spitz, a friendly and affectionate breed from northern Europe, to create an intelligent and loving dog with a strong, independent streak. If this sounds like a pet that you would like to have, keep reading as we look into their diet, exercise needs, and potential health problems, so you can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for your home.
| Height: | 16–22 inches |
| Weight: | 30–50 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, cream, brown, black, grey, red |
| Suitable for: | Loyal, intelligent, and affectionate |
| Temperament: | Loyal, devoted, independent |
Owners describe the Jindo Spitz Mix as loyal, intelligent, and independent, making them excellent companions for the right owner. Jindo Spitz Mixes are also highly adaptable and thrive in various living situations, from small apartments in the city to large homes in the country. Their high energy levels and need for exercise and mental stimulation make them ideal for active owners who enjoy spending time outdoors with their pets.
Jindo Spitz Mix Characteristics
Jindo Spitz Mix Puppies
Jindo Spitz Mix puppies are cute and playful, with fluffy coats and bright, curious eyes. They are energetic and love to explore their surroundings, so you’ll need to provide them with plenty of safe toys and activities to keep them occupied. Early socialization and training are essential for Jindo Spitz Mix puppies to develop into well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dogs that get along with other pets and aren’t wary of strangers. Socialization includes exposing them to as many people, places, and experiences as possible and teaching them basic obedience commands.
When selecting a Jindo Spitz Mix puppy, choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs, and learn as much as you can about the family history of your future pet so you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Jindo Spitz Mix
The temperament and intelligence of your Jindo Spitz Mix can vary significantly depending on which parent they take after more. However, most should be loyal and intelligent with plenty of energy. They are quick learners that can learn commands quickly but are not as eager to please as some other breeds, as they are independent thinkers. They are protective of their family and can be wary of strangers without socialization, but with proper attention, they can make great family pets.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Jindo Spitz Mix can indeed make a great family pet, especially for active families, since they have a high energy level, and a large family can help them get the exercise that they need. They are also devoted dogs and enjoy spending time with their owners. However, they can be stubborn and difficult to train, so they may be best suited to families with experience in training.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
If your pet takes after the Jindo parent more, having them in the home with other pets can be a struggle unless you socialize them as puppies. The German Spitz parent is a little more friendly but still requires plenty of socialization to help them get along with other pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Jindo Spitz Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
When feeding a Jindo Spitz Mix, choose a high-quality dog food that provides balanced nutrition and meets their dietary requirements according to their age and health status. Look for dog foods that list whole meat as the first ingredient, and avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial additives like BHA and BHT. Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer, and avoid overfeeding to prevent weight gain.
Exercise 🐕
The Jindo Spitz Mix is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to maintain their health and well-being. They are known for their agility, endurance, and love for outdoor activities. They will need at least 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, including walks, runs, hikes, or playtime. Mental stimulation is also important for these intelligent dogs. Activities like obedience training, agility, and interactive play can provide the exercise and mental stimulation that will help prevent them from becoming bored and misbehaving.
Training 🎾
Jindo Spitz Mixes are highly intelligent dogs that you can train to follow commands and complete tasks. However, they can also be independent and stubborn, so they may require consistent and patient training from their owners. Starting when they are still a puppy can help get them into a routine that lasts into adulthood, and holding your training sessions after playtime can help keep them focused, since they won’t have as much energy to chase after animals or passing cars. Jindo Spitz Mixes responds best to firm but gentle training focusing on positive reinforcement and consistency.
Grooming ✂️
Jindo Spitz Mixes have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep them looking and feeling their best. Their coat sheds seasonally, and during these times, they may require more frequent brushing to prevent the fur from getting all over the house. They won’t require frequent bathing, but you will need to trim their nails if you hear them clicking on the floor and to manually brush their teeth with pet-safe toothpaste as frequently as possible to help slow the progression of dental disease.
- You might want to check this out: 11 Best Dog Wipes: Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions 🏥
This is a relatively healthy dog due to being a hybrid breed, but they are still prone to certain health conditions, some that affect all dogs and others that come from their parents.
Serious Conditions:
- Hip dysplasia is a condition that causes the hip joint to wear down at an accelerated rate, which can result in decreased activity, difficulty climbing steps, and even lameness in the hind legs.
- Patellar luxation is a condition that causes the kneecap to dislocate more frequently, causing pain and discomfort. There are four grades of seriousness, and doctors can help your pet manage the condition through medication, exercise, and surgery in severe cases.
Minor Conditions:
- Dental disease affects more than 80% of dogs in the United States, so keeping your dog’s teeth clean is essential. Manual brushing with pet-safe toothpaste and dry crunchy dog food can help slow the progression of dental disease.
- Jindo Spitz Mixes may be prone to allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and discomfort due to a sensitivity to their environment, food allergies, or fleas. Treatment may include medication and special diets.
Male vs. Female
Males Jindo Spitz Mixes tend to be slightly larger and heavier than the females, which tend to be more independent. Still, the overall temperament and behavior of the dog depend more on which parent they take after, their personality, and training rather than sex.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Jindo Spitz Mix
1. The Jindo parent has a unique ability to sense danger and has been used as search-and-rescue dogs in their native Korea.
They can also detect changes in human behavior and body language, making them excellent therapy dogs.
2. There are at least 21 Spitz dog breeds.
These include the German Spitz, Pomeranian, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute.
3. The people of Korea consider the Jindo parent a national treasure.
These dogs have a storied history, and breeders have been creating them for centuries for their hunting and guarding abilities.
Final Thoughts
The Jindo Spitz Mix is a unique and fascinating breed that makes a wonderful companion for the right owner. They are loyal, intelligent, and highly protective of their families, making them great watchdogs. However, they also have a strong prey drive and may have difficulty coexisting with smaller pets. Jindo Spitz Mixes requires regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proper socialization and training from a young age. With the right care and attention, these dogs can make wonderful pets for active families or individuals looking for loyal and loving companions.
Featured Image Credit: (L) designer.oki, Shutterstock | (R) Oksamutnaya, Shutterstock
