Jindos are small dogs that originated in South Korea and have amazing physical abilities, intelligence, and a calm demeanor. They have a similar appearance to the Shiba Inu and a velvet coat that appears not to have one hair longer than the other.
Spitz is an umbrella term used to describe a group of dogs with similar characteristics: triangular ears that stand upright, a long tail that curls upward, and a double thick coat made to endure harsh winters since most of them are bred in arctic climates.
The Jindo Spitz mix combines two spectacular breeds to create a wolf-like dog with incredible intelligence, stand-up bravery, and an excellent temperament that makes them great companions.
The Jindo Spitz mix can be an interesting hybrid depending on the spitz breed involved in their development. They will undoubtedly have a glorious coat and a regal, wolf-like appearance. Owners love their independence and confidence and their ability to be excellent watchdogs. They can be wonderful companions, but because of the Jindo in them, they are most loved for their devotion to one human and are popular for singles.
Jindo Spitz Mix Characteristics
Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
Jindo breeders are relatively easy to find in the U.S.A. However, the Jindo Spitz mix may be harder to find if you want a mix of a specific Spitz breed. Otherwise, you can visit a shelter or rescue center to adopt a Jindo Spitz. However, since the hybrid is relatively new, you may have difficulty finding one.
Like most puppies, Jindo Spitz puppies have a lot of energy. Early socialization and training are particularly important for this high-energy, prey-driven hybrid, and you should start training as soon as you bring your pup home.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Jindo Spitz Breed
The temperament of a Jindo Spitz can vary depending on the breed’s history, lineage, and breeding history. While each dog will be unique, the Jindo Spitz is typically affectionate, sociable, playful, and energetic. Both the Jindo and Spitz are highly intelligent and have a hard-working nature. They are loyal but can also be independent and brave because of their hunting backgrounds.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Jindo Spitz mix can be an excellent family companion. They generally latch onto one human in the family, but that’s not to say they won’t be affectionate and sociable with other family members. Families with kids will need to be cautious because of this breed’s high energy and high prey drive, but as long as the dog and children are brought up together and the kids are educated on how to manage and treat dogs, they can grow up to be best of friends.
They are also fantastic guard dogs but can be wary of strangers, so early training and socialization are essential. The Jindo Spitz is often more suited to a single owner who has time for training.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The Jindo Spitz can be territorial because of their history of hunting and protecting, which means there may be some challenges with a multi-pet home. However, if your Jindo Spitz Mix is introduced to other well-socialized dogs as a puppy and receives early socialization and training, they can grow up together in harmony. They can also be playful toward cats that they grow up with but may need to be supervised early on because of their prey drive, which may lead them to be a bit overzealous.
Before adopting a Jindo Spitz mix, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about caring for your new pet. We discuss the dog’s diet, exercise, grooming, and training requirements here, so you’ll know what to expect.
Food & Diet Requirements
The Jindo Spitz will thrive on a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Most commercial diets are suitable, but your vet is the best person to guide you concerning brands, portions, and supplements. Your dog’s diet should be life-stage and breed-appropriate and should always include access to fresh water.
Jindos are known to be light eaters, but when combined with the Spitz, they may be more food-motivated. Obesity is a concerning problem with canines, and it’s best to speak to your veterinarian about maintaining a healthy weight for your pet.
Exercise
Both the Jindo and most Spitz breeds are highly active, and like all dogs, they will require daily physical and mental stimulation. They love having a job to do and taking part in interactive games and activities with their owners. A long walk or run and a vigorous play session of 30 to 40 minutes daily should be enough to keep the dog happy. They also enjoy sports such as agility trials and sled pulling. Once they have expelled their energy, they can be calm and easy-going as long as you are around.
The Jindo Spitz mix brims with intelligence. They are eager to please and thrive when given a job. These traits make them easy to train, especially when rewarded through positive reinforcement. The Jindo Spitz can have a streak of independence, and that, paired with their confidence, may require consistent training starting as early as possible. They will also need an owner who confidently takes on the role of the leader. Because of their prey drive and wariness towards strangers, they must be socialized and trained in basic obedience as early as possible.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming needs for the Jindo Spitz Mix can vary, depending on the dominant coat. A Jindo’s coat is short, while many Spitz dogs have thick, dense coats that shed a lot. It’s safe to say that you can expect to brush your Jindo Spitz Mix every 2–3 days to get rid of loose hair and prevent knotting if your breed’s coat is longer.
Your Jindo Spitz Mix will only need a bathe about once a month or if their coat gets very dirty. Dental care is vital for all dogs, so you must brush your dog’s teeth at least every 3 days while providing chew toys and dental chews to prevent plaque buildup. It’s best to trim your dog’s nails every 6 to 8 weeks, and always check your dog’s eyes and ears for any discharge, redness, or anything else unusual.
Jindos are a healthy breed without many known predisposed health issues, and the Spitz breeds are also known for being generally healthy with long lifespans. However, it is still vital for pet owners to be aware of predisposed health issues, even if they are unlikely or rare.
Keep your dog happy and healthy by ensuring that you book a checkup twice a year and provide a healthy diet and preventative care such as worm, tick, and flea medication and necessary vaccinations.
Minor Conditions
Patella luxation
Allergies
Serious Conditions
Hypothyroidism
Discoid lupus
Progressive retinal atrophy
Retinal dysplasia
Male vs. Female
The male Jindo Spitz is generally only slightly bigger than the female, and there is not much difference in their temperament. It will depend more on their living environment, history, age, and health.
Intact males will display typical sexual behaviors such as marking territory, humping, and sexual aggression, and intact females will have heat cycles to attract males. Having your dog neutered or spayed can help prevent these behaviors and protect your dog from uterine and testicular cancer.
The Jindo is particularly renowned for their loyalty, and so are most spitz breeds. Therefore, the Jindo Spitz mix will be especially devoted to their owner.
2. The Jindo Spitz Mix Prefers Single-Owner Households
Partly due to their loyal nature, the Jindo Spitz mix will prefer one person, sometimes to the exclusion of others, even in a family household, so to avoid potential hurt feelings, they’re best suited for single people.
3. There Are 50–70 Distinct Spitz Breeds
Spitz dogs are found worldwide, though primarily in countries with cold climates. Their key characteristics are their pointy ears, double coats, and fluffy tails that hang over their backs. Only 16 Spitz breeds are recognized by the AKC.
Conclusion
Whether you are a young single, part of a busy family, or a hunter, the Jindo Spitz Mix will make a wonderful companion. However, they generally bond with one owner, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be family pets, since they are highly adaptable. They are intelligent, brave, and eager to please, making them easy to train for an owner who can take on the leader role, as they can be independent and stubborn at times.
They make incredible watchdogs, and their devotion to their humans makes them wary of strangers. Like all dogs, they will require early training and socialization because of their prey drive. They require an owner who can be at home with them, providing them with mental and physical stimulation to avoid becoming bored and destructive. They are hard-working, playful, and loyal but also sensitive and calm, making them ideal pets for the right family.
Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
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