The Jindo Lab mix is a sweet, hardworking, and intelligent hybrid dog that is a cross between a purebred Jindo and a purebred Labrador Retriever.
These cute-looking pups make faithful companions and have plenty of love to offer. They may become protective due to the Jindo’s influence. However, they will most definitely have the friendly and happy-go-lucky demeanor of the Labrador.
With one parent breed recognized for its bravery and loyalty and the other, for its warm and gentle disposition, you will surely get a crossbreed full of affection and willingness to submit to his humans.
This ultimate guide will inform you on everything you need to know about a Jindo Lab Mix including what you should expect if you decide to adopt your new pooch.
Parent Breeds
The Jindo Lab mix is one of many hybrid dogs that have been around for probably a few decades ago. It was definitely a result of an intentional crossing of two pedigree parents. Hence, they can be referred to as “Designer Dogs“.
If you are planning on adding a Jindo Lab mix member to your family, first take a look at both parent breeds to get an idea of what to expect from this hybrid dog.
Overview of Korean Jindo
Also known as Jindo Gae or Chindo, the Korean Jindo originates on the island of Jindo off the coast of South Korea. It is also believed that they were brought to South Korea by the Mongols during the 13th-century Mongolian invasions of South Korea. Since then, Jindos have enjoyed centuries of freedom, allowing them to explore their natural inclinations for hunting and survival.
Having a triangle-shaped head, perked ears and a double layer coat, this medium-sized dog is of the Spitz family. He has a strong instinct to roam and an inherent zeal to hunt.
The Korean Jindo is a loyal, intelligent and alert dog who prefers to cling more to one person. However, he will also love every member of his family and protect them at all costs. The unduly suspicious personality of the Jindo makes him often wary of strangers. Early socialization will help to make him more human-friendly and less aggressive to other dogs.
Due to his heightened cleverness and independent instincts, an inexperienced owner will have a hard time handling or training this breed. His unsurpassed loyalty is only for those who have earned his love and respect.
Well-suited for apartment dwellers but will require daily exercise and outdoor activities to burn his excess energy. With a phobia for water, the Jindo is typically not a great swimming companion.
The Jindo is an adventure-loving pooch as well as an incredible jumper. He will not hesitate if you lend him the opportunity to escape. Hence, you will need a high and secure fencing system to keep him in check— 6 meters and above in height would suffice.
Like most dogs, the Jindo is usually more aggressive during puppyhood and if left in lonesome, may find destructive ways to entertain himself.
Overview of Labrador Retriever
Deployed as retrievers for hunters, canine athletes, show dogs, assistance dogs for therapy, search and rescue dogs, the Labrador Retriever is valued for his versatility and devotion. No wonder he has maintained the top spot in the popularity ranking of the American Kennel Club (AKC) since 1991.
Records suggest that the ancestors of modern-day Labs hail from the Island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern coast of Canada. This water-loving dog kept the fishermen company and assisted in hauling nets, passing ropes between boats and retrieving stray fishes in the icy cold waters of North Atlanta. They were known as “St. John water dogs” and were probably bred with a couple of other dogs to form today’s Labrador Retriever.
Labs are sweet-natured, friendly, people-pleasing and much more than is required of an ideal companion. Their boundless affection for humans make them incompetent watchdogs but the same trait is what make them loved and cherished by people. Exhibits no form of aggression toward humans and other dogs, the Lab’s demeanor is one that epitomizes peace and harmony.
Besides, your lab friend is also energetic and hardworking as well as intelligent and enthusiastic. He will need a lot of exercise and engagement in fun activities for proper physical and mental stimulation. Even with his loving and gentle, early socialization and training remain a necessity to better shape your dog in every aspect.
The Lab has a double-layered coat that comes in 3 colors: black, yellow and chocolate. This double coat is made up of a sleek outer layer of hair, which is waterproof, as well as a soft, weather-resistant undercoat.
The Jindo Lab Mix
The Jindo Lab mix is a unique breed that combines the best of both parents. With this designer dog, you’ll get the loyalty and alertness of Jindo with a mix of the gentle, friendly and water-loving nature of the Labrador Retriever. Your pooch will likely take after the traits of one parent over another. Predicting the exact traits or which one of the parents is truly a game of luck.
The Jindo Lab is a relatively healthy mix with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years if properly cared for. Probably enough time to bond well with your pooch and create life-long fun memories. However, this mixed breed often experiences some potential health problems but thanks to hybrid vigor, all crossbreeds have a stronger immunity to various health problems than their pedigree counterparts.
Also Read: Pitbull Cocker Spaniel Mix: A Fast, Fun and Feisty Friend
Size & Appearance of Jindo Lab Mix
Both Jindos and Labrador Retrievers are characterized as medium-sized canines on the whole. A fully grown Jindo Labrador Retriever mix stands as high as 20 to 23 inches and, he weighs between 45 to 70 pounds.
Be sure to check their weight regularly and do not overfeed them either treats or their staple diets since they may have a voracious appetite like Labradors and become obese easily.
In terms of appearance, there is no breed standard for this pup since he is not purebred. He could look more like one parent or embrace the appearance of both Jindo and Labrador. Thankfully, the Jindo Labs often end up with the best traits from both parents.
The Jindo Lab Mix will likely have a well-built body with friendly, bright and alert eyes. They will almost certainly have a broad skull and level topline but with either an “otter tail” that never curls over the back or a sickle tail.
The Jindo Lab Mix will have a self-cleaning double-layered coat that may be as well weather-resistant and waterproof. However, you could end up with a heavily shedding breed if your pooch is influenced more by his Labrador parent. If you can’t cope with canines that shed a lot, then the Jindo Lab mix probably will not be right for you.
Jindo Lab Mix Personality & Training
First and foremost, the Jindo Lab mix is super active, and he will be happiest engaging in family activities. Because of his high energy, he will equally need an active and firm leader to handle his rambunctious propensity. Thanks to the Lab genes, he will inherit a cheerful and gentle demeanor which will make socialization with humans and other dogs a lot easier.
The Jindo Lab mix is courageous, alert, mouthy and affectionate, binding easily with all family members but may become a one-person dog like Jindos. They do not bark a lot in a normal environment but in response to a perceived threat or feeling of anxiety.
You can expect to have a highly intelligent dog who will easily pick up difficult commands and learn complicated tricks. They might be a bit willful and independent at first but once you win their respect they will remain loyal and obedient to the core.
It is possible that the Jindo Lab mix will have a suspicious and protective streak if he is influenced by his Jindo parent. Hopefully, you can think of having a possible guard dog. In the worst-case scenario, your pooch may turn out to be an overly suspicious fellow. Therefore, it is imperative to start socialization at a very early age.
It is a matter of genetics and luck whether your pooch will enjoy swimming. Jindos are known to have a fear for water, while their Lab counterparts don’t seem to be affected by water. In fact, they will engage in all swimming sports with great enthusiasm. Not surprising, since they have a notable history with fishermen. On the other hand, Jindos are excellent jumpers, hence tall and secure fencing should be erected.
The Jindo Lab mix is an excellent companion who enjoys spending time with his family. Provide him with sufficient daily exercise lest he will vent his pent-up energy in a destructive manner.
Establish a training routine for your Jindo Lab pup, and it must include potty breaks, playtimes, daily walks, and feeding times. He will respond well to positive reinforcement. Let him understand that nothing is free and that you are the resource of all the valuables. Do not use any harsh form of training to prevent further bad behaviors.
Care & Grooming Of A Jindo Lab Mix
The Jindo Lab mix will consume between 2 to 3 cups of food every day. Make sure you provide your pooch with a balanced diet by opting for a high-quality kibble. The feeding requirement of your pooch will depend on factors like their size, age and activity level. You must check the package instructions to determine the exact amount for your dog.
If your dog is always overfed, be ready to have an obese pooch in less than no time. In essence, your furry friend does not need to add extra weight since it can predispose him to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasias.
The coat maintenance of the Jindo Lab mix will be minimal. You will likely have a moderately shedding dog that will require brushing not more than twice a week. A slicker brush is effective for both dematting and removing loose hair with deep penetration into the coat.
The Jindo Lab mix is going to have a self-cleaning coat like either parent hence they don’t require frequent baths. Bathing them once every week will be sufficient to maintain a clean and sleek coat.
Others are regular grooming routines. Trim their nails before it gets long enough to start clicking on the ground. Weekly removal of ear wax and teeth brushing is also a necessity.
Always run a thorough check on your dog for the presence of injuries, sores, lumps or discomfort of any sort. This will help detection of disease in an early stage.
Health Problems Of Jindo Lab Mix
Certain diseases can affect every canine. However, some breeds are more prone to specific issues, so be aware of these concerns while looking for a new pup. The overall health of crossbreeds benefits from the fact they have a greater gene diversity.
Although many diseases have been bred out of the gene pool, there is no guarantee that the Jindo Lab mix will not develop serious illnesses. Hence, make sure your breeder has performed all necessary health screening for each parent to reduce the risk of any significant health challenge.
Prospective owners should be aware of the following health issues for Jindo Lab Mix:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Luxating Patella
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Heart Diseases
- Glaucoma and Cataract
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Cancer
- Bladder Stones
- Diabetes Mellitus
Should You Bring Home A Jindo Lab Mix?
The Jindo Lab mix is suited for apartments, condos, townhouses or the countryside provided you take them on daily walks and exercise to help burn their excess energy. Barking is never an issue with this breed so no worries for your neighbors.
Socialization for these feisty pups should begin as early as possible especially if you plan to bring home other pets for the sake of cordial co-existence. Allowing them to meet and interact with new people will aid to polish their social skills.
Closely bonding with people, these dogs will require enough time, patience and discipline to gain unwavering trust of this dog. It may get easier if they are more of a Labrador-like dog. If you want a highly active, loyal and friendly companion, look no further from a Jindo Lab Mix
Ultimately, as a dog parent, you must provide adequate care and comfort for your furry companion. You will definitely be rewarded with a heart-warming bundle of delight.
Also Read: Husky Greyhound Mix: Where Tenacity and Speed Collides
