Donggyeongi

Also called Gyeongju Donggyeongi, Daeng-gyeon, Donggyeong-gae

Size	Medium
Weight	14 to 18 kg (31 to 40 lb)males 16 to 18 kg, females 14 to 16 kg1
Height	44 to 49 cm (17 to 19 in)males 47 to 49 cm, females 44 to 47 cm1
Length	49 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)1
Coat	Short tail or no tail
Origin	Gyeongju, South Korea.1 2

Rare breedShort profile

distinctive natural bobtail

ancient Korean heritage

medium, manageable size

2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short tail or no tail

A medium-sized Korean native dog best known for its tail: many are born with a very short bob or no visible tail at all, which sets it apart from other Korean breeds.2 1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Donggyeongi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

The story where it all began

Clay dog figures from the Silla kingdom around Gyeongju and written records from the 17th to 19th centuries show short-tailed dogs have lived in the area for over a thousand years. Numbers fell sharply during the Japanese colonial period and afterwards, when tailless dogs were wrongly seen as unlucky. Preservation work and national monument status since 2012 have helped the breed recover.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Donggyeongi come in three tail types: no tail, a short tail of about 5-7 tail bones, and a full long tail.1
2
A genetic study linked the tailless type to a variant in the T gene, the same gene tied to natural bobtails in other breeds.1
3
DNA work suggests the Donggyeongi and the Korean Jindo split from a shared ancestor roughly 900 years ago.2
4
Sixth-century clay figurines found near Gyeongju appear to show this short-tailed dog.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Donggyeongi comes from the historical name of the city Gyeongju (Donggyeong) and 'gae' meaning dog, referring to a dog from the ancient Silla capital.2

Name ideas for your new friend

DoriBoriHanaMochiSunnyTofuJoonKkumaBaechuNuriDubuSora

A day in the life told by a Donggyeongi

I wake up in my cozy corner of the house in Gyeongju. My human takes me to the hills, where I love to trot along the old paths. My tail curls up like a happy flag as I greet the morning breeze. We pass by the ancient tombs, and I give them a respectful sniff. Back home, I sit by the window and watch the neighborhood. My human talks to me in a soft voice, and I tilt my head, pretending to understand every word. In the afternoon, we play a gentle game of fetch with my favorite ball. As the sun sets, I curl up beside my human, feeling warm and safe.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea: Designated Natural Monument no. 540 in 2012.1

How many About 600 protected dogs, around 200 of them tailless1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Donggyeongi, and at what times?

Feed your adult Donggyeongi at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps digestion and training. Check the food label for portion sizes and ask your vet for personalized advice.3

What should a Donggyeongi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for your Donggyeongi's size and age. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always have fresh water available.4

How often should I bathe a Donggyeongi?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Donggyeongi need brushing?

Brush your Donggyeongi weekly to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. This is especially good for short smooth coats. Regular brushing also strengthens your bond.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Donggyeongi's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Donggyeongi need?

Give your Donggyeongi daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity, adjusting to their energy level. Mental stimulation like training games is also great. Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Donggyeongi's teeth and ears?

Brush your Donggyeongi's teeth at least every other day, ideally daily, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them if they feel moist, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Donggyeongi live?

The input does not provide a specific lifespan. Ask your vet for breed-specific information.

Is a Donggyeongi good with children and other pets?

Temperament varies; early socialization and training are key. Ask a good breeder or your vet about your Donggyeongi's compatibility with children and other pets.

Can a Donggyeongi be left alone?

It depends on the individual dog's personality and training. Some Donggyeongi may handle alone time well, while others prefer company. Consult a good breeder for advice on your specific dog.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.