Pet Wiki

Jeju

Also called Jeju dog, Jejugae, 제주개

Rare breedShort profile

From South Korea (Jeju Island)12

At a glance the quick version

Weight12 to 16 kg1
Height49 to 55 cm1
Lifespan15 years1
Sizemedium

Wikipedia gives 12-16 kg for the breed without splitting by sex.

loyal and watchful
keen sense of smell and hearing
agile hunter
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

dense spitz-type coat

A thick coat, mostly tawny yellow-brown with some darker hairs, covers a medium-sized spitz-type body. It has a broad forehead, pointed upright ears and a bushy, broom-like tail carried upright.12

Colourstawnyyellow-tan with black-tipped hairs12

Personality what they are like

A loyal, alert island dog, gentle yet quick, with sharp senses that made it a capable guard and hunting companion.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Traditionally used to hunt pheasant, badger and deer, so it needs active daily exercise.12

The story where it all began

The Jeju dog is thought to trace back to dogs from China that settled on Jeju Island long ago and adapted to its environment. By 1986 only three were found on the island, and a dedicated breeding effort brought numbers back to around 300 by 2010, when it was named a national heritage animal.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    In 1986 only three Jeju dogs could be found on the entire island.1

  2. 2

    It is said that females look fox-like while males look more wolf-like.1

  3. 3

    It resembles the Korean Jindo, but is told apart by the way it carries its tail.1

  4. 4

    In 2017, 20 Jeju puppies were offered for adoption through an auction.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Jeju Island in South Korea, where it originated and was historically found.1

Name ideas for your new friend

JejuHallasanDolhareubangSeonBoriTangerineHaeDalNuriSoriMangchiPodo

A day in the life told by a Jeju

I wake with the sun and stretch my legs. My human and I head to the hills, where I sniff the wild herbs and chase a pheasant through the brush. After a good run, we rest by a stream, and I lap up the cool water. Back home, I patrol the yard, barking at a stray leaf. In the afternoon, I help my human gather firewood, carrying a small stick proudly. At dusk, we sit on the porch, and I watch the stars appear. I feel strong and happy, ready for tomorrow's hunt.

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

Recognised by the official bits

Korean government
Designated a national heritage animal in 20101

How many about 300 (of which about 69 considered purebred)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Jeju tip

Jeju Dogs thrive on high-protein, moderate-fat treats like lean meat or fish. Because they can be prone to digestive sensitivity, choose easily digestible, low-fermentable options and avoid rich, fatty snacks.

Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. 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

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. 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

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

Feed your Jeju at least two meals a day, as adult dogs' stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.13

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

Feed a balanced dog food recommended by your vet. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give alcohol, yeast dough, or raw meat and eggs.14

How often should I bathe a Jeju?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your Jeju gets very dirty. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months.15 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Jeju need brushing?

Brush your Jeju's dense spitz-type coat weekly to remove loose hair and prevent mats. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.15 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.15 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Jeju need?

Your Jeju needs active daily exercise, as it was traditionally used for hunting. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. A tired dog is a happy dog.12 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently; never push anything into the ear canal.15 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Jeju live?

A Jeju typically lives around 15 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life.1

Is a Jeju good with children and other pets?

Jeju dogs are loyal and gentle, making them good with children when properly socialized. Their temperament with other pets varies, so early socialization is key. Ask your breeder for specific advice.12

Can a Jeju be left alone?

Jeju dogs are loyal and alert, so they may not like being left alone for long periods. How well they handle it varies by individual. For specific guidance, ask your vet or a good breeder.12

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Jeju dog en.wikipedia.orgused for history, population, size, lifespan, temperament, fun facts
  2. Korean Wikipedia: 제주개 ko.wikipedia.orgused for origin, coat colour, temperament, hunting use
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.