Pet Wiki

Jeju

Also called Jeju dog, Jejugae, 제주개 · South Korea

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

Comes in

5 sources

Rare breedGuard dog
Weight12–16kg

26–35 lb1

Height49–55cm

19–22 in1

Lifespan15years

1

At a glance

Key facts
SizeMedium
Weight12 to 16 kg (26 to 35 lb)1
Height49 to 55 cm (19 to 22 in)1
Lifespan15 years1
CoatDense spitz-type coat
OriginSouth Korea (Jeju Island)12

Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.

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

what they are likeJeju temperament

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

how to spot oneJeju coat and colours

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

Comes intawnyyellow-tan with black-tipped hairs12

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for a Jeju. 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

how busy a day looksJeju exercise needs

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

the things everyone asksOwner questions

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?

Pet Wiki'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

How often does a Jeju need brushing?

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

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

How much exercise does a Jeju need?

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

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

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.

per year, in your countryWhat a Jeju costs

Running costs for a Jeju, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.

1,136 GBPa year
1,693 GBPfirst year
Foodabout 70 kg of dry food a year230 GBP ↗
Routine vet care345 GBP ↗
Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age384 GBP ↗
Dog tax0 GBP ↗
Licence and registration12 GBP ↗
Grooming3 salon visits a year165 GBP ↗
Gear to start531 GBP ↗
Microchip and registration26 GBP ↗
Yearly cost in all 28 countries

Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

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

All treat recipes for dogs

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

for the dinner tableFun facts

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

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

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

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

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

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

for your new friendName ideas

JejuHallasanDolhareubangSeonBoriTangerineHaeDalNuriSoriMangchiPodo

told by a JejuA day in the life

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.

where it all beganJeju history

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. A dedicated breeding effort followed, and the breed was named a national heritage animal in 2010, when about 69 purebred dogs were counted. Numbers have since grown to roughly 300.12

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the official bitsRecognised by

Korean government
Designated a national heritage animal in 20101

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

Sources (5)

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

Text is written in our own words from these sources.