What makes the Pungsan Dog Unique?
Developed in the northern mountainous regions of Korea, the Pungsan (sometimes spelled Phungsan or Poongsan) is the rarest of the three dog breeds native to Korea; the other two breeds being the Jindo and Sapsaree. Old Korean folk tales depict the Pungsan as a clever, loyal, and fierce hunter. In one such story, a Pungsan defeats a Siberian tiger. Pungsans were bred to be hardy and ferocious hunters, able to sleep in the snow and hunt game in the mountains. They were used for hunting such large animals as panthers, tigers, wolves, and wild boar, as well as for protection and companionship. These spitz type dogs were developed in isolation in the Baikdu Mountains in the P’ungsan region, now called Gimhyeonggwon County
Breed Groups
Page Contents
Is the Pungsan Dog Right For You?
In 5 Words
- Agile
- Loyal
- Strong
- Energetic
- Hunting Instinct
Characteristics
Learn About the Pungsan Dog
Description
General Description
The Pungsan is a mixed breed with wolf found in North Korea. Pungsan have a thick coat, usually white in color. They have a curled tail and pricked ears. The Pungsan’s fur is very fine and thick to account for the cold winters in the northern Korean peninsula. Pungsan are a common breed in North Korea. Though this breed is extremely rare outside of North Korea, there are a few breeders in South Korea and even in the United States.
Pungsan dogs are very strong and agile because of their past in mountainous regions. They have traditionally been used for hunting large animals, including Amur Tigers. They have a lot of stamina and therefore require extensive exercise.
Due to their hunting personality, Pungsan pups will have a tendency to chew on several things so it is recommendable to give the dog things to chew.
Pungsan tend to be loyal to their owners and whomever they are comfortable with. Everyone else will be ignored, unless they invade in what is to be perceived as their space or territory. They will only bark at other people when it is necessary to do so. However, due to the breed still being closely linked to the wolf, aggression and a high prey drive are typical and to be expected.
Short History of the Pungsan Dog
The Pungsan Dog, also commonly called the Korean Poongsan or Korean Phungsan, originates from North Korea and has wolf in its lines. This hunting dog was said to hunt panther. They were used for military purposes. Though the origins of the Pungsan dog are not known, it is believed they were bred as hunting dogs as early as the Joseon dynasty. It is known that they originated in the mountainous north of Korea in Pungsan county (now known as Kimhyŏnggwŏn. Their thick coat is a protection against the freezing temperatures of northern Korea, and they were bred to be resistant to the cold. In old Korean tales, the dogs were famous for their cleverness and loyalty, as well as their hunting ability; there is even a famous story of a Pungsan defeating a Siberian tiger.
Temperament
Pungsan Dogs tend to be the dominant type, trying to get things their own way, and can be very protective of their loved ones and territory. Because of these traits, Pungsans are not recommended for inexperienced owners. Like most independent breeds, they need (and thrive under) firm but loving handling and consistency. Owners need to set the rules and stick with them. An owner who has earned the respect of his/her Pungsan will be rewarded with unsurpassed loyalty and obedience. As with all breeds, the Pungsan temperament varies with the quality of breeding and environment. This breed has a high prey drive.
Caring for Your Pungsan Dog
Grooming & Bathing
The Pungsans double coat sheds heavily twice a year. During the heavy shedding times, you will need to brush your dog’s coat every day to remove the excess hair. Giving your dog warm baths will also help to remove dead hair. These dogs do not have a “doggie smell”, so bathe only as needed.
Exercise & Training
The Pungsan needs room to move. They need long daily walks, jogs or runs beside you on a bike in order to satisfy their exercise needs. Without this type of exercise they will become destructive and hard to handle. While on the walk be sure to not allow the dog to walk or jog in front of the human, as it is a canine instinct for the leader to go first. If you allow this dog to take over, you will have big problems on your hands.
Pungsan Dog Picture Gallery
