Health

The Korean Jindo is said to be a healthy breed to due how it was naturally developed on its island; however, there are a couple health issues that have been discovered in dogs in the United States. 

The KJAA considers the following as present in the Korean Jindo breed:

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)

"Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune disease wherein a dog becomes allergic to its own tissues. This disease results in crusting, depigmentation, redness, and ulceration of the nose. Lesions may also appear around the eyes, ears, limbs, and other areas. DLE can occur at any age, and is seen more often in such breeds as Collies, German shepherds, Shelties, and Siberian huskies.

Exposure to U-V light (e.g. sunlight) can exacerbate or even precipitate this condition. This is why it tends to be more severe in summer or in sunny climates."

- http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Lupus/DLE.aspx

Hypothyroidism

Picture
Before diagnosis and treatment
Picture
After diagnosis and treatment
Hypothyroidism in the Jindo tends to manifest itself with aggression and poor skin and coat. 

In the top picture, the dog has a thinned coat and the exposed skin has darkened. 

In the bottom picture, the coat has thickened and the dark skin has disappeared.

The following have been reported among Jindos of known background and will be elevated to breed health issues if more cases are found:
  • cataracts (diagnosed as a senior, unknown origin)
  • corneal dystrophy, or epithelial/stromaldystrophy (6 years of age)
  • cystinuria (diagnosed at 2 years of age)
  • environmental allergies (rumored that the dog had it in Korea, confirmed after import to the US)
  • luxated patella (Grade 1)
  • pemphigus erythematosus (2008 research article)
  • spondylosis (diagnosed as a 9 yr old, suspect hereditary)

The following have been reported in Jindo-like dogs of unknown background (rescues, non-pedigreed).  They may or may not be issues in the Jindo breed :
  • degenerative myelopathy
  • food allergies
  • glaucoma
  • hip dysplasia
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • seizures, grand-mal (started @ 3 yrs of age)