a.    Evaluating the conformation of your Jindo & its mate in the USA
 

There are several options available when it comes to having a Jindo evaluted in the USA.

i.  Email Korean Jindo judges/experts online:  This usually requires some knowledge of Korean, the ability to correspond in Korean, and familiarity in whom to ask.   Good pictures of the dogs are needed - side views at the level of the dog, front view at the level of the dog, and close-up of the head are minimum requirements.
 

ii.  Email experienced Jindo people in the USA:  Most Jindo people in the USA will waive off actually judging Jindos on the very highest level, but some of them are knowledgable enough to distinguish between pet quality or mixed Jindos and breeding quality Jindos.

A few advisors are available through the Jindo Dog Association of America (jindola@yahoo.com).  Good pictures would be needed for the most detailed feedback.
 

iii.  Personally invite a Korean Jindo judge/expert to your home:  It can be rather expensive to fly and host a Jindo judge/expert from Korea.

Joon Ho Yoon, the independent judge credited on Hyungwon Kang's Jindo site, resides in Los Angeles, CA though.   Contacting him is possible through the Jindo Dog Association of America.
 

iv.    Attend a Jindo dog show held in the USA:  The Jindo Dog Association of America hosts a Jindo dog show where they fly in a respected judge/expert from Korea to judge and evaluate dogs.  Information on this annual dog show is posted at the JDAA website at www.jindola.com.
 
 

b.    Diseases to test against
 

Genetic Disorders

• hypothyroidism (proven in Jindos)

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland -- two small butterfly-shaped lobes located in the neck. This gland has a number of functions, but is most well known for regulating your dog’s metabolic rate. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, and unable to secrete enough thyroid hormone. This, in turn, decreases your dog’s metabolism.

How does a dog get hypothyroidism?

Most cases of hypothyroidism stem from the dog’s own immune system attacking the tissues of the thyroid gland. This condition is called autoimmune thyroiditis. The dog’s own system attempts to compensate for this at first by secreting more and more of the thyroid hormone, but eventually the gland is unable to keep up with the attacks on its tissue, and the dog becomes hypothyroid and symptomatic. While there is a genetic predisposition for thyroid disorders, environmental factors such as pollutants and allergies probably play a role as well.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
 

• Lethargic behavior such as a lack of interest in play, frequent napping, tiring out on long walks
• Weight gain, sometimes without an apparent gain in appetite
• Bacterial infections of the skin
• Dry skin
• Hair loss, especially on the trunk or tail (“rat’s tail”)
• Discoloration or thickening of the skin where hair loss has occurred
• Cold intolerance/seeking out warm places to lie down
• Slow heart rate
• Chronic ear infections
• Severe behavioral changes such as unprovoked aggression, head tilt, seizures, anxiety and/or compulsivity
• Depression

• hip/elbow dysplasia (common in canines)

Diseases

• Brucellosis (#1 suspect for the sterility of past champion Jindos)


Brucellosis is a disease caused by a bacteria, Brucella canis. It is found throughout the world. It is spread through contact with aborted fetuses and discharges from the uterus of infected bitches, during mating, through maternal milk and possibly through airborne transmission in some cases. The bacteria enters the body through mucous membranes and spreads from there to lymph nodes and the spleen. It also spreads to the uterus, placenta and prostate gland as well as other internal organs at times.

In female dogs, infection leads to abortion or early death of infected puppies. Infected females may have no other clinical signs. In some cases there may be decreased fertility rather than abortion. This may be due to reasorption of fetuses early in their development.

In male dogs, infection of the testicles can lead to infertility due to anti-sperm antibodies developed as the body attempts to fight off the bacterial infection. The testes may atrophy after the initial period of swelling. Scrotal enlargement or infection of the skin over the scrotum may be seen.

In both female and male dogs there may be infection of spinal discs (diskospondylitis) which can cause back pain and rear leg weakness or even paralysis. Eye inflammation may be seen in either sex.