The Donggyeong breed of canines native to the Gyeongju region of South Korea have been under state protection since 2012, when the Culture Heritage Administration designated the dogs as Natural Monument no. 540. (Image: Yonhap)
GYEONGJU, Jan. 3 (Korea Bizwire) — The Donggyeong breed of canines native to the Gyeongju region of South Korea have been under state protection since 2012, when the Culture Heritage Administration designated the dogs as Natural Monument no. 540.
Taking their name from Gyeongju’s former name of Donggyeong, these animals were kept by ancestral Koreans starting from the Silla Dynasty.
Once in danger of extinction when South Korea was under Japanese colonial rule, there are now 487 Donggyeong dogs being raised in Gyeongju.
Their recent history of being restricted to Southeastern Korea is drawing to a close, as the Korean Gyeongju Donggyeong Dog Association revealed on January 2 that a select number will be given up for adoption nationwide this year.
The organization indicated that it intends to form a nine-person board on January 20 to finalize the plans for the Donggyeong dogs’ adoption.
Every year, 20 pups two to three months old will be given to new owners, provided they can pass the organization’s rigorous testing and exacting standards. (Image: Yonhap)
Every year, 20 pups two to three months old will be given to new owners, provided they can pass the organization’s rigorous testing and exacting standards.
Prospective owners will be required to have living grounds for the young dogs inspected and approved and will need to receive periodic training from the Korean Gyeongju Donggyeong Association.
The health of the Donggyeong pets must be reported, and any crossbreeding that should take place must abide by the organization’s directions. A 0.5 cm microchip will be implanted in the left shoulder of every Donggyeong dog.
The adoption fee for a male will be 1 million won, while a female will go for 1.5 million won.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
