Perhaps you are taking your large dog with you when you move to South Korea. Or maybe you may be interested in bringing a bigger breed into your home while living abroad. Either way, there are cultural and logistical considerations to think about before you make your final decision. While some of the difficulties of owning a large pet can seem daunting, it is important to remember that in Korea’s developing pet culture, success is possible.
Recently, I adopted a large, male Malamute from the shelter where I volunteer. Before we came to Korea, we had owned a Labrador and fostered a Great Dane mix in the United States. During our nine years here, we have fostered several smaller rescue dogs and now own a Pug. Since we have brought home the Malamute, it has become apparent that owning a large dog here is much more challenging than we expected.
The concept of owning dogs, of any size, as pets is still a novel concept for many Koreans, especially those outside of Seoul. Many Koreans are afraid of dogs or appalled that one would keep a “farm animal” in the house. On the opposite extreme, many ladies consider their small house dogs charming “baby dolls,” dressing them in expensive clothes and dyeing them in outlandish colors. Such dogs are less than companions than accessories.
Those who have more favorable opinions of dogs are terrified of them, and those who are not often have little experience in treating dogs correctly. Just as in any culture, there are many in South Korea who are uneducated in how to properly approach dogs. Though few are trying to be cruel, Koreans generally interact with dogs of any size inappropriately, yelling at them, taunting them with their hands, barking at them, or even pulling their tails. This is often frustrating, both for the dog, ad for the owner, especially if your dog is a rescue dog, such as ours, who has anxiety issues and is afraid of men. This can make taking your dog out in public difficult.
Usually, large breeds are uncommonly seen in Korea being walked, so you will attract a lot of attention. The majority of large dogs in Korea are usually kept chained in farmyards and are infrequently taken in public or treated as pets. People will generally want to touch your dog and may make loud noises at him. In extreme cases, some people have tried to hit our dog. If your pet is patient and not aggressive, general attention should be no problem. However, if your dog is aggressive, anxious, or you begin to feel uncomfortable, usually a firm word will end the situation. Even if you do not know Korean, most people will generally understand what you mean.
It is also important to consider the difficulty of finding medical care for your large pet. We have had multiple experiences with veterinarians who were used only to treating small breeds and refused to see our dog. It is understandable, as many of the establishments with veterinarians are generally boutiques for expensive dog supplies or places for small dogs to get groomed. Such places are hardly equipped for large breeds.
If you need to spay or neuter your pet, especially, you may face difficulties. However, we have found a vet who is affiliated with our local shelter, and has been very useful in treating many of our larger dogs. A little research and inquiry amongst friends will most likely yield information regarding a vet who feels comfortable handling large breeds.
Depending on your living conditions, having adequate housing for your dog may be a problem. Most of the population in South Korea lives in apartments or small cottages. A large dog requires room to stretch, as well as a landlord’s permission.
If your pet is destructive or loud, you may also have issues if you do not live in a privately owned home or apartment. Be prepared for social issues, as well. Many Koreans have expressed shock, if not disgust in the idea of keeping even a small dog in our home, much less a large one.
While previously, finding basic supplies for one’s pet were difficult, conditions have improved in recent years. With a Free Trade Agreement that Korea signed with the United States and other European countries in 2011, Western products began to slowly appear. Many American brands of dog food are now available, as well as toys, leashes, and other accessories for your pet. Nevertheless, we have yet to discover a large-size dog bed or crate for sale.
Finding large quantities of dog food is still a concern, however. Most Koreans feed their bigger dogs leftover human food such as fish heads, soup, and meat bones, so there is little market for large breed dog food. However, we have found that such food can be ordered from online resources such as G-Market, and it is always an option to feed your dog “small dog food” if your veterinarian approves it.
If you are thinking of owning a Korean Nureongi or “yellow dog,” one must consider carefully. Such dogs are bred in Korea solely for the purpose of eating. Sadly, it is not uncommon to see such dogs packed into wire cages sitting before a butcher shop. These dogs are not considered pets, and to many Koreans are equivalent to livestock. Those who have saved such a dog’s life are heroes, but face several difficulties.
Most Nureongi have had little socialization, and may have difficulties adjusting to a life indoors with humans who care about them. They may also have medical issues resulting from poor care, such as bites from other dogs, worms, and malnutrition. Koreans also seem to have a hard time adjusting to the idea of your having such a dog in the home. It is important to respect their concerns.
Finally, if for some reason you find yourself unable to care for your pet, it is especially important with this breed that you make sure your pet is going to a truly loving home. Sadly, friends of ours were forced to find their Nureongi a new home. After being assured that their dog would be well cared for, they were distraught to later discover that their pet had been taken to a butcher. Be sure that you know someone very well before entrusting them with this breed.
Owning a large dog in any country or society can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding. Korea can be a wonderful place for your pet, with sprawling mountain trails to explore and new friends to meet.
Recently, I adopted a large, male Malamute from the shelter where I volunteer. Before we came to Korea, we had owned a Labrador and fostered a Great Dane mix in the United States. During our nine years here, we have fostered several smaller rescue dogs and now own a Pug. Since we have brought home the Malamute, it has become apparent that owning a large dog here is much more challenging than we expected.
The concept of owning dogs, of any size, as pets is still a novel concept for many Koreans, especially those outside of Seoul. Many Koreans are afraid of dogs or appalled that one would keep a “farm animal” in the house. On the opposite extreme, many ladies consider their small house dogs charming “baby dolls,” dressing them in expensive clothes and dyeing them in outlandish colors. Such dogs are less than companions than accessories.
Those who have more favorable opinions of dogs are terrified of them, and those who are not often have little experience in treating dogs correctly. Just as in any culture, there are many in South Korea who are uneducated in how to properly approach dogs. Though few are trying to be cruel, Koreans generally interact with dogs of any size inappropriately, yelling at them, taunting them with their hands, barking at them, or even pulling their tails. This is often frustrating, both for the dog, ad for the owner, especially if your dog is a rescue dog, such as ours, who has anxiety issues and is afraid of men. This can make taking your dog out in public difficult.
Usually, large breeds are uncommonly seen in Korea being walked, so you will attract a lot of attention. The majority of large dogs in Korea are usually kept chained in farmyards and are infrequently taken in public or treated as pets. People will generally want to touch your dog and may make loud noises at him. In extreme cases, some people have tried to hit our dog. If your pet is patient and not aggressive, general attention should be no problem. However, if your dog is aggressive, anxious, or you begin to feel uncomfortable, usually a firm word will end the situation. Even if you do not know Korean, most people will generally understand what you mean.
It is also important to consider the difficulty of finding medical care for your large pet. We have had multiple experiences with veterinarians who were used only to treating small breeds and refused to see our dog. It is understandable, as many of the establishments with veterinarians are generally boutiques for expensive dog supplies or places for small dogs to get groomed. Such places are hardly equipped for large breeds.
If you need to spay or neuter your pet, especially, you may face difficulties. However, we have found a vet who is affiliated with our local shelter, and has been very useful in treating many of our larger dogs. A little research and inquiry amongst friends will most likely yield information regarding a vet who feels comfortable handling large breeds.
Depending on your living conditions, having adequate housing for your dog may be a problem. Most of the population in South Korea lives in apartments or small cottages. A large dog requires room to stretch, as well as a landlord’s permission.
If your pet is destructive or loud, you may also have issues if you do not live in a privately owned home or apartment. Be prepared for social issues, as well. Many Koreans have expressed shock, if not disgust in the idea of keeping even a small dog in our home, much less a large one.
While previously, finding basic supplies for one’s pet were difficult, conditions have improved in recent years. With a Free Trade Agreement that Korea signed with the United States and other European countries in 2011, Western products began to slowly appear. Many American brands of dog food are now available, as well as toys, leashes, and other accessories for your pet. Nevertheless, we have yet to discover a large-size dog bed or crate for sale.
Finding large quantities of dog food is still a concern, however. Most Koreans feed their bigger dogs leftover human food such as fish heads, soup, and meat bones, so there is little market for large breed dog food. However, we have found that such food can be ordered from online resources such as G-Market, and it is always an option to feed your dog “small dog food” if your veterinarian approves it.
If you are thinking of owning a Korean Nureongi or “yellow dog,” one must consider carefully. Such dogs are bred in Korea solely for the purpose of eating. Sadly, it is not uncommon to see such dogs packed into wire cages sitting before a butcher shop. These dogs are not considered pets, and to many Koreans are equivalent to livestock. Those who have saved such a dog’s life are heroes, but face several difficulties.
Most Nureongi have had little socialization, and may have difficulties adjusting to a life indoors with humans who care about them. They may also have medical issues resulting from poor care, such as bites from other dogs, worms, and malnutrition. Koreans also seem to have a hard time adjusting to the idea of your having such a dog in the home. It is important to respect their concerns.
Finally, if for some reason you find yourself unable to care for your pet, it is especially important with this breed that you make sure your pet is going to a truly loving home. Sadly, friends of ours were forced to find their Nureongi a new home. After being assured that their dog would be well cared for, they were distraught to later discover that their pet had been taken to a butcher. Be sure that you know someone very well before entrusting them with this breed.
Owning a large dog in any country or society can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding. Korea can be a wonderful place for your pet, with sprawling mountain trails to explore and new friends to meet.
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