Raising a Dog in Korea | Big Dog's Adventure in Daegu

Big Dog Life in Daegu, VOL 1

Meet Shenzi

We moved to Daegu mid-July last summer. We brought our 75 lb (34 kg) dog from the USA also. Her name is Shenzi and she is a Black-Mouthed Cur. You will not find her on the list of distinguished bloodlines as her breed was designed specifically in the southern USA to hunt boar (wild pig). So she is rare to find in the USA…and VERY rare to find another like her in Korea. Her coloring is brindle (tiger-striped), but most curs will be all tan with a black mouth. We adopted Shenzi from an animal shelter in Georgia over 4 years ago, and she is family! My Shenzi loves kids, people, and dogs (well…the nice ones anyway). She has never hunted, but she does love exercising outdoors!

If you would like to adopt a Big Dog in Korea, there are surprisingly always a few available to rescue each month through the Animal Rescue Network Korea facebook page (I have seen Jindo-mix, Huskies, Labs, Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and German Shepherds in addition to the many, many little dogs) https://www.facebook.com/groups/animalrescuenetworkkorea/. Just be prepared to exercise with your big dog because Big Dogs have LOTS of energy! And also research the requirements to take your Big Dog with you when finally return to your home country. There is much paperwork to prepare, and it is very, VERY expensive.

Longing for Better Weather

It was a very HOT summer last year and a very COLD winter this season and I must say…Shenzi looked forward to Spring & Summer maybe even more than me. How do I know? Because her favorite spot in our spacious city villa has been the master bedroom window opened wide to the alley scenery below for MONTHS. She loves people watching, listening to stray cats, and smelling the variety of sweet (and SOUR) smells that would come through that window. Because when it was unpredictably rainy or chilly, we did not venture out on a regular basis. But now that it is warm again, we must start a new routine of longer walks, and more BIKE RIDES for recreation!

Collar, Leash and Roll of Waste Bags

It is important to PREPARE for Big Dog adventures out because the animal owner’s is responsibility for control & safety of their pet. The leash should not be too long for biking (in my opinion). Extra leash slack could put your dog at risk for crossing over your bike’s path, getting distracted from your leading, or getting tangled on an obstacle! The collar should not be too loose, or too tight, and should securely hold up to date information on rabies vaccination, contact info if lost, and name of dog. Lastly, bringing an entire roll of waste bags are a MUST! Owners can receive fines up to 100,000 won for not cleaning up their animal waste in a public place! Bring many bags! I like to also bring a light backpack filled with extra water for both Shenzi and me, and a dog bowl. Dogs must always be leashed in public places.

She's Ready to Go Please

Shenzi is considered a Big Dog (even though some of her Daegu doggie friends are BIGGER than her), and she needs more exercise than some smaller breeds. When we were in the states, we had a treadmill for her to keep her active during the winter months. We did not bring the treadmill to Korea because we were preparing for smaller apartment living. We were lucky to find a big place measuring 92 Pyeongs (3,274 sq ft). Though we would not buy ANOTHER treadmill, Shenzi appreciates the additional home space. We realize this is rare for Korea city living. We love that Daegu offers this floorplan as an option!! In the USA, most Big Dog owners would rent a HOUSE with a FENCED Backyard and there would be less WALKS in the daily routine. I would say Shenzi loves her Big Dog Life in Daegu!

Should we go Left......or should we go Right...