Pungsan Breed

Description : The Pungsan is believed to have originated in the Baikdu Mountains, (elevation 6,000 ft.) in North Korea. The exact origin of the Pungsan is unknown. Common belief is that it had been tamed by the Koreans during New-Stone Era and left isolated high in the Baikdu Mountain area creating the present known breed.In 1942, The Korean government designated it a National Treasure. During World War II, the Japanese Military captured a number of dogs from the Korea peninsula for their leather supplies. Five years after the end of the War, another disaster swept over the Korean peninsula, the Korean War. Concentrated bombing throughout North Korea killed many of the animals. The Pungsan was again a victim.In the 1960's, a few surviving Pungsans were found in the Baikdu Mountain area. The North Korean Government made a strong effort to restore this valuable rare breed. The Government supports special breeding farms and makes every effort to protect them. Now a few thousand Pungsans thrive in North Korea as military guard dogs. The people use this breed as village guards as well as hunting dogs for deep forest beasts.