Pungsan
Also called Phungsan, Pungsangae, Poongsan, Korean Phungsan
From North Korea, from the Kaema highlands around the former Phungsan County in Ryanggang Province.1
At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 20-30 kg for the breed without splitting by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
thick double coat
A hardy spitz-like hunting dog with thick, fine yet strong fur suited to a cold mountain climate, a curled tail and ears that start folded in puppies and stand upright as they grow.2
Personality what they are like
Calm and good-natured at home, rarely barking or squabbling without reason, yet remarkably persistent and courageous when hunting. It is loyal to its people and gets on well with other dogs.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Built for cold weather and copes poorly with heat, so in warm weather it needs shade and a cool place to rest.2
Home where they are happiest
Adapted to harsh, cold mountain climates.2
Company who they like around
Works well in a pack and mixes easily with other dogs.2
The story where it all began
The Pungsan was traditionally a hunting dog of Korea's northern mountains. Japanese colonial authorities listed it as a natural monument in 1942, and North Korea later made it a national monument and, in 2014, its national dog.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
At the 2000 inter-Korean summit Kim Jong-il gave two Pungsan dogs to South Korea's President Kim Dae-jung; they later had 15 puppies at Seoul Zoo.1
- 2
In 2018 two more Pungsan dogs, Songkang and Gomi, were gifted to President Moon Jae-in, and Gomi had six puppies soon after.1
- 3
An old legend claims that three Pungsan dogs together could catch a tiger.1
- 4
The breed starred in a 2010 North Korean animated film, 'Story of the Pungsan Dog'.1
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- Not recognised by any major kennel club, per Wikipedia.1
- North Korea
- National monument since April 1956 and national dog since 2014, per Wikipedia; Korean Wikipedia lists it as Natural Monument No. 368.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pungsan. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pungsan, and at what times?
Feed your Pungsan at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily, but exact times and amounts should follow the food label and your vet's advice.3 Furry Diary plan
What should a Pungsan eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a balanced dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others listed by the ASPCA.4
How often should I bathe a Pungsan?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance is at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Pungsan gets very dirty or has skin issues.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Pungsan need brushing?
Brush your Pungsan's thick double coat weekly, as Furry Diary's starting plan recommends. This helps remove loose fur and keeps the coat healthy.5 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Pungsan's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Pungsan need?
Your Pungsan needs daily walks and playtime, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This active breed enjoys exercise but adapts to your routine. Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Pungsan's teeth and ears?
Brush your Pungsan's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, never pushing anything into the ear canal.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Pungsan live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Is a Pungsan good with children and other pets?
Yes, the Pungsan is calm and good-natured at home, gets on well with other dogs, and is loyal to its people. It rarely barks or squabbles without reason.12
Can a Pungsan be left alone?
This varies by the individual dog's temperament and training. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
You might also like
Jindo
Sapsali
Akita
Russo-European LaikaLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
All of this is free for everyone, with a source on every fact, and it will never show annoying ads. It was a big job to build, so if it helped you, buy Archy a bone. Any amount is lovely, and no is a perfectly fine answer too.
Archy is our Australian Cattle Dog and chief taste tester. Tips go to 4V3D OÜ, the small family studio behind Furry Diary.
Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Pungsan dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, recognition, size, temperament, history, facts
- 풍산개 - Korean Wikipedia ko.wikipedia.orgused for coat, colours, temperament, habitat, history
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.