Pet Wiki

Pungsan

Also called Phungsan, Pungsangae, Poongsan, Korean Phungsan

Rare breedShort profile

From North Korea, from the Kaema highlands around the former Phungsan County in Ryanggang Province.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 30 kg1
Height, male60 to 65 cm1
Height, female50 to 60 cm1
Sizelarge

Wikipedia gives 20-30 kg for the breed without splitting by sex.

Gentle and well-mannered
Loyal
Tenacious and brave hunter
12

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

Coloursmostly whitewhite mixed with brown2

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. 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. 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. 3

    An old legend claims that three Pungsan dogs together could catch a tiger.1

  4. 4

    The breed starred in a 2010 North Korean animated film, 'Story of the Pungsan Dog'.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after Pungsan County (now Kimhyonggwon County) in North Korea, where it originated.3

Name ideas for your new friend

BaekguSanHaneulDuriMongsilGomBoriSnowySummitPolarNobleChill

A day in the life told by a Pungsan

I woke to the cool morning air, stretched by the window, and watched the world with calm eyes. No need to bark at shadows, I know my home is safe. I padded softly beside my person on the walk, my white coat gleaming. At the park, I greeted other dogs with a dignified sniff. Back home, I rested in my cool spot, content. When the kids played, I joined in, but always with a quiet grace. A good, peaceful day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

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 a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Pungsan. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

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.4 Pet Wiki 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.5

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.6 Pet Wiki 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.6 Pet Wiki 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.6 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki 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.6 Pet Wiki 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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Pungsan dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, recognition, size, temperament, history, facts
  2. 풍산개 - Korean Wikipedia ko.wikipedia.orgused for coat, colours, temperament, habitat, history
  3. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.