Phungsan dog, a native kind of Korea, has been popular among people for its cleverness and distinguished temper.

Though this dog is of a smooth nature and quite obedient to its keeper, it has a strong fighting spirit and bravery to tussle persistently for its keeper and its own sake.

There are old stories that Phungsan dog bit a tiger as big as a calf in the throat without help of a hunter and that it drew its last breath after rescuing its keeper from a fire.

Thanks to the Workers' Party of Korea's policy for protecting national heritages, Phungsan dog was registered as a state natural monument in April Juche 45 (1956) and steps were taken to preserve and multiply its purebred.

A sanctuary was established in Kim Hyong Gwon County of Ryanggang Province, the habitat of the dog, and it was listed as the national dog symbolizing the Korean nation's spirit.

And the Phungsan dog show has been held in Sariwon City of North Hwanghae Province every spring amid the interest of fans and experts. The purpose of the show is to increase the number of the purebred by conducting the registration and survey of Phungsan dogs and appraisal of their breed and ensuring the dissemination of knowledge on the standard appearance of Phungsan dog and its biological character.

The demand for this dog is growing among foreigners, too.