Demographics and Statistics
North Korea is not just the world’s most isolated country – it’s also home to an unknown number of dogs. Though it’s reported that North Koreans keep up to five million dogs as pets, the actual number of canine residents is unknown. There is very little data available on the subject, yet many reports suggest that the number of dogs in North Korea is increasing. According to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2010, North Korea had approximately four million dogs in 2008 and the number had grown to almost five million in 2010.
Dog Legal Status in North Korea
Not only is it unclear how many dogs North Koreans keep as pets, it’s also unclear what the legal status of keeping dogs is in the country. In 2015, a North Korean news outlet, the Choson Sinbo, reported a ban had been placed on keeping pet dogs. However, the ban was never explicitly put into place and there is little evidence to suggest this is actually the case. Therefore, it appears as though North Koreans might still be allowed to keep pet dogs.
Dog Popularity in North Korea
Despite the uncertainty of North Korean laws regarding pet dogs, there is some evidence that North Koreans enjoy owning dogs as pets. Though the evidence is anecdotal, there have been reports of growing pet ownership among richer North Korean families. This could be because people view pet ownership as a status symbol and see dogs as a symbol of wealth.
North Korean Cultural Attitudes Towards Dogs
Dogs appear to occupy an ambiguous position in North Korea’s culture. Dogs are sometimes viewed with suspicion and fear. This can be traced back to traditional ideas that dogs might develop cannibalistic tendencies and feed on humans, amongst other reasons. However, dogs are also seen as loyal and faithful, a view which is very popular within North Korea. Dogs have often been used to symbolise North Korea’s resilience and national spirit, particularly during times of hardship such as the famine in the 1990s.
Role of Dogs in North Korean Society
Like in many countries, dogs are used as guard and hunting animals in North Korea. It is well-known that North Korea’s security forces employ guard dogs and North Koreans will sometimes use dogs for hunting game. Therefore, it seems that dogs are well integrated into North Korean society and play an important role.
North Korea’s Stray Dog Population
Though the exact number of pet dogs kept in North Korea is unknown, there is evidence of a large stray dog population. Reports estimate that over the last two decades, North Korea’s stray dog population has grown significantly. As urbanisation in North Korea has increased, so has the amount of stray dogs living within the country’s cities.
Bullfighting in North Korea
As well as pet dogs, North Koreans also appear to have an interest in bullfighting. Bullfighting is a popular spectator sport in North Korea and its popularity has been growing in recent years. Though bullfighting is considered a cruel activity by many, is it still performed in North Korea and it is disturbingly popular.
Health Issues of Dogs in North Korea
North Korea’s dogs may face a number of health issues. It has been reported that there is a lack of veterinary treatment given to North Korea’s dogs. This is a serious issue as dogs can be vulnerable to a variety of conditions, such as distemper, which can be easily spread amongst dogs if untreated. In addition, it has been reported that North Korea’s dogs may suffer from malnutrition due to a lack of resources.
Uncertainty of Dog Population in North Korea
Overall, the exact number of pets and strays living in North Korea remains uncertain. Therefore, it is hard to accurately assess the total number of dogs living in North Korea and the health issues they may face. However, it is clear that dogs play an important role in North Korean society, both as pets and as guard and hunting animals.
