culture

The Show of National Dog Phungsan-2025 took place at the Central Zoo in Pyongyang from October 29 to 31.

Present at the show sponsored by the Zoology Society of Korea under the Central Committee of the General Federation of Science and Technology of Korea were scientists and technicians in the fields of zoology and animal husbandry and veterinary work and citizens from all provinces who are raising Phungsan dogs.

The show brought together dozens of Phungsan dogs selected from all provinces, drawing the attention of many people.

Phungsan dog indigenous to the DPRK originated in Kim Hyong Gwon County (former Phungsan County) of Ryanggang Province. It adapts to the topography and climate of the mountain and forest region and is highly resistant to cold and diseases. It is well known as a famous dog for its great cleverness, perseverance and agility and for the dauntless courage with which it rushes like a shot at its quarry, controlling and fighting it to the last.

The Phungsan dog show is aimed at increasing the number of the purebred dogs by conducting a registration and survey of the dogs under protection nationwide, evaluating them and disseminating sci-tech knowledge about the standard form and biological characteristics of the national dog.

The show was held by means of appearance, special technique and general examinations.

What was popular at the show was the special technique examination.

The dogs’ basic responses at the word of command, their movements for hunting, their movements done as intended by their owners, their long jump, their jump over a high wall, their hurdling and others evoked the exclamation of the audience.

In particular, the "Phungsan" (male) bred by Jon Pun Son, a woman from Ryanggang Province, jumped nimbly over a two-metre-high wall and the "Chunggyon" (male) bred by Pak Un Hyang, a woman from North Hwanghae Province, correctly grasped the intention of its owner and sorted out things to the audience’s surprise.

According to the results of the examinations, Pyongyang Municipality and Ryanggang Province came first, South and North Hwanghae provinces second and South Phyongan Province and Kaesong Municipality third.

There were a lecture and speeches on experience at the show.