Sapsali
Also known as: Sapsal Gae Sapsaree
The Sapsaree is an ancient dog breed originating from South Korea, known for its distinctive appearance and loyal nature. The Sapsali comes from South Korea. Individual Sapsalis vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- South Korea
- Other names
- Sapsal Gae Sapsaree
About the Sapsali
The Sapsaree is an ancient dog breed originating from South Korea, known for its distinctive appearance and loyal nature. This breed has been a companion to Korean royalty and nobility for centuries.
Overview
The Sapsal (also Sapsali / Sapsari or Sapsalgae ; Korean : 삽살이 ) is a shaggy-haired South Korean breed of dog that is said to ward off evil spirits. In the Korean language , the word Sapsal is followed by either gae ( 개 , meaning "dog") or the nominative particle i ( 이 ), and may occasionally be romanized as Sapsaree . The breed was designated as one of the natural monuments of South Korea in 1992 to receive protected status and funding for its preservation as a part of South Korea''s cultural heritage. The breed is officially recognized by the Korean Kennel Federation .
History
The breed''s name Sapsalgae means "a dog that chases away evil spirits and misfortune", and it appears frequently in lyrics, folktales, and paintings. They are nicknamed "Ghost Hunters" or "Sunshine Dogs" for their supernatural qualities, or "Lion Dogs" for their appearance having large paws and shaggy fur. Sapsali dogs date back to the Three Kingdoms period around 220 A.D. - 280 A.D. They were mainly bred as companions for aristocrats during the Silla period, but were owned by common people after the collapse of Unified Silla. A 300-year-old stone memorial in southeastern South Korea tells the story of an aristocrat who fell asleep on a riverbank after having too many drinks. Embers from his pipe started a brush fire as he slept, and his faithful Sapsali jumped into the river and used its wet fur to douse the fire and save its master at the cost of its own life. The breed were slaughtered in large numbers by the Japanese when Korea was under Japanese rule to make winter coats for its military in Manchuria. In the late 1960s, professors at Kyungpook National University collected about 30 Sapsali dogs in an effort to preserve the breed, but the dogs were near extinction by the mid-1980s with only eight dogs remaining. The breed was revived by geneticist Dr. Ha Ji-hong, who used DNA methods to reestablish the breed and weed out congenital issues. In 1992 the breed was designated as one of the Natural Monuments of South Korea , receiving protected status and funding for its preservation as a part of Korean cultural heritage. The breed''s population currently numbers in the thousands, and they are commonly found as household pets and therapy dogs due to their gentle temperament, loyal nature, and friendliness. A Sapsali dog was chosen as the Mascot of the IAAF World Champship in Daegu 2011.
Description
The height of the male is 51 cm and the female is 49 cm, and the body is covered with long, thick fur which protects them from the cold. The dog may be any of several colors, either solid or mixed: The ears lie down, and the snout is relatively blunt and not pointed like a Jindo dog. Its tail is raised and its head is large, so its shape resembles that of a lion. Its personality is bold and valiant, loyal to its owner.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Sapsali?
The Sapsali is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive shaggy coat. It has a broad head, a short, curved muzzle, and erect ears. The breed is known for its calm and gentle nature. Adult Sapsalis typically weigh between 20-30 kg and stand 40-50 cm tall at the shoulder.
Is the Sapsali a good family dog?
As a calm and gentle breed, the Sapsali can make a suitable family pet. However, its shaggy coat requires regular grooming. Families with children should be prepared to invest time in the dog's grooming needs. The breed is generally good with children if socialized properly.
What health problems do Sapsalis have?
As a relatively rare breed, there is limited information on specific health issues affecting the Sapsali. However, like all breeds, it can be prone to certain health problems such as hip dysplasia and eye issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Sapsali puppy cost?
The cost of a Sapsali puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than those for more common breeds. On average, a Sapsali puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000 USD.
Where do Sapsalis come from?
The Sapsali comes from South Korea. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Sapsali, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.