Sapsari

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Breed Details

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Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Sapsari (often spelled Sapsaree) is also known as Sapsal. It is a medium size dog that originated in Korea and is declared National treasure in its country of origin. The first syllable of the name “Sap” means to dig out and the second word “Sar” means a ghost. So the word Sapsari literally stands for “a dog that roots out evil spirits”. This dog is traditionally believed to have the power to dispel ghosts and evil spirits and it was developed as an spiritual dog breed.

This is an old dog breed, believed to be present in 15th century, that almost became extinct after WWII when the Japanese killed these dogs in large numbers for pelts. It is debated were these dogs completely exterminated or a few still existed to give father dogs of today. Some believe the Sapsari of today are a re-creation of the original breed while others believe that today’s’ dogs are the genuine descendents of the original breed.

The Sapsari is a medium size dog with a long and full coat that comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shades. Colors can include solid or mixed shades of black, golden, blonde, red/orange, brown, and greys. The hair falls over the eyes of the Sapsaree, in the same manner as the Old English Sheepdog. The Sapsaree has been called “a lion dog” for its bulky and strong upper body and its large and imposing paws. The body of this dog gives impression of compact sturdiness. The head is large and chest is well developed. This dog stands between 20-23 inches and weighs about 40-62 lbs.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

The acceptable coat colors for this breed include golden yellowish blonde, reddish orange, black, brown, and salt-and-pepper grey.

Coat

This breed has long, full and abundant coat all over the body including face. The face is covered with hair that falls on the eyes much like Old English Sheepdog.

Personality

Tagged as "Dispeller of Evil Spirits", the Sapsari looks like a herding breed but it was developed to be a spiritual house dog. These dogs are loyal, loving and friendly to their family but wary of strangers. They get along well with other dogs but will become merciless if provoked or attacked. These are playful and gentle dogs with children with their innate patience and congeniality.

They make exceptional watch and guard dogs with their inherent protective instincts and wariness of strangers. These dogs have been highly valued for their loyalty and devotion to their human family.

Care

Long, full and abundant coat of this breed will need fair amount of grooming. The coat should be brushed atleast every other day to remove dead hair and tangles.

Training

The Sapsari dog breed is easy to train with its obedient and docile nature, intelligence and need for human attention. Basic training will prove to be very easy and the dog can learn other tricks and commands that its master is willing to take time to teach this dog.

Activity

This breed is fairly active indoors and can adapt to apartment living but it does require lots of time to play and run. These dogs would need to be taken on daily walks and provided opportunities to play in a secure and open areas.