The Sapsali is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive, long, shaggy coat that gives it a somewhat unkempt, yet endearing appearance.

Medium-sized

Males

Males

Long, shaggy, and abundant, providing protection from harsh weather

Can be various shades of solid colors, including black, golden yellow, reddish-orange, and grey/blue. Minor white markings are acceptable.

Broad and slightly rounded, with a moderate stop

Dark and expressive, often partially hidden by the long hair

Drop ears, covered in long hair

Carried high, often curled over the back, and covered in thick fur

Sapsalis are known for their gentle, loyal, and playful nature, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike.

Deeply devoted to their families, forming strong bonds

Known for their calm and gentle demeanor, especially with children

Enjoy engaging in playful activities and games

Smart and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train

Naturally watchful and will bark to alert their owners to anything unusual

Generally friendly towards people and other dogs, though early socialization is beneficial

Sapsalis are best suited for active individuals or families who can provide them with consistent training, regular exercise, and plenty of love and attention.

Unique and striking appearance

Relatively rare and may be difficult to find

The ideal owner for a Sapsali is someone who appreciates their unique history and characteristics, is committed to providing proper care and training, and is looking for a loving and devoted companion.

Caring for a Sapsali involves regular grooming due to their long coat, a balanced diet, and providing a suitable living environment, ideally with space to roam.

Requires frequent brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and tangling. Professional grooming may be needed occasionally.

Bathe only when necessary, as over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

Adaptable to various living situations, but a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

Moderate to heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes.

Regular check for the build-up of bacteria and ear wax. Clean as needed.

Sapsalis are moderately easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, and they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Sapsalis respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and play. They are intelligent and enjoy learning new things, but early socialization and consistent training are crucial to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults. Short, engaging training sessions are most effective.

Sapsalis are moderately active dogs and need daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. This can include brisk walks, jogging, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports like agility. Providing them with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play is beneficial.

Use treats, praise, and play to motivate and reward good behavior.

Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Establish clear rules and boundaries and enforce them consistently.

Provide puzzle toys and interactive games to keep their minds engaged.

Harsh training methods can damage their trust and spirit.

Sapsalis are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.

A group of genetic diseases that cause the retina to deteriorate, eventually leading to blindness.

Sapsalis can be prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, redness, and hair loss.

Due to their long, floppy ears, Sapsalis are prone to ear infections.

The Sapsali has a long and storied history in Korea, with evidence of their existence dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (around 4th century AD). They were highly valued by royalty and commoners alike, often depicted in ancient artwork and literature as symbols of good fortune and protection. During the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945) and subsequent wars, the breed faced near extinction, their numbers dwindling drastically due to slaughter for their fur. Dedicated breeders in the 1960s initiated recovery efforts. The Sapsali was designated as a National Treasure of Korea (Natural Monument No. 368) in 1992, solidifying its cultural importance and aiding conservation efforts.

No, Sapsalis are not hypoallergenic. They have a long, double coat that sheds moderately to heavily.

Sapsalis need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, jogging, playing fetch, or other activities.

Yes, Sapsalis are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them good companions for children. However, supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children.

Sapsalis are moderately vocal and will bark to alert their owners to anything unusual, but they are not typically excessive barkers.

Sapsalis should be brushed at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and tangling. Professional grooming may be needed occasionally.

Sapsalis are relatively rare outside of Korea, so finding a breeder may be challenging. Be prepared to wait for a puppy and ensure you are working with a reputable breeder.

The average lifespan of a Sapsali is 10-12 years.

While Sapsalis are alert and will bark to alert their owners, they are generally friendly and not typically considered guard dogs. Their primary role historically was as a companion and spiritual protector.

Sapsalis can adapt to apartment living if they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

Sapsalis are generally friendly towards other dogs and pets, especially if they are socialized from a young age.