Sapsali

The Sapsali (삽살이) is a shaggy South Korean breed of dog. The word is followed in Korean by either gae (meaning "dog") or the suffix ee / i, but is also romanized as "Sapsaree". Traditionally, these dogs were believed to dispel ghosts and evil spirits.[1]

Sapsaree (삽살이)
Other namesSapsal Gae
Sapsaree
Common nicknamesExorcising Dog
Ghost hunting clever Dog
OriginSouth Korea
Breed statusNot recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
Dog (domestic dog)
Sapsali
Hangul
Revised RomanizationSapsali Sapsalgae
McCune–ReischauerSapsali Sapsalkae

Description

The Sapsali, just like the Jindo, was designated as a National Treasure (No.368) in 1992 by the South Korean government. The Sapsali has been identified and recognized by both leading Korean dog societies, the Korean Canine Club (FCI affiliate) and the Korean Kennel Club.

Appearance

The Sapsali has been called as a "lion dog" for its bulky and strong upper body and its large and imposing paws. Most of the Sapsali is medium-sized and slightly tall. Its adult coat is long and abundant, and comes in various colors, including solid and/or mixed shades of black, golden yellowish-blonde, reddish-orange, browns, and salt-and-pepper greys. Its hair falls over the eyes in the same manner as that of the Old English Sheepdog.

Temperament

The Sapsali's friendly outer appearance is matched by its innate patience and congeniality towards other animals and human beings. They are known to be playful in a group setting and have long been acknowledged and valued for their loyalty.

Height and weight

Male: 50–60 cm (20–24 in) / 18–27 kg (40-60 lbs)
Female: 48–58 cm (19–23 in) / 16–25 kg (35-55 lbs)

History

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.[2] Near extinction in the mid-1980s, the breed was revived using the eight remaining dogs.[2]

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See also

References
  1. "Sapsaree Dispeller of Evil Spirits". Worldly Dogs, 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  2. "Man Saves Rare Sasparee Dog Breed From Extinction". Global Animal. September 27, 2011.
  • Photos
  • National Dog, Volume 7 Number 5, May 2004


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