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".
| Sapsaree (삽살이) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Other names | Sapsal Gae Sapsaree |
| Common nicknames | Exorcising Dog Ghost hunting clever Dog |
| Origin | South Korea |
| Breed status | Not recognized as a breed by any major kennel club. |
| Dog (domestic dog) | |
| Sapsali | |
| Hangul | |
|---|---|
| Revised Romanization | Sapsali Sapsalgae |
| McCune–Reischauer | Sapsali Sapsalkae |
Description
The Sapsali, just like the Jindo, was designated as a National Treasure (No.368) in 1992 by the South Korean government.
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.[1] Near extinction in the mid-1980s, the breed was revived using the eight remaining dogs.[1]
See also
References
- "Man Saves Rare Sasparee Dog Breed From Extinction". Global Animal. September 27, 2011.
