Sapsali
Encyclopedia
The Sapsal is a shaggy Korea
n breed of dog
. The word is followed in Korean
by either gae (meaning "dog") or the suffix ee/i, but is most commonly romanized
as "Sapsaree". Traditionally, these dog
s were believed to dispel ghosts and evil
spirits.
affiliate) and the Korean Kennel Club.
.
Female: 48–55 cm (19–22 in) / 16–25 kg (35-55 lbs)
and may have been used as military dogs.
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n breed of dog
Dog breed
Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....
. The word is followed in Korean
Korean language
Korean is the official language of the country Korea, in both South and North. It is also one of the two official languages in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in People's Republic of China. There are about 78 million Korean speakers worldwide. In the 15th century, a national writing...
by either gae (meaning "dog") or the suffix ee/i, but is most commonly romanized
Romanization
In linguistics, romanization or latinization is the representation of a written word or spoken speech with the Roman script, or a system for doing so, where the original word or language uses a different writing system . Methods of romanization include transliteration, for representing written...
as "Sapsaree". Traditionally, these dog
Dog
The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...
s were believed to dispel ghosts and evil
Evil
Evil is the violation of, or intent to violate, some moral code. Evil is usually seen as the dualistic opposite of good. Definitions of evil vary along with analysis of its root motive causes, however general actions commonly considered evil include: conscious and deliberate wrongdoing,...
spirits.
Description
Sapsaree, just like Korean Jindo dog, was designated as a National Treasure (No.368) in 1992 by the Korean Government. The Sapsaree has been identified and recognized by both leading Korean dog societies, the Korean Canine Club (FCIFédération Cynologique Internationale
Fédération Cynologique Internationale is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. The English language translation, World Canine Organisation, is not often used.Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:...
affiliate) and the Korean Kennel Club.
Appearance
The Sapsaree has been called "a lion dog" for its bulky and strong upper body and its large and imposing paws. Sapsarees are medium sized and slightly tall. Their 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. Their hair falls over the eyes in the same manner as that of the Old English SheepdogOld English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a large breed of dog which was developed in England from early herding types of dog. The Old English Sheepdog has very long fur covering the face and eyes...
.
Temperament
The Sapsaree'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 has long been acknowledged and valued for its loyalty.Height & Weight
Male: 50–58 cm (20–23 in) / 18–28 kg (40-62 lbs)Female: 48–55 cm (19–22 in) / 16–25 kg (35-55 lbs)
History
The breed was very popular among aristocrats of SillaSilla
Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and one of the longest sustained dynasties in...
and may have been used as military dogs.
