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Sapsali Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Sapsali so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
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Sapsali dog profile picture
OriginKorea flagKorea
Other Names
What other names does the Sapsali have?
Exorcising DogGhost Hunting Clever DogSapsareeSapsal Gae
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Sapsali Size and Weight

Size
Is a Sapsali small, medium or large dog?

How big do Sapsali get?

What is the average size of a Sapsali?

LargeMedium
Weight
How much does the Sapsali weigh? How much should a Sapsali weight? What is the normal weight of a Sapsali? How much does a full-grown Sapsali weight?
Male: 18–27 kg (40-60 lbs), Female: 16–25 kg (35-55 lbs)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Sapsali?
Male: 18–27 kg (40-60 lbs), Female: 16–25 kg (35-55 lbs)
Height
How tall is the Sapsali? Sapsali height:
Male: 50–60 cm (20–24 in), Female: 48–58 cm (19–23 in)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Sapsali?
Male: 50–60 cm (20–24 in), Female: 48–58 cm (19–23 in)

Sapsali Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Sapsali puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Sapsali in the United States? How much money is a Sapsali?

Where to buy a Sapsali with a good pedigree?

$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Sapsali, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Sapsali for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Sapsali gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Sapsali? How many Sapsali are there in the world?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

There are very few of them, and there have been times when they have almost drifted to the brink of extinction, so few are left.

Sapsali Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Sapsali? Is the Sapsali breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: Sapsali is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The Sapsali is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Sapsali dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Sapsali?
Sapsali dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Sapsali good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Sapsali dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Sapsali dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Sapsali dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Sapsali dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Sapsali Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Sapsali have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulProtectiveFriendlyLoyalGentle
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Sapsali sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Sapsali dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Sapsali a good family dog?
Average to High: Sapsali dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Exorcising Dog need? Sapsali social needs:
Sapsali dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Sapsali to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Sapsali roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Sapsali is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Sapsali have high prey drive?
Sapsali dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Sapsali dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Sapsali Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Sapsali is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Sapsali dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Exorcising Dog bark?
A lot: Sapsali is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Apartment Friendly
Is Sapsali good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Sapsali in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Sapsali breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Sapsali indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Sapsali Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Sapsali dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Sapsali be left alone? How long can you leave a Sapsali alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Sapsali Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Sapsali has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Sapsali? How much bite force does a Sapsali have? How strong is a Sapsali bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Sapsali bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Sapsali measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Sapsali is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Sapsali bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Sapsali bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Sapsali puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Sapsali, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Sapsali bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Sapsali can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Sapsali bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Exorcising Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Sapsali? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Sapsali has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Sapsali do?
Sapsali dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Sapsali dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Sapsali Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Sapsali dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Sapsali rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Sapsali breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Sapsali see the vet?
Rare
The Sapsali should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Sapsali dogs live? How old can a Sapsali be? What is the age limit of the Sapsali? How many years can the oldest Sapsali live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Sapsali?

How long is the lifespan of a Sapsali?

11-13 years
The average lifespan of Sapsali: 12 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Sapsali can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Sapsali Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Sapsali have? What is the activity level of the Sapsali?
Sapsali dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Sapsali need? How much exercise do Sapsali dogs require per day?

Do Sapsali dogs need a lot of exercises?

Sapsali dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Sapsali breed need?
Sapsali dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Sapsali Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Sapsali need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Sapsali breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Sapsali? How much food should I feed my Sapsali?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Sapsali risk for obesity:
Average: The Sapsali has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Sapsali weight regularly.

Sapsali Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Sapsali have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Silky
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Sapsali coats?
BlackBrownBlondeOrange Golden ReddishYellowish
Grooming
How to groom the Sapsali and how often? How often should I take my Sapsali to the groomer?
Advanced: The Sapsali requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your Sapsali a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Sapsali, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do Sapsali dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Exorcising Dog? Do Sapsali dogs shed a lot?
Sapsali dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Sapsali need a bath? How often should you give a Sapsali a bath? Can I bathe my Sapsali every day?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. For example, oilier breeds may need to be bathed up to once a week.

Because many of these breeds are short-haired, a nice brushing won’t do much to redistribute the oils, so while these oils do protect the dog’s skin from overdrying, they can carry a pretty pungent odor.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Sapsali breed hypoallergenic?
No
Sapsali dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Sapsali has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Sapsali drool?
The Sapsali is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Sapsali Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Sapsali dogs get along with other pets? Are Sapsali dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Sapsali dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Sapsali temperament with other people:
Sapsali dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Sapsali dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Sapsali temperament with children:
Sapsali dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Sapsali dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Sapsali breed live with a cat?
Sapsali dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Sapsali good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Sapsali dogs get along with other dogs?
Sapsali dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Sapsali can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Sapsali breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Sapsali breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Sapsali dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Sapsali dogs good office canines? Do Sapsali dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Sapsali is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Sapsali dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Exorcising Dog temperament with senior people? Are Sapsali dogs good for elderly owners?
Sapsalis are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Sapsali As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Sapsali be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Sapsali is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Sapsali be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Sapsali be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Sapsali is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Sapsali be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Sapsali is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Sapsali be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Sapsali is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Sapsali be a boat dog?

Not really

Sapsali breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Sapsali be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Sapsali is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Sapsali dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Sapsali Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Sapsali pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Sapsali breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Sapsali: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Sapsali have in a litter? How many puppies can the Sapsali breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Sapsali have? How many puppies can a Sapsali give birth to?
4-6 puppies

Sapsali Recognition

AKC Group
Is Sapsali recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Sapsali recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Sapsali Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: Sapsali is an excellent dog breed.
  • Trainability: Sapsali dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Sapsali dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Adaptability: Sapsali dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Sapsali dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Sapsali dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Sapsali dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Sapsalis are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Sapsali dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Sapsali dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Sapsali breed.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The Sapsali requires a lot of grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Sapsali dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Sapsali is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Office Friendly: Sapsali is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Sapsali History

Sapsali is one of the few native Korean dogs originating in the region of Silla, an ancient kingdom of south Korea. This breed has a rich and fascinating origin story, bearing today the status of national treasure of Korea, just like the Pundog. The first historical records of the Sapsali breed dates back to the Three Kingdom period which lasted from 37BC to 668AD. They were looked upon as good luck charms with the ability to ward off adversaries. Although they never had a physical job in there they filled a symbolic role when brought to battle in the military. While originally a breed kept as companions of royals and aristocrats, over time, the Sapsali became a household pet for all social classes within Korea.

While on the ancient times and middle ages the Sapsali breed continued to thrive and develop, the 20th century wasn’t so lucky for them.

During WWI, government records indicate that during the Japanese Colonial Rule (1910-1945) the practice of killing shaggy-haired dogs to harvest the leather from their hides and the fur from their coats, as raw material for winter clothing worn by the Japanese military was usual. According to the documentation kept by the Chosun Raw Hide Company(a business with government affiliations during the Japanese occupation of Korea), 100,000 to 150,000 Sapsali were killed for their fur every year during WWI and WWII.

The Korean War in the 1950s would cause further disruption to the country of Korea, their society and culture, and even their native Sapsali dog breed. A purebred Sapsali was a rare sight in Korea at this time as the breed’s numbers had seen a massive decline from which it seemed challenging to recover. The survival of the breed is thanks to a team of professors and students of the  Kyungpook National University in South Korea In 1969, they saved the breed from the inevitable extinction it was heading toward by rounding up all of the surviving Sapsali dogs in the region and developing kennels for them.

The mentioning of Professor Ha Ji-Hong and his father is essential, if we talk about this breed, because they did outstandingly much for its re-establishment. Professor Ji-Hog was an American educated geneticist, who returned home to Korea in 1985. His father took a crucial part in the establishment of the first kennels in 1969 but although they started with thirty dogs, by the time his son returned in the ’80s, only eight dogs remained.  Ji-Hong is quoted in a Reuter’s article as saying:

“The thought of Sapsarees being gone forever was like a jolt to my thoughts and it woke me up to take on the challenge. My father told me, ‘Restoring a dog breed is a project fit for an English nobleman with unlimited capital.  I don’t know how you’re going to take on such a challenge with your college professor’s salary.”

Professor Ji-Hong brought the dogs from a reported number of eight to a population of around 500. He utilized proven breeding methods and even tested their DNA to reduce the prevalence of health conditions in the breed.

In 1992, the Korean government designated the dog a national treasure, just like the Korean Jindo and the Pungsan dog. At this time, the government also provided funding for the preservation of the iconic breed. While not yet internationally recognized, the Sapsali is a member of the Korean Kennel Club.

Rate The Sapsali Breed

Sapsali Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Jill Duncan_Kahl

    Aug 1, 2022, 6:36:48 PM:

    BEST Dog! Adopted from Korea at 4 months and she easily adapted to us. She has gone through training and is very smart, loyal, loving, friendly and gets along with other dogs, well. We will be breeding her with another we brought over from Korea

  • Donna Connor

    Dec 21, 2019, 11:18:51 PM:

    I rescued a Sapsali from South Korea July 18,2019. He is a great dog. Was easy to house train, walk on a leash, come, stay. He is great with other dogs but is shy around people. It takes him awhile to warm up to people. So glad we appointed him.