Legends Say this Ancient Korean Dog Can Fight Off Evil Spirits: Meet The Sapsali
The Sapsali—also called Sapsal, Sapsari, or Sapsalgae—is one of several South Korean dog breeds designated as national treasures or “natural monuments.” In Korean, the name “Sapsal” is followed by “gae” meaning “dog,” and the breed’s name means “dogs that expel evil and misfortune.” Considered tokens of good fortune and often mentioned in folk tales, the Sapsali can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period and the Goguryeo Kingdom of Korea (37 BC–668 AD). Sometimes called “ghost dogs,” Sapsali are thought to keep evil at bay and possess supernatural qualities.
One of the most well-known legends of the Sapsali sings the praises of this breed’s loyalty. “A 300-year-old stone memorial in southeastern South Korea tells the story of an aristocrat who took a nap on a riverbank after too many drinks at a party. Embers from his pipe started a brush fire as he slept. His faithful Sapsaree jumps into the river and used its wet fur to douse the fire and save its master at the cost of its own life,” says Hyungwon Kang in an article published in Reuters.
Culturally significant and nationally beloved, the Sapsali dog faced near extinction under the Japanese occupation of Korea from 1910–1945. More than 100,000 Sapsali were killed during this period and despite efforts by professors at Kyungpook National University to preserve the breed, only eight dogs remained in South Korea by the 1980s. So, how did the Sapsali regain its numbers and become a natural monument? This is the comeback story of the Korean Sapsali dog.
Meet 4 Sapsali Dogs From Instagram
Sapsali dogs are medium-sized and fluffy, sometimes nicknamed “lion dogs” for the shaggy mane of fur they grow. Sapsalis can be one solid color or have a mix of colors in their fur including black, white, blue, brown, Isabella, red, and gray. Let’s take a look at a handful of Sapsali dogs to get to know the breed better.
1. Mello
Source: @MelloTheSapsali
Born in South Korea and now living in New York City, Mello is a gorgeous white and tan Sapsali dog with an affectionate personality and model good looks!
2. Kionu
Source: @Kionu_TheSapsal
Kionu is a very handsome five-year-old gray and white Sapsal dog from South Korea living his best goofy life. A big fan of his toys and being outside, Kionu is just a sweet boy who loves his humans.
3. Tosil
Source: @TosilTheSapsal
Tosil is a gorgeous seven-year-old Isabella Sapsali dog living in Seoul, South Korea. When she’s not romping outdoors or with her doggy friends, Tosil is an elegant lady who goes everywhere her humans go.
4. Lio
Source: @Sapsal_Lio
Lio is a very fluffy cream-colored Sapsali dog with a gray saddle tan and a smile that lights up a room. On the larger end of the spectrum for this dog breed, Lio is a big sweetheart who gets doted on by her humans.
Korean Sapsali Dog Basic Info
Today, the Korean Sapsali dog numbers around 3,000, approximately forty years after facing near extinction. The incredible resurgence of this breed of dog is attributed to Ha-Ji Hong, the son of one of the Kyungpook National University professors who worked on the original Sapsali restoration project. Despite only a few Sapsali dogs existing, Ha-Ji Hong devised a careful inbreeding program that increased the breeding population from 8 individuals to nearly 500 in just five years.
Knowing that the inbreeding used to restore the Sapsali could create serious health issues within the breed, Ha-Ji Hong moved on to the next phase of his project using DNA samples to detect and eliminate genetic health problems from his breeding stock. Thanks to Ha-Ji Hong’s breeding program, the Sapsali is thriving today and was designated Korean National Treasure number 368 in 1992.
Sapsali Temperament
Sapsali dogs are loyal and protective of their homes and owners, and the legends that say evil spirits are terrified of these dogs may be because of their brave personalities. Sometimes suspicious of strangers, Sapsalis bond closely with their family members with whom they are affectionate and gentle. However, with proper socialization, Sapsalis make excellent therapy dogs, since they are typically good with other animals and well-behaved in public.
Intelligent and easy to train, Sapsalis can be wonderful family pets. Easy-going and well-mannered, Sapsalis rarely start conflict but are unlikely to back down if another dog starts a fight. With humans—and children—Sapsalis are friendly and social but can be territorial when they perceive someone as a threat or an intruder. Sapsalis have a moderate energy level and enjoy being active, but will also happily lounge on the couch with you.
Sapsali Size
Sapsalis are medium dogs that stand around 19–23 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35–60 pounds.
Sapsali Health
Sapsali dogs are generally healthy, but there are several health concerns to be aware of:
- Joint issues (e.g. patellar luxation, hip dysplasia)
- Eye and vision issues (e.g. cherry eye)
- Ear infections
- Skin issues (e.g. allergies)
- Bloat
- Congenital heart defect
How To Find Sapsali Dog Breeders
Finding a Sapsali puppy in the United States is incredibly difficult, and the vast majority of Sapsali dogs living in the U.S. have been adopted from South Korean rescue organizations. Rescues like Jindo Love Rescue, Korean K9 Rescue, and Korean Paws Rescue often ship Sapsalis and Sapsali mixes to the United States to find forever homes, so if your heart is set on a Sapsali, a South Korean dog rescue is the place to look.
