Pet Wiki

Sapsali

Also called Sapsal-gae, Sapsaree, Lion Dog

Rare breedShort profile

From South Korea.1

At a glance the quick version

Height, male51 cm1
Height, female49 cm1
Sizemedium
gentle and friendly
brave and bold
loyal to its owner
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, thick coat

A shaggy, long and dense coat covers a sturdy body. The large head with its full coat gives a lion-like look, set off by hanging ears, a blunt muzzle and a tail carried high.1

Coloursblackgoldorangebrowngreybluewhitemixed1

Personality what they are like

A friendly, gentle dog with a brave heart. It is deeply loyal to its people and known for a steady, kindly nature.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long, thick coat needs regular brushing to stay free of tangles.1

Company who they like around

A devoted family companion; today many are kept as household pets and therapy dogs.1

The story where it all began

The Sapsali is an old Korean breed whose history is traced back to around the 3rd century and to companion dogs of the Silla aristocracy. Its numbers fell drastically during the Japanese occupation. From the late 1960s professors at Kyungpook National University worked to save it, and in the 1980s Dr Ha Ji-hong led a revival programme.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name is understood to mean a dog that chases away evil spirits and bad luck.1

  2. 2

    It has been called the Ghost Hunter, the Sunshine Dog and the Lion Dog.1

  3. 3

    A Sapsali was the mascot of the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu.1

  4. 4

    The breed is protected as a Natural Monument of South Korea.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

In the Korean language, the word 'Sapsal' is followed by either 'gae' (meaning 'dog') or the nominative particle 'i', and the breed is said to ward off evil spirits.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SunjaMochiBoriLionHanaDubuSarangJoonTofuMisoKongBae

A day in the life told by a Sapsali

I pad softly behind my human, my long fur brushing the floor. They sit on the porch, and I rest my head on their knee, watching the world go by. A neighbor stops to chat, and I wag my tail slowly, my gentle heart open to all. Later, I chase a leaf in the yard, then flop down for a nap in the sun. When my human sighs, I nuzzle closer. I am their quiet guardian, steady and kind, every day a warm embrace.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Cultural Heritage Administration (South Korea)
Designated a Natural Monument of South Korea in 1992.1
Korean national kennel body
Recognised in Korea; not recognised by the major international kennel clubs.1

How many Numbers in the thousands (no exact year given by the source)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sapsali. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sapsali, and at what times?

Feed your adult Sapsali two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet.2

What should a Sapsali eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, chocolate, onion, garlic, and others listed by the ASPCA. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3

How often should I bathe a Sapsali?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Sapsali gets dirty, using a gentle dog shampoo.4 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Sapsali need brushing?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to brush your Sapsali once a week, but its long thick coat may need more frequent brushing to prevent tangles. Check with a groomer if needed.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Sapsali's nails, and how often?

Trim your Sapsali's nails about every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask a vet or groomer.4 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Sapsali need?

Your Sapsali needs daily exercise like walks and playtime. As a friendly, gentle dog, it enjoys being active with its family. Adjust intensity based on its age and health. Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Sapsali's teeth and ears?

Brush your Sapsali's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check its floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Gently clean the outer ear without pushing into the canal.4 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Sapsali live?

The lifespan of a Sapsali varies; ask your breeder or vet for typical expectations. With good care, many dogs live 10 to 14 years.

Is a Sapsali good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Sapsali is known for its friendly, gentle nature and deep loyalty, making it a wonderful family companion. With proper socialization, it usually gets along well with children and other pets.1

Can a Sapsali be left alone?

Sapsalis are devoted to their families and may not like being left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship, so try to keep alone time short and provide toys or activities. If you're away often, consider a pet sitter.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Sapsali en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields (secondary)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  3. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  4. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.