Sapsaree, a Rare Breed, Mystical Dog from Korea
* Unique Appearance: Cute, Shaggy, and Magnificent *
The Sapsaree is a native Korean dog. Slightly smaller and lighter than the average Golden Retriever, a typical Sapsaree stands 46-56㎝ tall (17-22 in.) and weighs 16 to 28kgs (35-61 lbs). The breed is distinguishable by its luxurious coat of long, soft, shaggy hair.
The coat color of the Sapsaree is mainly categorized into blue and yellow. However, there exist other various colors of white and brown.
The Sapsaree has been called "a lion dog" for its bulky, and strong upper body and its large and imposing paws. According to Korean superstition, the Sapsaree has been believed to ward off evil spirit is Asia. The image of the Sapsaree have been created in the form of statues and sculptures all over East Asia. These statues are called haetae in Korea, bi xie in China, and Gomainu in Japan, which attests to the perceived magical powers of Sapsarees.
* Distinct Characteristics: Patient, Sociable, and Loyal *
The Sapsaree's friendly outer apperance is matched by its innate patience and congeniality towards other animals and human beings. The Sapsarees are known to be playful in a group setting.
The Sapsaree has long been acknowledged and valued for its loyalty. An old Korean folktale regarding the Sapsaree tells of a Korean aristocrat who, after drinking too much at a ceremony, passed out on a riverbank while on his way home. An ember from his pipe caused a fire to break out nearby where he laid unconscious. The aristocrat's faithful Sapsaree, always a quick thinker, jumped into the river and then used its wet fur to extinguish the fire, and saving his master's life.
The master lived, but the dog died of exhabition. Out of appreciation for his canine companion, the aristocrat put a stone monument of his dog in the village, which is still standing today in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.