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Sapsali

Sapsali

The Sapsal (also Sapsali/Sapsari or Sapsalgae; Korean: 삽살이) is a shaggy-haired South Korean breed of dog that is said to ward off evil spirits. In the Korean language, the word Sapsal is followed by either gae (개, meaning "dog") or the nominative particle i (이), and may occasionally be romanized as Sapsaree. The breed was designated as one of the natural monuments of South Korea in 1992 to receive protected status and funding for its preservation as a part of South Korea's cultural heritage. The breed is officially recognized by the Korean Kennel Federation.

Life Span 10-14 years
Weight 10-30 kg

What to Know Before Buying a Sapsali

Finding a responsible Sapsali breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells dogs commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.

Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Sapsali. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.

Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Sapsalis appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.

Looking for a Sapsali breeder?

Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.

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