The Sapsali (sometimes called the Sapsaree)--a medium-sized, shaggy-haired sheepdog that hails from Korea--is rare outside its country of origin. It's no surprise, then, that not a lot is known about caring for the breed, or even about the Sapsali in general.
Not to worry! Below you'll find details on caring for a Sapsali including puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding/drooling tendencies. For answers to your questions about raising this obscure breed, keep reading!
Though their shaggy appearance may belie it, these dogs are active and athletic--but Sapsali exercise requirements aren't too extensive. Because they're sheepdogs, breed members will require a variety of activities that condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). Sapsali make fairly good jogging companions as well.
The typical adult Sapsali, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need 45-60 minutes of proper exercise each day. You can start exercising a Sapsali puppy when it's three months old by going for short (5-minute) walks--then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.
A few precautions to consider with Sapsali exercise: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't do too much jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as these can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, Sapsali will need to be leashed when in public. These dogs often have both high prey drives and strong herding instincts, and will chase small animals or try to "control" moving objects unless constrained by a leash. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off. Otherwise, Sapsali are healthy and hardy, and can exercise in a variety of environments and weather conditions.
Even so, owners need to exercise their Sapsali every single day. These dogs are highly task-oriented, and without consistent activity they'll become restless, destructive, and unhappy in general. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few Sapsali exercise ideas:
When indoors, it's good to give your Sapsali access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
In terms of shedding and drooling, these dogs need moderate to frequent care. Sapsali shedding is fair for most of the year, and heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons; drooling isn't much of an issue.
Sapsali have long, thick, double-layered coats that shed moderately for most of the year, but when they "blow" their undercoats in the spring and fall, the shedding can be profuse. Owners will need to brush their Sapsali 3-4 times per week both to reduce shedding and to minimize tangles and mats; hair cleanup--vacuuming the floors and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary pretty regularly. (Brushing and cleanup will obviously be needed more often during shedding season.)
And a Sapsali might drool a bit in anticipation of food, after drinking water, or when especially excited or nervous--but the drooling definitely won't be profuse like that of a Saint Bernard or Bloodhound. If your Sapsali is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.
