Appearance of the Sapsali
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| Sapsali dogs are a medium-sized breed, measuring just under two feet at the shoulder and slightly longer than their waist. This breed is well known for its particularly strong and voluminous corpuscles, as well as for its rather large paws. Because of these characteristics, they have often been referred to as lion dogs. Their feet are distinguished not only by their size, but also by their particularly thick, hard pads, which enable them to traverse long distances over difficult terrain with ease. The Sapsali has a large globular skull with a well-balanced muzzle, although the abundant hair in the facial region often gives the impression that the muzzle is shorter than it actually is. Their medium-length ears are well-haired and usually lie close to the cheeks. Their large, round eyes can be almost any shade of brown, but are usually masked by their long, thick fringe. The Sapsali's long, dense coat can be straight or wavy, and can come in many colors, including brown, yellow, gray, blue and red. |
Temperament of the Sapsali
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| The Sapsali is an extremely loyal and protective dog that is both affectionate and sensitive towards its owner or family. While they tend to be somewhat cautious of new individuals, they will readily accept those that their family accepts, quickly becoming warm and friendly. They are highly intelligent and socialize early enough, tending to be friendly with other animals, as long as they don't threaten. These dogs are eager to learn and eager to please, which makes them very easy to train, even for the novice dog owner. They are also particularly well suited to therapy work, as they are naturally gentle and well-mannered, while being very accepting and open with their affections. Although this breed is generally extremely well-mannered and gentle, it also has a strong protective streak. It is extremely rare for a Sapsali to start a fight, but it is unlikely to back down in the face of a real threat and will generally react decisively and without mercy. |
Needs and activities of the Sapsali
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| This breed is not as active as some of the other working breeds, but it does need at least forty-five minutes to an hour of vigorous exercise every day. These dogs are highly intelligent, which means they'll also need mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent negative behaviors from developing, and can enjoy other activities such as agility training, advanced obedience training or even acrobatic canine dancing. With more exercise and attention, they can adapt to a smaller home, such as an apartment, but in most cases, these dogs are much happier in a larger home with a fenced-in yard. |
Maintenance of the Sapsali
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| This dog has a particularly thick, double coat that tends to require more grooming than the coats of many other dog breeds. Although bathing is only necessary a few times a year, brushing should be a daily exercise, as the long hair of the Sapsali breed is heavily entrenched and prone to tangling and rubbing. It's essential to take your time with this coat, as the long outer layer of fur can hide the tangles and matting that occur in the undercoat, which can lead to skin damage and even infection. It's also important to regularly monitor the Sapsali's hanging ears to ensure they remain free from moisture and contamination. |
English (United Kingdom)