Sapsali

Sapsalis are loyal and affectionate with their families, gentle with people they know, and naturally watchful of strangers without being aggressive. They tend to bond closely with their household and do well with owners who want a devoted, easygoing companion rather than an independent guard-dog type.

Moderate energy, a couple of walks a day plus some playtime will keep them content. They're not hyper, but they do enjoy having a job or purpose, even if it's just patrolling the yard.

That long, shaggy double coat is the headline feature and the main commitment, it needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats, especially around the face and ears where hair falls over the eyes. Regular trims around the eyes help them see clearly and avoid irritation, and expect moderate shedding underneath all that fluff.

Intelligent and eager to please, Sapsalis generally respond well to consistent, positive training. Early socialization helps channel their protective instincts appropriately so they're comfortable meeting new people and situations.

As a fairly rare and historically landrace breed, they're generally considered sturdy, but like many medium-to-large dogs they can be prone to hip issues, so keeping them at a healthy weight and getting regular vet checkups is worthwhile. Because the coat covers the eyes, keep an eye out for eye irritation and check them during grooming.

This is a coat-care-heavy breed, if you're not up for frequent brushing sessions, the Sapsali's signature shag may be more upkeep than you bargained for.