Sapsali is originated from North Korea but Brug is originated from United States. Sapsali may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Brug. Sapsali may weigh 16 kg / 36 pounds more than Brug. Sapsali may live 3 years less than Brug. Both Sapsali and Brug has almost same litter size. Sapsali requires Moderate maintenance. But Brug requires High maintenance
Early documentation of this dog tells us that it has been around for centuries and is therefore an ancient breed.
The Sapsali is a dog that comes from Korea and is also known as the Lion Dog, Sapsaree and Sapsal Gae. It is believed that these dogs were used to dispel evil spirits or ghosts.
The dog was given the status as National Treasure by the Korean Government in 1992 and is recognized by a number of local Korean dog societies. The dog isn’t however recognized by any of the major kennel clubs, but is affiliated with the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
When Korea was under Japanese rule, the dogs were slaughtered to make coats for its military and almost became extinct. Kennels were set up and the dog was revived again in the 1980s.
The Brug or Griffon Pug is not a purebred dog at this point in time. It is a cross between a Pug and a Brussels Griffon, currently known as a “designer dog” or a hybrid. This hybrid is really rare at this time but growing in popularity and breeders. Its exact history or original development is unknown at this time and needs to be researched as the hybrid develops into a breed, or breed clubs are formed. If you like either of the two breeds involved, you are sure to like the Brug. They are obviously not recognized by the major kennel clubs, but they are registered with a variety of hybrid/designer dog clubs. These include:
The Sapsali is a medium sized sheepdog standing at between 48 and 60cm in height and weighing between 16 and 27kg. He is a strong looking dog with the coat being long and dense and coming in quite a few color varieties. The coat can be solid in color but it can also be a mixture of blonde, reddish, brown and black. The hair of the dog also falls over the eyes.
The dog has large eyes, the ears are also fairly large and the tail is long and held straight or down.
The dog is friendly, social and playful and also loving and loyal towards his human family. He is protective too and makes a good watchdog, but is never aggressive.
He gets on well with children as well as with other dogs. Training and socialization ensure obedience and good behavior and with a desire to please.
They’re intelligent dogs and training is easy. They’re gentle dogs too and this has made them a popular choice for therapy dogs. Their loving natures have been welcomed by patients suffering with trauma and the dog connects strongly with these people.
When back home he wants to be included in all the family activities. He is quite energetic and will require exercise every day – walks, hikes, frisbee, ball and rope games as well as more hectic hikes. He makes a good choice for the first time dog owner but is better suited to life in the suburbs or the countryside as opposed to being on a small property in the city.
Like its two parental breeds, the Brug is a smaller sized dog – both parents are lab dogs and so is the Brug. Because they are hybrids, Brugs can be very different in appearance but most seem to have large eyes, squishy faces, black masks, fluffy hair, long black whiskers, short fluffy hair, flat ears and a fluffy tail. They could be in any of a number of colors including fawn, black, cream or apricot.
The beautiful Sapsali is a friendly, loving dog breed who is just a little bit wary around strangers.
If he senses his master is alright around strangers, he will accept them too.
He is both protector and guard dog and gets on well with all members of the household. Apart from the long coat which can be a bit of a handful, this dog ticks all the right boxes in terms of being a most splendid family pet.
This hybrid is a loyal little dog. They are an affectionate lap dog that wants to be with his humans all the time. They have a very pleasant disposition and do well with children and other dogs. They might be shy to begin with but will warm up to affection. However, they are willful and self-important at times. This is tempered by their great sense of humor and empathy to its peoples’ moods. Left alone too long, they will tend to bark excessively.
The Sapsali can live to be between 10 and 12 years of age, being a healthy breed. Like all purebreds, the dog will experience some health concerns, among which are heart disease, obesity, bloat, hip dysplasia and skin problems among others.
Dogs get heart disease just like human beings. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is valvular disease. Essentially it affects small breed dogs. Heartworm disease and dilated cardiomyopathy are also common forms of heart disease.
Sometimes there are symptoms and sometimes there aren’t, but as heart disease progresses it turns to congestive heart failure – the heart not being able to meet the body’s demands. Signs of this can be fatigue, difficulty with breathing, loss of appetite and weight loss, coughing and a distended abdomen.
If you see these signs, your pet will need to get to the vet. There is no cure for congestive heart failure but there are medications which can help the heart work better.
Usually the hybrid dog can have better health than either of the parents. This is true with the Brug as well, but there are also some issues they may inherit from the parents or face simply because of their size and complexion. These include:
The Sapsali is covered in thick, long hair and the coat is going to require a lot of attention. It will be better to give the coat a brush every day as the coat can become very matted and tangled. The dog is also a heavy shedder so a regular brush will help to get rid of all that loose hair.
The Sapsali will need to have his ears, eyes and teeth regularly checked to ensure they are clear of any infection and to prevent any illnesses. A bad tooth can create many health issues throughout the dog’s body.
You can enhance your dog’s health by giving him good food. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good, convenient choice, more so if you choose the high quality ones known for their natural, quality ingredients.
To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet. No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach.
Chop all this up and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble when you want to treat your dog. To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water
Don’t let this dog get overweight. Feed a high quality dry food intended for small or toy dogs. One fourth to one half of a cup per day in two separate meals is what is recommended.
Patella Luxation or slipped knee caps – small dogs often have this issue. The patella is the knee cap and layman often called it a slipped knee cap, but it is also called slipped stifles. The femur, the tibia and the patella do not line up and this causes an abnormal gait or even lameness. Puppies are born with this, but it does not exhibit symptoms until years later. Arthritis is the most common result. Occasionally surgery is required.
Eye Issues – Cherry eye, a genetic disease, as well as irritation from air borne particles, allergies or scratches.
Skin Allergies – They can have skin allergies so watch for excessive licking or scratching.
Breathing Issues – Asthma and respiratory issues are common among small dogs with these types of faces.
Like their 2 breed parents, the Brug is a small but energetic hybrid. They need to play and run on a daily basis. Leash walks are good, but they need a yard or dog park as well. They are athletic little dogs and are good at tracking, obedience and agility. You cannot force them to do an activity but if its fun they will jump right in.