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Chinese Shar-Pei -
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alert, intelligent, and dignified.
He may appear independent, snobbish, and standoffish with strangers, but he is extremely devoted to his family.
They have been described as a "people dog," preferring the companionship of humans to the company of other dogs.
The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the "hippopotamus" muzzle shape, and the high set tail give the Shar-Pei a unique look all of its own.
See a few Shar Pei tricks
Heat sensitive, shade and water must always be available to the Shar-Pei. They love exercise but be careful not to overdo it in the heat of the day.
There are three separate coat varieties:
• brush-coat (longer hair and a much smoother feel),
• horse-coat (very rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing) and
• a rare bear-coat (an undercoat and a topcoat exceeding 1 inch) which is not recognized by the AKC.
Typically these dogs weigh between 45 - 60 pounds in weight and are 18 - 20 inches tall at the withers. Did you know that the Shar-Pei was once listed as the ''rarest dog in the world'' by The Guinness Book of Records?
The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are super abundant in puppies but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in the adult. The Shar-Pei is very sensitive to heat so shade and water must always be available.
The Chinese Shar-Pei, whose name literally translates as "sand skin", is an ancient and unique breed, thought to have been in existence since the Han dynasty in China around 200 B.C. Like the Chow, these dogs have a blue-black tongue.
Country of origin: China
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Colors: All solid colors, sable
Known health problems: Hereditary skin problems, amolydosis (kidney failure)
Return from Chinese Shar-Pei to Non-Sporting Group
