A member of the AKC Non-Sporting group, The Chinese Shar-Pei is regal, alert, intelligent, and dignified. This dog breed was once called the Chinese fighting dog, and is an ancient dog breed who was revered by the nobility during the Han dynasty, around 200 B.C.
Did you know that the Shar Pei and the Chow are the only two dog breeds that possess a blue-black tongue; this may suggest to some common ancestry in their history.
This dog breed was once used as a fighting dog, whose own loose skin enabled him to swing around and bite another dog even while being bitten by another dog. He was also used to hunt wild boar and herd flocks.
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. They can also be extremely territorial and dog-aggressive with a high prey drive toward small animals.
See a few Shar Pei tricks
Traditionally they will bond with only one or two people and can be very suspicious of strangers which makes them an excellent watch dog. Training must start early with this dog breed and should be firm and consistent.
Socialization of the puppy is mandatory and is the absolute cornerstone of successfully owning one of these dogs. Never EVER spoil this dog breed. Doing so could easily create a bossy, pushy or suspicious dog, very capable of seriously hurting a person or other animal.
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. Their coat color may be black, chocolate, reddish brown, fawn, or cream.
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 the Chinese Shar-Pei 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.
This particular dog breed is best suited in a house with a securely fenced yard. Anyone wanting to own a Chinese Shar-Pei should be a strong, commanding and no-nonsense type leader who wants a protective, discriminating and very territorial dog that will be, at best, reserved with any strangers. Their own home should be quiet and predictable. Plenty of time to train, socialize, and exercise this dog breed must be available as well.
Country of origin: China Lifespan: 8-10 years Colors: All solid colors, sable Known health problems: Hereditary skin problems, amolydosis (kidney failure), hip dysplasia, entropion, hypothyroidism, respiratory problems, and skin allergies
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