Description: The Chinese Shar Pei is a large dog that stands between 11 and 18 inches in height. This dog is famous for its wrinkled, saggy skin. It has a square profile with a broad and flat head. The muzzle is exceptionally full and wide with a moderate stop. This breed's tongue is blue- black in colour. The teeth meeting in a scissor bite. The eyes are small almost hidden and are almond shaped, they are set wide apart. With high sets triangular ears that are small and curved slightly at the tip. With a particularly high tail, that is bulky at the base, tapering off to a finer point. There are three types of coats: Brush coat, horse coat and the rare bear coat, the last one is not recognized by the AKC. This is due to the fact it is perhaps a throwback to the Chow-chow. The rare bear coat still, however makes an excellent pet. The horse coat within this breed is rough to the touch and feels prickly. The brush coat is longer haired and is smoother to the touch. The coat on either variety can grow up to 1 inch in length colours include all solid colours and sables. This dog usually comes in two varieties of skin folds, one is covered in large folds of wrinkles even into adulthood, and this is mainly the brush coat. The other variety has skin appears tight on his body with wrinkles more pronounced on the face and withers; this is more likely with the horse coat.
History: The Chinese Shar Pei breed is an ancient Chinese dog, and comes from China. This dog is descended possibly from the chow chow, however, the only actual link is a blue black tongue. It is thought to date back to 206 BC but the only evidence of this is in pictures on pottery. This dog has been used for many purposes, on the farm. These include hunting, herding, tracking, protecting stock, killing vermin, and as a guard dog. It has also been used as a fighting dog, having the advantage of prickly and loose skin which makes it harder for the opponent dog to grab hold. The Chinese believed that the wrinkled face and black tongue would ward off evil spirits. Due to the communist revolution this breed's numbers dwindle, and in 1973, a Hong Kong businessman attempted to save the breed. He drew attention to this breed through an American magazine, and since those times the numbers have steadily risen and the dog has become one of the popular breeds in the USA. This breed hasover 70,000 dogs registered as foundation stock.
Temperament: The Chinese Shar Pei dog is intelligent, playful and very loyal. They bond with their family, but are not unfriendly to others, providing, they had been socialised well as a puppy. The Chinese Shar Pei is independence and easy-going. This makes them a charming companion. It is wise to remember the dogs roots in hunting and fighting and not to get carried away by the fact this dog looks like a toy. This dog needs a confident owner. This is not a dog that should be allowed to take over the home. This dog needs firm, very consistent, strong leadership, and understand humans are above him in the pecking order. This dog needs obedience training to establish your leadership. If this dog feels he is in command, he will become stubborn and overbearing and can be a very aggressive dog. Socializing well as a puppy is very importance, this way, they can gain confidence and be used to other dogs, and children or any new situations. This dog's temperament depends on how the dog is treated, and to a small extent to its parenthood and genetic line. So care should be taken when purchasing this dog, as in the 1980s it was carelessly over bred. This dog also needs regular exercise, and daily walks are a must for this dog.
Health issues: The Chinese Shar Pei breed can get skin problems that are not at all due to the wrinkles, but rather hereditary condition due to over breeding in the 1980s. Caution is advised when buying this dog, and only to use a reputable dealer. They can be prone to kidney failure, called amolydosis. They can also suffer from heat as the wrinkles on their face retain in the heat.
Grooming: The Chinese Shar Pei coat needs brushing regularly, but does not need cutting. The coat sheds little all year round, with the horse coat tending to be seasonal. This breed can bath weekly, particularly when shedding as they look somewhat scruffy during this period.
Living conditions: The Chinese Shar- Pei is fine for apartment life, providing it has adequate walking and exercise. Care needs to be taken in warm weather due to the wrinkles of their head, holding in the heat.
