Getting to Know the Shar Pei Dog

Born in China, the Shar Pei is a dog easily remembered for his deep wrinkles and dark-colored tongue. The meaning of the breed's name is "sand skin," which refers to the dog's short, almost-abrasive coat. A newly born shar pei dog is covered by wrinkles that start to tighten and nearly disappear as the dog matures and "grows" into his skin. This unique-looking dog even was even declared before as one of the rarest dogs in the world.

This breed also happens to be one of the oldest in the world. Back then, the dog was leaner and muscular with longer legs, and wore a more defiant-looking, fighting dog look compared to now. The Chinese also knew the fine distinctions between the two popular types of shar pei; thus, the traditional shar pei is called "meat mouth," while the older line is called "bone mouth."

The shar pei dog is currently well-known for his loyalty, but nothing less can be expected of the dog breed that used to guard the Chinese royal palaces! The dog's structure was really meant to defend and fight. The breed had deep set eyes and small ears, and if they were held by an attacker by the skin, the skin was loose enough to allow the dog to turn around and bite back.

The colors of shar pei dogs cover a wide range, from red to cream, black and even blue. There is also a way of classifying the shar pei according to their wrinkles. Those known as western shar pei have large folds, and the other called 搕he original?has tighter skin all over, with the wrinkles confined to the head and withers.

Among the top health concerns of shar pei dogs are the eye disease known as entropion, plus some skin infections. Another issue is the Shar Pei Fever. These concerns emphasize the idea that those looking for a shar pei pet need to get in touch with a responsible breeder that can present health certificates, and can vouch through documentation for the puppy or dog being sold. Buying from a puppy mill will simply get any buyer into trouble with temperament issues and vet bills suddenly cropping up. Indeed, a shar pei of honest to goodness quality may cost more, but it's worth it!

Those looking for an independent and protective breed will find that a shar pei dog matches their expectations (a first-time dog owner will find them too much, however!). But everybody also needs to know that this is a dog that can be obstinate and way too independent, without the early socialization and obedience classes that all dogs have a right to.