Shar-Pei

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Size: Medium to Large
Other Names: Chinese Shar-Pei
Country of Origin: China
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Non-Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

The Shar-Pei is known for his distinctive features of deep wrinkles, and a blue-black tongue. His muzzle, shaped like a hippopotamus, along with his small, triangular ears, and a high-set tail, also give the Shar-Pei his unique look. Shar-Pei usually come in two varieties. One variety, called the Western type, is covered in large folds of wrinkles, even into adulthood. The other variation, the original type, has skin that appears tighter on its body, with wrinkles just on the face and at the withers. As a puppy, the Shar-Pei has numerous wrinkles, but as he matures, these wrinkles disappear as he "grows into his skin". One of the most intriguing features of the Shar-Pei, is that if you grab him by any loose wrinkle, he can actually twist in his skin, and face in your direction.

A short-coated house dog with a wrinkled outline; little grooming, a reserved voice with strangers, and a better fit in a calm house than in heat or chaos.

The origin of the Chinese Shar-Pei can be traced to the province of Kwun Tung, and has for centuries existed in the southern provinces of China. These dogs helped their peasant masters in various tasks such as herding cattle, guarding the home and family, and have proven themselves to be qualified hunters of wild game, usually wild pigs. The Shar-Pei was bred for intelligence, strength and scowling face. During the Communist Revolution, when the Shar-Pei population dwindled dramatically, dogs were rescued by a Hong Kong business man named Matgo Law, who appealed to Americans in 1973 through a dog magazine to save the breed. Around 200 Shar-Peis were smuggled into America. The current American Shar-Pei population stems mainly from these original 200. Some people may experience a sensitivity to the harshness of the coat of either length. This is a mild, short lived rash, that can develop on the skin that has been in contact with the coat, most commonly on the forearms.

Height: 18-20 inches
Weight: Male: 55-65 pounds; Female: 40-55 pounds
Color: Black, cream, fawn, red-fawn, red, sable, apricot, chocolate, Isabella, or blue
Coat: Brush-coat, with long hair and a smooth feel; or horse-coat, rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing, in one direction soft, in the other harsh
Lifespan: 8–12 years
Litter size: 4–6 puppies

Temperament

In general, the Shar-Pei has proved himself to be a loving, devoted family dog, that is very protective and independent. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique and intelligent dog, who can be stubborn, strong-willed and very territorial. He is often suspicious of strangers, and is a good guard dog. He is amenable to accepting strangers, given time and proper introduction at a young age. He is mostly a silent dog, barking only when playing or when worried.

Training

The Shar-Pei is amenable to training, but can get bored from repetition. Early training can help control the Shar-Pei’s stubborn traits, before they become problem behaviors, such a being excessively territorial and aggressive. The Shar-Pei requires early socialization with children, strangers, and other animals, in order to have a dog that is a good family member as well as a welcome member of society.

Care and grooming

Often, the Shar-Pei can be allergic to food products that contain soy, corn, wheat, gluten, and sugars. Using a completely grain-free food to offset and try to prevent these allergies is recommended. Often the consumption of these types of poor quality foods result in allergic skin reactions. Shar-Pei whose food intake is restricted to better quality foods free of corn/soy/wheat and gluten, will enjoy much healthier lives, with little or no skin irritation, itching, or sores.

Shedding

Low to moderate; the short harsh coat is easy to wipe down.

Health

Shar-Pei may develop entropion, skin-fold infections, Shar-Pei fever, and hip dysplasia. Keep the wrinkles clean and dry, and watch for unexplained fever or swollen hocks.

Crosses that include the Shar-Pei

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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