Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group

The Shar Pei, or Chinese Shar-Pei, is a breed known for its large wrinkly head and blue-black tongue. Originally a multi-purpose Chinese farm dog, it was once believed that this breed was the rarest one of them all.

History

The source of Chinese Shar-Peis could be tracked to the state of Guangdong and it has been around for hundreds of years in the southern provinces of China. These dogs assisted their peasant masters with many duties, like herding livestock and protecting the house and family, and has proven themselves being eligible potential predators of outrageous game like wild pigs. They were also used for years as combating dogs by Chinese nobility, even though the practice turned more rare after the people's war, when such actions were seen self-indulgent.

Physical Features

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a huge dog with wrinkly skin. It provides a square profile having a flat, broad head. The Shar Pei is available in a variety of colors, like blue, black, cream, fawn, red (rose), lilac and sand. They look like the Chow Chows because of the similar blue-black tongue. The tail is dense on the base tapering to a great point and fixed really high. The coat is about 1 inch long.

Adults can weigh 40 to 65 pounds, and they can reach a height between 18 to 20 inches.

Personality

The Chinese Shar-Pei is quite dedicated to their trainer. Smart, playful, energetic, dominant, and fearless. They connect with their family, but are relentless to strangers. If the dog encounters cats and kids while they're still young, they often won't have an issue with them. Shar-Peis are easy-going, quiet, free, and loyal. They make an enjoyable partner and excellent watchdogs. Shar-Pei requires an optimistic trainer. If you're unsure, sporadic, too gentle, or moderate, in the dog's face, it'll take over and become dominant. Shar-Peis require a solid, but gentle, very dependable authority figure.

Common Health Problems

Susceptible to kidney malfunction (amolydosis). One false impression is the Chinese Shar-Pei has skin problems because of the wrinkles. Shar-Pei has skin difficulties because of poor breeding, but thanks to selective breeding, skin infections are becoming more rare.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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