Shar-Pei
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 Description:
Despite the fact that it may well be one of the
oldest breeds in the world, until recent years
the Chinese Shar-Pei (which means sand-paper coat
in Chinese) was also considered one of the rarest.
The breed has existed in China for over 2000 years
and fanciers believe the breed was originally
used as a fighting dog. This rare breed almost
became extinct during China's politically charged
years in the 1970s. Fanciers in Hong Kong and
Taiwan appealed to American dog-enthusiasts for
help in saving and perpetuating the Chinese Shar-Pei.
Several of the dogs were exported to the States,
where breeders began programs to help bring back
the breed. Now the Chinese Shar-Pei is extremely
popular and is no longer in danger of disappearing.
This unusual dog has a blue-black tongue, similar
to the Chow Chow's; it also has extra saggy wrinkles
as a pup which he tries to fill out as he grows
up. The loose skin is said to have made him less
vulnerable in a dog fight. The Chinese Shar-Pei
requires moderate exercise on a regular basis.
Height: The
height of a Chinese Shar-Pei is 18 - 20"
(45.7 - 50.8cm).
Weight: Chinese
Shar-Peis weigh 35 - 55 lbs (15.6 - 24.6 kg).
Coat Type: The
Chinese Shar-Pei has two coat lengths, the shorter
"horse" coat, and the longer "brush"
coat. The coat is short and smooth; the skin is
looser and more wrinkled on shoulders, neck and
head.
Color: Any solid
coat color is permitted with darker shading allowed
on the ears and back. When grooming the Chinese
Shar-Pei's coat, be sure to check and clean skin
folds to avoid skin irritations.
Temperament:
The Shar-Pei is at first wary of strangers and
is intensely loyal, devoted to and protective
of his family. He is also smart and charming,
which wins him admirers everywhere.
Health Problems: Chinese
Shar-Peis may be affected by skin problems due
to the many folds; eyelid problems due to heavy
wrinkling on brow; tight lower lip. Although in
the past, the life expectancy for a Chinese Shar
Pei was no more than 8 years, today it's possible
for this breed to live up to the age of 12.
Special Interest:
In China, this dog is often referred to as a melon
head, or a grandma face.
Classifications:
AKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
ANKC: Group 7 - Non Sporting
CKC: Group 6 - Non-Sporting Dogs
FCI: Group 2 Section 2 Molossoid breeds
KC: Non-Sporting - Utility Group
NZKC: Non-Sporting
UKC: Northern Breeds
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