Both
heavily wrinkled dogs with large heads and
smaller headed dogs with tighter looking
skins occur in this breed. There are three
coat varieties: horse-coat and brush-coat
and a rare bear-coat, which is not recognized
by the AKC. The bear-coat, does not
falling within AKC standard because this
particular Shar-Pei has an undercoat and
a topcoat exceeding 1 inch. The popular
theory about the bear-coat is that it's
a "throwback" to the chow-chow. They
are actually quite popular as pet quality
Shar-Pei, albeit rare, and often confused
with the chow by unknowing owners as well
as animal shelter workers. The unusual
horse-coat is rough to the touch, extremely
prickly and off-standing. The brush-coated
variety has longer hair and a smoother feel.
The coat on either variety can be up to
one inch in length. Coat colors include
all solid colors and sables. There is also
a lowered, spotted, and a parti colored
Shar-Pei coat, which is a disqualifying
fault in the show ring according to AKC
standard. The small ears fall forward and
the tail is carried in a curl. Like the
Chow Chow, these dogs have a blue-black
tongue. It has a square profile with a broad,
full head and wide, padded muzzle. Puppies
have more wrinkles than adults. Shar-Pei
slowly loose their wrinkles as they get
older.
Temperament
The
Shar-Pei is very loyal to his handler. It
is an intelligent dog that does not always
follow orders slavishly. Playful, active,
dominant, and brave. They bond with their
family, but are not unfriendly toward strangers.
If the dog meets cats and children while
it is still young, it usually will not have
a problem with them. The Chinese Shar-Pei
has a frowning expression, but is surprisingly
easy-going, calm, independent, and devoted.
They make a delightful companion and good
watchdogs. The Shar-Pei needs a confident
handler. If you are too uncertain, too inconstant,
too soft, or too mild in the dog's eyes,
it will take over as the boss. Shar-Pei
need firm, but gentle and extremely consistent
training. They are stubborn and bold and
need firm obedience training to establish
your leadership. They may refuse commands
from family members who have not established
leadership over them. They need an owner
who as the ability to be "Top Dog". These
dogs are very clean and almost housebreak
themselves. Shar-Pei generally hate water
and try as hard as they can to avoid it.
Puppies grow very quickly and must be fed
accordingly. Mixing other dogs can
sometimes be a problem and socialization
is important. However some Shar-Pei are
less dominant then others and show lines
tend to be less dog-aggressive, mixing well
with other dogs. Some Shar-Pei tend to slobber,
especially when in pain. It is important
to find a reputable breeder when seeking
a Shar-Pei. This breed was very popular
in the 1980's. It was referred to as one
of the "Yuppie Puppies", meaning the breeds
that were carelessly over-bred. A lot of
this breeds personality and health depends
on the lines it comes from. Good Shar-Pei
lines will get along well with other dogs
and will not have skin problems, which is
a hereditary condition.
Fevers
of unknown origin or swollen hocks syndrome
may be the early stages of amolydosis (kidney
failure). One misconception is that the
Shar-Pei have skin problems due to their
wrinkles. Yes some Shar-Pei have skin problems,
but it is not because the dog has wrinkles,
but rather a hereditary condition. Due to
over popularity in the 1980's, some Shar-Pei
do have hereditary skin problems. However
if you buy from a reputable breeder, this
conditions will not be a problem. Be sure
to find a breeder who strives for healthy
dogs.
Living
Conditions
The
Chinese Shar-Pei will do okay in an apartment
if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately
active indoors and will do okay without
a yard. Because of their padded head, the
Shar-Pei is very sensitive to heat. Shade
and water must always be available. Provided
they get enough exercise, they will be very
peaceful indoors.
Exercise
The
Chinese Shar-Pei have a considerable need
for exercise, which include a daily walk.
Do not over exercise them in the heat, as
they are sensitive to it.
Life
Expectancy
Up
to 10 years.
Grooming
The
Shar-Pei should be brushed regularly. Their
coat is never trimmed. This breed does not
have an undercoat. The "bush" coat sheds
a little year round, but the "horse" coat
tends to shed only during molting periods.
Molting may leave the dog looking unkempt.
Bathing about once a week and brushing the
coat daily during this period will remove
the old dead hair and allow the new coat
to grow in. Some owners are allergic to
the harsh coat.
Origin
The
ancestry of the Shar-Pei is uncertain. It
may be a descendant of the Chow Chow, however,
the only clear link between these are the
purple tongue. However, pictures on pottery
suggest the breed was present even in the
Han Dynasty (206bc). For many years the
Shar-Pei was kept as a general-purpose farm
dog in the Chinese countryside, used for
hunting, protecting stock, and guarding
the home and family. During that time the
Shar-Pei was breed for intelligence, strength
and scowling face. Later, it was used in
dog fighting. The loose skin and extremely
prickly coat were developed to aid the dog
in fighting, making the Shar-Pei difficult
for the opponent to grab and hold on to.
During the Communist Revolution, dogs were
rescued by a Hong Kong business man named
Matgo Law, who appealed to Americans in
1973 though a dog magazine to save the breed.
From those few specimens, the Shar-Pei fancy
has grown tremendously over the past decades.
Now the Shar-Pei is in the Non-Sporting
Group of the AKC with over 70,000 dogs registered
as foundation stock. When first introduced,
Shar-Pei were astronomically expensive.
Now they cost about the same as any other
purebred dog.
