Chinese Shar-Pei

Country of origin: China
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC
Occupation: Guard dog
Size: 18 to 20 in tall; 45 to
60 lbs
Longevity: 12 to 14 years
Exercise: Moderate
Training: Early socialization
needed
Grooming: Easy

With a Chinese breed standard that calls for a melon-shaped head with a grandmotherly face, clam-shell ears, and a butterfly nose, supported on a water-buffalo neck and a body with horses’ buttocks on dragons’ legs, it is no surprise that the Shar Pei, or “sand skin”, looks unique. In spite of a frowning appearance, they are fairly amenable, although they tend to be aggressive towards other dogs, traits reflecting a mixed past as herding, hunting, and fighting dogs. Skin and eye problems persist, and the harsh coat, needing routine shampoos, can provoke allergic reactions in humans.

Dog name synonyms: Chinese Fighting Dog

HISTORY

Being an ancient breed, the Chinese Shar-Peis originated in China about 2,000 years ago. They were used as fighting and guardian dogs. Although they were not as strong as some other breeds, they had a strategic edge – their wrinkled skin. In theory, if the attacker bit the Shar-Pei, its mouth would fill up with skin and miss any vital organ. The rough fur is another mean of protection because it gave the attacker an unpleasant sensation. The name Shar-Pei itself can be translated as sand skin.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is often described as obscure, because it is a rare and relatively unknown breed. Few decades ago it was listed as the world’s rarest breed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Due to the anti-dog policy of the government in its native China, this breed teetered on the brink of extinction. It is thanks to breeders in Hawaii, Hong Kong and Taiwan that the breed kept going.

PERSONALITY

Despite their frowning expression, Shar-Peis are gentle, easy-going and calm dogs. The average Shar-Pei should be dignified, confident, self-assured, serious, independent, stubborn and very much self-possessed.
Shar-Peis can be a bit of snobs. They are naturally reserved and suspicious around strangers and dogs, so they may seem arrogant. They need time to get comfortable with new situations. However, they are a people-oriented breed. Shar-Peis are very devoted, loyal, affectionate and protective of their pack or familiy.

TRAITS

Shar-Peis are dogs of compact, muscular and square build. The hallmark of this breed are their significant skin folds, especially around the face, neck and shoulders. It must be mentioned that puppies have much more extensive folds than adults. They have large heads with small almond-shaped eyes and tiny ears.
The Shar-Pei’s The coat comes in three types – bear, horse and brush and it can be in any color of the canine rainbow – black, fawn, cream, red, blue or sable.

The Shar-Pei’s height at withers is 18-20’’ (46-51cm) and they weight around 40-55Ib (18-25 kg).

HANDLING

Shar-Peis are strong willed dogs and need firm yet gentle training hand. Without strong leadership and consistent training, they start showing their dominant side and impose themselves as leaders of the pack. Typically they do not respond well to aversive training methods and harsh corrections. On the other hand positive reinforcement and lots of treats can make all the difference. The biggest problem when training a Shar-Pei is getting and keeping its attention.
Since Shar-Peis are known to be wary of strangers and dog-aggressive, they need to be socialized from an early age. If properly socialized as a puppy, the adult Shar Pei can get along with both children and cats. If not properly socialized, out of fear or as a protective response, they can turn to violence and aggression.

HEALTH

Chinese Shar-Peis are sensitive breed, susceptible to various health issues such as dermatological conditions (generalised demodicosis, atopy, food hypersensitivity, primary seborrhea, idiopathic cutaneous mucinosis, intertrigo, skin tumours), gastrointestinal conditions (congenital idiopathic megaoesophagus, congenital hiatal hernia, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, amyloidosis), immunological conditions (selective IgA deficiency), musculoskeletal conditions (hip dysplasia, familial Mediterranean fever), neoplastic conditions (canine cutaneous histiocytoma, mast cell tumours), ocular conditions (entropion – often involving both upper and lower lids, prolapse of the gland of the nictitating membrane, glaucoma, cataract, primary lens luxation, fibrosing esotropia), renal and urinary conditions (renal amyloidosis).

The average lifespan of the Chinese Shar-Pei is between 9 and 10 years.

In the 1980s, at the height of the Shar Pei’s meteoric rise to canine popularity, the wrinkliest dogs were the most coveted. Exaggerated facial folds were the result of selective breeding. Although they added character, these folds acted like sandpaper, damaging the eyes in particular – a condition known as entropion. Selective breeding, again, has since reduced the extremity of this look.

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