What Is a Shar-Pei?

The shar-pei belongs to the hunting and guarding group of dogs and is a medium-sized breed. It has a recognizable appearance which has been historically prized, and a number of personality traits that help it as a working dog. The American Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1992, and its competition breed standard was set in 1998.

  1. History

    • The shar-pei is a Chinese breed which appears in statues dating back to 200 B.C. and the Han Dynasty. The breed has been prized through the centuries for its appearance, specifically its permanent scowl, which was traditionally thought to ward off evil spirits. It was also a working breed, being used in farming for vermin control, herding and hunting. The formation of the People's Republic of China essentially eliminated dog breeding in the country. The shar-pei, however, continued to be bred in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

    Description

    • The shar-pei is a sturdy, medium-sized breed that grows to between 18 and 20 inches at the shoulder and between 45 to 60 lb. in weight. It has a distinctive appearance with a large, hippo-like head and a well-muscled body. Loose skin all over the body gives a deeply wrinkled appearance and is most evident around the face. In puppies, the wrinkling is far heavier than in adults. The tail is medium length and curls up over the hindquarters. The mouth color of the shar-pei is also distinctive, being black to dark blue-black, as are the roof of the mouth, cheeks and gums.

    Coat and Color

    • The dog can be almost any natural solid color from black to almost white. For competition purposes dogs with more than one color are considered a fault. The coat itself is generally short, with competition standards accepting two varieties: horse coat, which is the shortest, and brush coat, which is a little longer but no more than 1 inch in length. Anything longer than this is referred to as bear coat and is not accepted in competition.

    Temperament

    • The breed is described as regal and dignified in character, but also as loyal and playful with its family and accepting of strangers to a degree. It can sometimes be a little aloof and has an independent streak, so it does not crave affection or attention. Its loyalty to family means it is also protective of them and will defend them fiercely, if needed. The dog's independent streak can be problematic with weak-willed owners who do not establish their dominance over the dog.