Differences: Bulldog & Shar-Pei

The bulldog and the Shar-Pei are two unique breeds of dog, each with its own distinctive qualities. Although they share some attributes, they are more separated by their histories and their characteristics. The short, thick bulldog traces its origins to England and dogfighting rings, while the medium-sized, longer-legged Shar-Pei originated in ancient China.

  1. History of the Bulldog

    • The bulldog is believed to have been bred originally in England for the purpose of bull-baiting, which is how the breed received its name. This cruel practice required the dogs to be aggressive and tenacious, traits that were later flushed out when dogfighting was banned. Bulldogs were preserved as a breed by enthusiasts who appreciated the dog's wonderful physical characteristics, and it is thanks to a few Englishmen that these dogs were turned from fierce to friendly and were able to thrive.

    History of the Shar-Pei

    • The Shar-Pei is an ancient breed, thought to have originated during the Han Dynasty in Southern China. The name refers to its unique coat and can be translated to mean "rough coat." Much information about the Shar-Pei's history has been lost; through wars and politics, many records and books were destroyed and the breed itself was endangered with the rise of the People's Republic of China. Dogs in general were targets for elimination, and populations fell dramatically in urban areas. However, interest in the breed was revived in the 1970s and registries again began to recognize the Shar-Pei.

    Bulldog Breed Characteristics

    • Bulldogs are stout dogs, thickly built and low to the ground. They have massive heads with short noses. The coat is short and easy to maintain, and comes in a variety of colors. Bridles, piebalds, and solid reds, fawns, or yellows are all common and desired colors. Though originally vicious animals bred to be fighters, today's bulldog is one of the most amicable of all the breeds. They are gentle and often form bonds with families, and are protective of their human owners. Generally, bulldogs are easygoing, friendly, and hardy dogs, but they can be stubborn and possessive.

    Shar-Pei Breed Characteristics

    • Shar-Peis are easily recognized by their loose skin and abundant wrinkles. Their coats are also highly unique because of its rough, sandpaper-like texture, and should only come in solid colors. The dog is medium-sized with a square profile and a thick head in proportion to its body. The Shar-Pei's "hippopotamus" muzzle is another feature that is extremely distinctive; in fact, it is the only breed that possesses this characteristic. Its tongue is also blue or black, a characteristic shared only by the Chow-Chow.