Information on Mini Shar-Peis

The Chinese shar-pei is a dog known for its very loose skin, which creates wrinkles that are predominant on the head, neck and withers. The miniature Chinese shar-pei is no exception. It has been bred as a downsized version of the standard shar-pei using a recessive gene that is carried in their DNA. While the standard shar-pei weighs between 45 and 60 lbs., the miniature shar-pei weighs between 25 and 40 lbs.

  1. General Appearance

    • Like the standard shar-pei, the miniature shar-pei is broad and compact. The most notable and recognizable feature of the shar-pei is the abundant wrinkling around the head and body. The coat of the miniature shar-pei is a distinctive feature of the breed. It can be short, harsh and bristly. It stands straight on the body, but lays flat on the limbs. The miniature shar-pei comes in many different colors, but only solid colors and sable are acceptable when showing the dog. The shar-pei has a black pigmented mouth, similar to that of a Chow Chow.

    Temperment

    • The miniature shar-pei is known for being alert, playful, confident, adaptable, affectionate, easily trained and relatively clean and quiet. It is very loyal and bonds quickly with its family. Miniature shar-peis can be somewhat standoffish with strangers, but show great devotion to their family, according to the American Kennel Club. Because it is such a strong-willed dog, the miniature shar-pei needs a strong, confident owner. It is a confident dog and needs a firm, but gentle, and consistently authoritative figure or it will attempt to dominate its owner, says the Dog Breed Info Center website.

    Daily Care and Grooming

    • Miniature shar-peis have a considerable need for exercise and should be walked daily. Shar-peis are sensitive to heat, and proper care should be taken when exercising the dog during the warmer months. Limit the walks to early or later in the day when the sun is not at its peak, and provide the dog with a steady supply of water. The miniature shar-pei, if given plenty of exercise, will be peaceful indoors. A miniature shar-pei can live up to 10 years.

      Daily brushing should be a part of your routine. Since this breed does not have an undercoat, its shedding is limited and will only shed a little year-round. Keeping the dog bathed about once a week will remove dead hair and keep its skin and coat healthy.

    Origin

    • The miniature shar-pei has been developed using recessive genes in the DNA of standard shar-peis. Some breeders hope that this gene will become dominant through selective breeding, says the Dog Breed Info Center website. The Chinese shar-pei was used in China as a multipurpose dog. It was used as a guard dog and in catching vermin, herding and tracking. The Chinese believed that the scowl and the black pigmented mouth would scare off evil spirits, according to the American Kennel Club.