Information on the Shar-Pei Dog Breed

The shar-pei is a breed of Chinese origin, so old that the Bulldog Information website states it is among the 14 most ancient of breeds. The shar-pei, originally a fighting dog, almost became extinct as the Chinese Communist government cracked down on citizens owning canines. The name essentially means "sand skin," a reference to the rough abrasive coat, but the wrinkles the shar-pei possesses are its characteristic trademark.

  1. Size

    • Male and female shar-peis are similar in build, standing an average of 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and weighing in the range of 40 to 55 lbs. Although some shar-peis can live to be 12 years old, few live beyond the age of 10. The average litter size is four to six pups.

    Features

    • The wrinkled skin of this breed is even more prominent on puppies than on the adult. The head is square-shaped and broad, with a flat appearance on top. The shar-pei has a bluish-black tongue, much like that of a related breed, the chow chow. Shar-peis have small eyes that seem to sink into their heads. The dog holds its tail high and the tail has a very thick base. The dog's colors range from coats of black, black and rust, bluish black to brown, red, fawn and cream.

    History

    • The shar-pei breed may date to earlier than 200 BC, according to the Dog Breed Info website, as depictions of the dog on pottery from that era exist. The shar-pei had multiple purposes as a guard dog and herding animal, but it was also a fighting dog. The loose wrinkles and coarse coat made it a difficult for for others to latch onto. In modern times, when the Communists took control of China, most of the dogs in China disappeared as the government termed dogs a luxury. A businessperson from Hong Kong named Matgo Law almost single-handedly rescued the breed, sending some to the United States where the shar-pei gained popularity. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1992.

    Temperament

    • The shar-pei breed is intelligent and can be independent, aloof, snobbish or loyal. While the dog will appear sad by virtue of its looks, the shar-pei is a calm and happy dog. Excellent with families, the shar-pei makes a fine watchdog and companion animal. However, the dominant nature of the breed requires a strong hand, or the shar-pei will try to become its master's boss, according to the Terrific Pets website. Shar-peis that are able to interact with cats at a young age typically get along with them, but care around other dogs is always prudent due to the shar-pei's history of fighting.

    Medical Concerns

    • Some of the medical problems many shar-peis face include swollen hock syndrome, where the hock joint becomes painful, enlarged and stiff. Hypothyroidism is a potential ailment, as the dog will have insufficient levels of hormones that precipitate a slow metabolic rate. Weight gain is a common result of this condition. The eyelid rolling inward, known as entropion, can irritate the dog's cornea and make surgery to correct the problem necessary.