Chinese Shar-Pei
AKA: Shar-Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog
Description: The Chinese Shar-Pei comes in two varieties: the heavily wrinkled Shar-Peis with large heads, and the smaller headed ones with tighter skin. The coat of both varieties can reach up to 1 inch in length. This breed also has a blue-black tongue like the Chow Chow. It has a square body that ends with its tail carried in curl. It has a full head and a wide muzzle. Its ears are small and fall forward. The wrinkles all over their body will eventually disappear as the Shar-Pei grows older.
Fault: lowered, spotted, and parti-colored coat
Dynamics: The Chinese Shar-Pei always carries a frowning expression due to its wrinkles, but it is actually a playful, dominant, and brave dog. It is calm, independent, and devoted to its family. It is intelligent, although it doesn’t always follow orders. It needs to be shown who the master is. It can become dominant and willful when it sees its owner is hesitant and inconsistent.
Socialization and proper training is important for this breed. It will get along with children and other household pets if it knows them since its puppy years. It is fairly friendly with strangers.
Breed Group: Southern, Non-Sporting
Weight: 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg)
Height: 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)
Color: The Chinese Shar-Pei’s coat can be of any solid color and sables. The coat can be horse-coat (rough, prickly, and off-standing), brush-coat (longer and smoother), or a rare bear-coat (which is not accepted by AKC).
Country of Origin: The Chinese Shar-Pei came from China, its ancestry still uncertain.
Activities: The Chinese Shar-Pei needs lots of exercise, but are not to be left out in the heat for long because they are sensitive to it. In the past, the Chinese Shar-Pei was used mainly for dog fights. Presently, they are bred mainly as companion dogs and watch dogs.
Grooming: The Chinese Shar-Pei is easy to groom because of its short coat. It also does not have an undercoat. The Shar-Pei does not need any trim, but it needs to be brushed regularly. Bathe once a week and remove dead hair by brushing.
Other Info: The Chinese Shar Pei has a life expectancy of up to 10 years. This breed is prone to amolydosis (kidney failure) which can be determined by checking on the dog if it has a fever or swollen hocks syndrome. The Chinese Shar-Pei may also experience hereditary skin problems.
The Chinese Shar-Pei will do well in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised. This breed is sensitive to heat, so it should not stay long under the sun and have plenty of water and shade.
