The Shar-Pei is a Chinese dog breed originating in Guang Dong Province (Southern China) with ancestors dating back to possibly the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.), though the exact origin is uncertain.
The breed is believed to be related to the Chow-Chow because they both have black tongues.
They breed was originally bred as guard dogs but were also very poplar as fighting dogs. Shar-Peis also have the nickname of Chinese Fighting Dogs.
The dogs faced extinction during the time of the Communist Revolution, probably due to the breed’s association with the upper classes and nobility. Matgo Law from Hong Kong made a considerable effort to rescue as many dogs as possible. Law was responsible for the export of many Shar-Peis to America in the 1970s and greatly contributed to the preservation of the breed. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.
The breed is best known for its distinctive wrinkly coat, although the original Shar-Peis had smoother coats. Coat textures of Western Shar-Peis vary between “brush”, “horse” and “bear”. The Shar-Pei has many wrinkles as a puppy but then loses most of them as it grows into its skin. The Chinese breed has a harsh “sand coat” and has fewer wrinkles than the Western breed. The bear coat also has fewer wrinkles and does not meet AKC standards. Shar-Peis come in a multitude of colours. Any one of over sixteen colours are acceptable as long as the coat is one solid colour and not spotty.
Shar-Peis are mediums-sized squared-built dogs. They weigh about 46-51cm (18-20”) and weigh around 20-27 kg (45-60 lbs). They have small triangular ears and tails that curl up, so no cropping is needed.
Health problems that might occur include skin- and food allergies, Familial Shar-Pei Fever, Swollen Hock Syndrome and eye problems. Due to their wrinkly faces they may also develop a condition called “Entropion” were the eyelashes curl inwards and irritate the eyes, which could lead to blindness. Entropion can be treated by an eyelid lift surgery or removal of excess skin.
Shar-Peis are very territorial dogs and can be very aggressive towards strangers. They are not particularly noisy and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and alert, but are independent and can be very stubborn. They can however make loving a loyal pets.
If you are thinking of buying a Shar-Pei please make sure that is the right breed for you. Can you handle such and aggressive dog? Are you willing to deal with possible health issues and eye operations? Sure these wrinkly canines are very cute, but remember they require great responsibly. If you buy from a breeder, please make sure they are registered and inspect their premises. Before you look at dogs for sale please consider getting a dog at a rescue shelter or adopting a dog directly from its former owner. You might be able to find the breed you want up for adoption in the pets classifieds section, so it is worth a look.
Source: Wikipedia
Related link: American Kennel Club
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