Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog breed from Southern China. Traditionally, the Shar-Pei dog breed is kept as a watchdog and property guardian, the dog was driven to close to extinction in the 20th century. The Breed is famous in the West for its deep wrinkles, while a traditional less wrinkled form is found in Hong Kong. The Chinese Shar-Pei has enjoyed its great popularity beginning in the late 20th century, and its popularity has grown significantly.

Chinese Shar - Pei 

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Other Name     Cantonese Shar - Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog

Origin      China

Size      Medium

Shar Pei’s  Height   44 - 51 cm (17 - 20 in)

Shar Pei’s Weight   16 - 29 Kg ( 35 - 64 lb)

Coat   Short, Hershey, and Bristly

Color   All solid colors except white

Tendency To Drool    Low

Tendency To Dig   Low

Tendency To Snore   High

Tendency To Bark   High

Exercise Required       Moderate

Life Span   1 - 12 years

Shar - Pei  Dog Breed History

The Shar-Pei breed was first noticed by the Western Travellers in the 19th century who called the breed the “ Chinese Fighting Dog”. These dogs are not as wrinkled as the modern dogs and it was mostly used by the locals for dogfighting. The Shar-Pei dog was once very famous, but due to high taxes levied by Chinese communists in the 20th century, its numbers continued to dwindle, and by the 1970s it was close to extinction.

In 1973, a Hong Kong businessman named Matgo Law made a strong appeal to the International community, specifically American Kennel Club, to save the breed.

In 1978, the Shar-Pei breed was named by The Guinness Book of Record as the World’s rarest breed, with only 60 remaining. 

This publicity led to great demand for the breed in the United States, and the fraudulent breeders in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau took to crossing their remaining crossbred animals with other breeds including Pug, Bulldog, Bull terrier and selling the offsprings to fortuitous American buyers. The result of this crossbred led to a dog with a much fleshier mouth in comparison to the original breed. These dogs are known as meat-mouth Shar Peis, while the original dogs are known as bone-mouth Sher Peis.

The efforts of saving the dog were initiated by the devoted breeders in the United States using the dog without taking a license in the 1970s. Later, a breed club was founded and it received American Kennel Recognition in 1992, with breed standards stating the meat-type dog. Traditionally, bone-mouth type dog breed was also maintained by the breeders in Hong Kong, although these types of dogs were only 50 - 100.

In the United States, several breeders have selectively trained smaller size, Shar Pei, to which they call Miniature Shar-Pei. Standing up to a maximum of 40 cm(16 in),  Miniature Shar Pei is famous both for its small size and increased wrinkles.

Shar - Pei  Dog Description

Shar-Pei is a short medium-sized breed of dog, famous for its excessive wrinkles. The breed is similar to many dog breeds of the mastiff family. Shar Pai breed is more closely related to the Stiff breed, with the Chow Chow breed being its most close relative. This is most closely seen with two breeds, as both have unique blue-black tongues.

Adult Shar-Pei breed dogs generally stand between 44 and 51 cm (17 and 20) inches and weight ranges between 16 and 30 kilograms. Also, they have a short, very long coat they can be of any colour except white, although black, cream, red, and fawn are very common.

The Chinese Shar-Pei breed states that they have beautiful ears, grandmotherly faces, water buffalo neck, dragon legs, horse buttocks, and calm-shell ears.

The breed's head is relatively larger in comparison to its body, the ears are small and eyes are set very deep into the folds of skin on the head. Also, the breed has straight, well-boned muscular legs below sloping shoulders and a medium-length broad tail curled over their back similar to spitz-type dogs.

Shar - Pei Dog Health

Shar- Pei dog breed suffered inexperienced or rushed breeding after its popularity was introduced to North America in 1970. This result not only gave a dramatically different look for the Sher Pei but also created many health problems. According to the American breed club, few Sher Peis reach the age of 10 and it has a longevity program that records longevity for the dogs that live for more than  10 years.

In comparison to the other breeds, Sher- Pei have an increased risk of developing chronic allergic skin disease known as atopic dermatitis. Dogs with allergic skin disease are often diagnosed with an allergy-induced skin infection. Sher- Pei also has a high risk of getting demodicosis, a disease that occurs when Demodix canis mites proliferate and cause irritation, inflammation, and infection.

A common problem that can be seen in Shar-Pei is a painful eye condition called entropion, in which eyelashes curve inward and irritate the eyes. If untreated, it can cause night blindness in dogs. In Australia, more than 8 in 10 Shar- Pei requires proper surgery to correct eye problems.

The breed is also prone to chronic yeast infection in its ears. This is due to a tight ear structure with a wrinkle ear appearance making the ear difficult to clean.

Vitamin B12 deficiency problem is commonly seen in Shar-Pei and is caused due to hereditary disease.

Temperament

Unfriendly and reserved, the Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed can easily become reactive without sufficient training and socialization. These attentive and intelligent watchdogs develop strong attachments with their owners. And, though they generally tolerate children, they are not known for being loving and enjoying rough play.

Awfully loyal to the people, these Chinese Shar-Pei dog breeds generally do not welcome strangers, other dogs, or mammals. And they can respond with aggression if they feel threatened. As such, they are not always great family pets.

Nutrition 

The Chinese Shar-Pei should be fed properly according to their life stage (e.g. puppy, adult, senior). To prevent their obesity, examine how much your dog eats, and minimize portions or treats if required. As a general rule, traits should not be more than 10% of a dog’s calories. 

Grooming

The Chinese Shar-Pei does not need much grooming to look good. But the fold in their skin can harbour infection and should be wiped out with a damp cloth consistently. Also, the breeds occasional baths and ensures to have regular nail trims.

The short ears of this breed are highly prone to infection. But frequently clearing the ears can prevent this problem. Ensure to use an ear-cleaning solution to flush out debris from the ear canal. 

Training

Skipping out a training process can result in a serious problem for these independent, strong-willed breeds. As these breeds tend to rebel against punishment, you should use consistent positive training methods, praise, and treats.

Proper training and early socialization, including puppy training class, can help this breed to become a well-mannered companion

Did You Know?

• The Chinese breed name (Shar Pei - “ Sand Skin”) refers to a short, rough coat that comes in different colours including cream, red, or chocolate. 

• The Shar-Pei dog breed has been around since at least 200 B.C. Archaeologists discovered statues that bear a strong resemblance to the Chinese Sher-Pei and have dated them during that time.

• The ancient Chinese bred the Chinese Shar-Pei to guard the royal palace and protect the royal family.

• The wrinkles of this breed are like body armour.

• The loose skin of the Shar-Pei was designed to safeguard him during dog fights.

• “The Guinness Book of World Records” named Sher -Pei as the rarest dog breed during the late 60s and late 70s.

• The Chinese Sher-Pai tongue colour is blue-black, and the only dog to have this colour is Chow Chow.

• Shar-Pei is the plural of the Shar-Pei.

• The small ears of the Shar -Pie are the ears of the fighting dog and behave as a type of defence mechanism.

• Sher- Pei presently ranks as the 50th most popular dog in the United States.

• The Chinese Shar-pei dog breed has two types of muzzles. The Shar-Pei is known as a “ meat- mouth” if the muzzles are heavily padded and it is known as a “ bone- mouth” if the muzzles are less padded. 

• The Chinese Sher Pei belong to the Non - Sporting category of the American Kennel Club. Other non-sporting dogs include French bulldog, Keeshond, Chow Chow, Dalmatian.