The Shar-Pei is a very old breed of dog whose origins can be traced back well over 2000 years. However, the breed was on the brink of extinction in the 20th century, so today’s Shar Pei go back to a small genetic pool. The FCI lists this breed under number 309 in Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser, Swiss Mountain Dogs and related breeds; Section 2.1: Molossers, mastiff-type dogs without a working test.
Shar Pei Dog Breed Information
Size: 40-51cm
Weight: Males: 25-30 kg, females: 18-25 kg
FCI Group: 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molosser – Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds
Section: 2.1: Molosser, mastiff-like dogs
Country of origin: China
Colors: fawn, sand, cream, black, red, fawn
Life expectancy: 8-11 years
Suitable as: Companion dog
Sports: –
Temperament: Affectionate, Independent, Distrustful, Devoted, Loving
Outlet Needs: Medium
Drooling potential: rather low
The thickness of hair: high
Maintenance effort: low
Coat Structure: Short, rough, bristly, straight, and stand-up
Child-friendly: rather no
Family dog: rather no
Social: no
Origin and breed history
There are different opinions about the actual origin and age of the dog breed Shar Pei. Dogs similar to the Shar Pei have been shown and mentioned in historical illustrations and stories from China since the beginning of our era, more than 2000 years ago. They were kept by farmers and fishermen as hunting and guard dogs, especially in the southern parts of China, and were widespread. Under the communist government in the 1950s, keeping dogs and especially breeding them in China was frowned upon as a superfluous luxury and was subject to extremely high taxes. This is how most dogs disappeared from China. Only in Hong Kong, which at that time still belonged to Great Britain, and in Taiwan was it still possible to keep and breed a few Shar Pei specimens.
After the beginning of the 1970s, only 145 copies of the Shar Pei could be counted, he was considered the “rarest dog breed in the world”. This triggered a veritable boom, first in the USA and later in other countries around the world. Within a few years, the stock recovered significantly. However, since initially only a few parent animals imported from Hong Kong were available for breeding in the United States, with which a relatively large number of offspring were produced very quickly by crossbreeding with other breeds, today’s Shar Pei no longer really corresponds to his ancestors from the ancient Middle Kingdom. It was not until the late 1980s that a uniform breed standard was finally established. With this one tried to come as close as possible to the original Shar Pei and to remove unhealthy fads like extreme wrinkling from the breed.
Genetic analyses, which were only carried out at the beginning of the 21st century, actually show clear differences in the genetic make-up of the Shar-Pei compared to many other dog breeds, which in turn suggests a very far-reaching history of origin. In a row with the Australian Dingo, the Japanese Akita and the Chow Chow, which also comes from China, the Shar Pei is referred to as the so-called “Ancient Breed”, i.e. as an ancient breed.
Chinese Shar-pei: history
There are many contributions and articles on the history of the Shar Pei, which, as far as the Chinese part is concerned, are often poorly researched or not researched at all. Everything from myths to unscientific claims can be found.
There is no historical record of the breed itself found to date, but thanks to scientific research projects such as “The canine genome” we know that the Shar Pei is a very ancient and original breed, according to scientists an age of over 2000 years is realistic.
The first secure records are found in northern India, south of Nepal. A breed very similar to today’s Chinese Shar Pei appeared there in the mid-18th century. Presumably, these dogs came via old trade routes, offshoots of the historic Tea and Horse Road, from southern China to India.
Other secured data are eyewitness accounts of old Chinese from the southern Chinese provinces. A Shar Pei population can be traced back, which stretched across all southern Chinese provinces up to 70 years ago. Interestingly, with two spatial focuses, southern Guangdong and the north-eastern part of Yunnan, between Sichuan and Guizhou.
Between 1990 and 2000 was the heyday of Chinese Shar Pei breeding in China. But from 1997 the influence of dog dealers from Hong Kong began to increase and through them a completely different type of Shar Pei was propagated in China as a “real” Shar Pei. Much wrinkled, much fleshier and with much more and longer fur. The number of original Shar Peis has drastically reduced during this time and have all but disappeared in some parts of the country. The population in southern Guangdong has been sustained thanks to a few breeders, albeit in small numbers, and remains the largest in the country to this day.
In Guangdong, the Shar-Pei has a longer tradition, with documented information from around 1915. According to oral tradition, the Shar-Pei arrived in the region around 200-500 years ago.
Most of the information about the breed comes from Huang ZhaoTao, a Chinese born in 1900. He has traded in dogs all his life and was very familiar with the breed himself through lore. He was a friend and mentor to many of today’s older, experienced Shar Pei breeders. He lived in Dali, Guangdong, which is probably why many believe today that the breed originated there.
Zhao Qi, or Uncle Ki, as everyone affectionately called him, was able to inspire quite a few people for the breed. He was a well-known Shar Pei connoisseur and well respected in Hong Kong and Guangdong for his knowledge.
Thanks to people like them, to this day, Shar Peis are bred to the standard passed down and taught by Huang ZhaoTao and Zhao Qi. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people in China who love the original Chinese Shar Pei and are committed to the preservation and growth of the original Shat Pei.
Characteristics of the Shar-Pei breed
When we talk about the Shar Pei breed we are talking about one of the oldest dogs in existence since it seems that they existed as early as 200 BC. in Asia were. Genetic studies show that due to its antiquity, it is one of the breeds closest to wolves, although its appearance and behavior differ greatly from them.
The Shar Pei is a very popular breed today, much appreciated for its original appearance where the folds on your skin stand out. It is an ideal family dog, having its character but being affectionate and very intelligent. Without a doubt a perfect dog to live at home with children.
The origin of the Shar Pei is in China, where it was the Han Dynasty symbol. Its name in Chinese means sand skin. This dog has been used as a guard dog and also as a grave guard for much of its existence. In the 1960s, this dog was threatened with disappearance because it was euthanized under the communist regime in the People’s Republic of China. During this regime, pets were considered the property of the bourgeoisie, which had to go. However, today it is one of the most popular breeds, not only in China but also around the world.
The name sandy hair that the Chinese gave him at the time is due to the touch of his peculiar fur. It is a dog that has a coat that is unique in the world, as it has skin with many folds, the length of which is greater than that of normal coat. The fur is short and dense. It has several characteristic shades such as red, black, chocolate, blue or grey. White is the only thing that is not accepted in this dog. The dog can weigh 25 kilos as an adult. There are also several wrinkles on the dog’s face, above the eyes, on the cheeks, forming a double chin. The ears are very small, pendulous and have a rounded tip. The tail is also distinctive, small and curled.
The Shar-Pei is a dog that adapts to all sorts of situations. You can live both in a country house and in an apartment in the city. Its character is ideal for families and is suitable for children and other animals if they get used to it from a young age. This dog generally has a good character, is very playful and funny. Children will enjoy a dog that has a great time with them and that loves to play. He is also a loving and affectionate dog and loyal to his family.
Shar-Pei has quite a lot of energy, so they need to exercise on a daily basis. You tend to gain weight so you should exercise, although it should be moderate. It is a dog that does not tolerate extreme heat or cold well. Also, it is not a good dog to live outdoors, but they prefer being covered. He is a very sociable dog, so it will not be difficult for him to meet other dogs or have a good time with guests at home. In addition, it adapts to everything and is a calm and clean dog. These qualities make it perfect for indoor living.
Never forget that it’s a guard dog, so it’s an animal that can show quite a bit of energy. It needs to be well behaved because it is a dog that can be very protective of itself given its tendency to be a guard dog.
The Shar Pei is a dog that can have a lifespan of around ten years. Your grooming should primarily focus on daily physical activity that keeps you in good shape. This exercise should be moderate, with daily walks avoiding extreme heat or cold.
Furthermore, the Shar Pei’s grooming should focus on his coat. The fact that it has so many folds can cause the dog to have problems between its folds. Infection and hair loss can occur in these areas of the dog’s coat. Therefore they should be cleaned from time to time with a clean cloth and soapy water. The areas need to be dried very well to prevent moisture from causing these skin infections. The area around the eyes and the muzzle are particularly sensitive.
In addition to skin hygiene, it is very important to give her a good food for the dog. You need to consume good quality food as it is prone to allergies that affect it with hair loss, itching and redness of the skin. In any case, if we see a problem in the dog’s skin, we should immediately go to a veterinarian to find out the causes and carry out treatment if necessary.
Many of the diseases that affect the Shar Pei breed are related to their special skin. You have a high chance of suffering from allergies, dryness, hair loss, fungi in the areas of folds and infections. Dermatitis can be common, so we must always take extreme hygiene measures for the dog and its care for the coat.
Another of the most common diseases that the dog suffers from is Shar Pei fever and it is a problem that is transmitted from generation to generation. It is characterized by high fever, swelling of the muzzle and limbs. It is a hereditary disease that cannot be cured and treatment aims to alleviate the problems it causes. Therefore, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs are often used to treat symptoms.
The Shar Pei is a dog that requires a lot of care, so the person must be willing to take on the veterinary costs and their care. In return, we can enjoy a very happy and sociable dog. It is a great dog to live with as a family and gets along well with other animals and children.
Shar-Pei Dog Breed: Personality Traits
Sharpei- dogs, which became popular in our region only recently, but once they became universal favorites and really look Shar Pei, without a smile, it is impossible. When asked to describe shar pei in one word, the first one rightly comes to mind – a wrinkle.
Yes, Shar Pei – the dog, which consists entirely of wrinkles, the most interesting thing is that many consider these dogs decorative, in fact, this is far from the case. In order to understand who so share pei, we must go with you on a short journey in the history of this dog breed. And her story is very fascinating and even a bit tragic.
To say exactly when the first Shar-Pei is difficult, archaeologists say that the first mention of this breed dates back to about 200 years BC, which means that this breed of dog is almost 2000 years old. Originally, these dogs were acquired by Chinese farmers to hunt and guard homes, and Sharpe easily coped with these problems for centuries.
But as a rule, not everyone is so rosy, thanks to everyone for his hunting talent, this breed of dogs is not very well respected by people, the fact is that the game fever broke out in China at the beginning of the 20th century and has become a very popular fight in this country. Who do you think was involved in it? That’s right, these are fun and cute walking pleats. Sharpe actually has all the makings of skin folds letting them not fight injuries and get out of the jaws of opponents. Short and stiff wool to capture the enemy does not take well and stabs him to fall, crooked teeth give these dogs the opportunity to tightly in-law his grip.
Sharpei killed each other and other dog breeds for the fun of the public, but the fighting career of dogs of this breed did not last long. Organizers of dog fights noted that although Shar Pei fight in the fights, they do it reluctantly, without pleasure, and then the organizers of the battles turned their attention to other representatives of fighting dog breeds and left their own Shar-Pei alone.
But, problems did not abound for Shar-Pei dogs, the communists came to power in China and decided to spend food on feeding them. Dogs became a luxury for their state and real persecution began on dogs and their breeders. The dogs were wiped out by the thousands and in a few years breed of Shar Pei was listed in the “Red Book” as an endangered species. A little more and the dogs of this breed would disappear completely, and you could only see them in a photo or picture. But in the sixties of the last century, enthusiasts developed a real company to save this breed of dogs.
People responded to a request for help from around the world, and the numbers of these dogs increased dramatically. Now it cannot be said that Sharpei is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Now the representatives of this breed of dogs can be easily found on the street or on public transport. Now Sharpei is one of the most popular domestic dogs in the world and anyone who wants can easily buy Shar Pei puppies.
Buy chariotea in our time is not so difficult, or rather quite simple. Since this dog is now sold as jewelry, it is not worth looking for in hunting clubs. Nurseries engaged in breeding these dogs are now sufficient in all major cities. It is clear that Moscow is a leader in this regard, but it is not difficult to find Sharpei kennels in other large settlements. In addition to kennels, you can look for shar pei puppies on his hands now on the Internet a whole bunch of ads that sell or even give shar pei puppies in good hands, so you can get a long-awaited friend absolutely free, even if the old belief That there are dog lovers in the area says that taking free puppies is a bad omen.
It seems that a puppy taken for free is painful and can generally die. Therefore, even if a person offers a puppy for free, it is best to give him even the smallest coin in exchange. You can also look for Shar-Pei puppies at the bird market, it is possible that they will be sold there. Standing puppies are usually expensive, this dog is not considered for poor people, so if in a nursery you cost $ 1000 for a puppy, do not be surprised, as the price of a Shar-Pei is quite normal. With your own hands or in the market you are, of course, buying a puppy is much cheaper, but these puppies will not be able to take part in competitions or exhibitions, so first of all think about why you need a dog, a hobby and as friend, or for victories in competitions and exhibitions.
In general, we do not recommend buying a puppy until you decide what you need it for, and before buying it try to find reviews about Shar Pei from the owners of these dogs. If you do not trust the reviews, then go to the forums where dog owners gather, if possible, talk to the living owner of dogs of this breed. As previously mentioned, Shar Pei is not the rarest dog on the street. Therefore, if you want to find a living person who has a dog of this breed, it will not be very difficult. Be sure to talk to the already experienced dog breeders before you buy, you may very well understand that this breed of dog was not created for you at all.
And here we are with the most interesting question – the nature of Shar-PeiWhy this question is the most interesting, perhaps because the character of Shar-Pei is quite complicated and has many features that novice breeders need to know before buying a puppy, and be made for all oddities throwing a dog. Above all, we want everyone who has a puppy of this breed to have a cage.
And in the cell you play not only the role of the dog’s house but also a purely practical role, the fact is that Shar-Pei do not seem like strangers in the house, their sentry seems past, so without a cage you can have trouble with guests to have. This is the first trait of the character shar pei, they do not like new people in the house and can behave aggressively towards strangers.
Another characteristic of shar pei behavior is what is known as shark behavior. The dog begins to cut circles around the object that interests her or the object that she considers dangerous. This behavior is linked to the dog’s past, so the ancestors of the modern sharpei used to intimidate their opponents before starting a fight. If you notice your puppy or already an adult dog is nearby, someone will circle around. Then you need to take steps to suppress aggression from your pet.
Very often these people go without a leash or a muzzle, believing that a decorative dog cannot harm anyone, this is the biggest and most dangerous delusion related to this breed of dogs. As for the behavior of the house and relationships with the household, other dogs in the house can have problems with the Shar Pei, these dogs do not tolerate competition in the attention of the host, if you have a dog or cat at home, they can have problems. This is also one of the factors to think about before starting a dog of this breed.
Another interesting feature of Shar Pei is their hatred of water and all of its manifestations. If it rains on the street, then you need to take your dog for a walk, he will simply refuse to go where that terrible and unpleasant water falls from the sky. Among the same oddities is the fact that Shar Pei are very disliked when hit on the head. This is due to the fact that peripheral vision is very limited due to wrinkles. Therefore, for the usual stroking on the head, your pet can react quite aggressively.
Many believe sharie dogs to be dull and not amenable to training in general. This is a delusion, stupid dogs do not happen, there are impatient people. Remember that any dog can be trained, you just need to find the right approach, it doesn’t matter, but not shar pei. These dogs are very intelligent, and therefore they behave very independently, they can only spit at the owner, not paying attention to his cries and calls. That is why we recommend that you do not let your Shar Pei loose with a leash. In addition to problems with other dogs or people, you can just lose the dog who decided that he really needs to run to the nearest bush.
Search for your pet, you can not then a day or even a week and not the fact that you find it. For the most stubborn or stubborn the only advice we can give is if you want your dog to learn something then go to a technical school and find a specialist who specializes in just such serious cases. Teach a Shar Pei puppy from the first minutes the puppy comes to your home, otherwise you can end up with a completely uncontrolled dog. This will spoil you with things and furniture, although this behavior is typical of very small Shar Pei. Once your puppy gets a little bit bigger, he will become phlegmatic and it will just be laziness to spoil things.
Keeping shar peies is possible only in the apartment or house, on the street this dog can simply perish, although it is able to tolerate rather low temperatures, but these dogs do not like rain or snow very much. In addition, you should carefully monitor the folds of your pet, always wipe them so that there is no accumulation of dirt. If the wrinkles don’t follow the Shar Pei, then your pet can form wounds and even abscesses there from the mud, which is not very good for affecting the dog’s appearance and health.
In order for the dog to feel at home in your house, comfortably determine its place, it is better if this place is performed in the form. As we have already said, you need a cage for the dog to consider the cage his personal room. For this puppy, you need to learn to live in it from an early age, then if you decide to take your pet to the sea, for example, you will not have any problems with guests and travel.
Instruct your pet to eat in a certain place, then it will be easier for you to clean that place and the dog will be better, don’t let your dog beg next to the dining table, although dogs of this breed almost never beg Suffer. We’re talking about Shar Pei. Now let’s dwell on this topic in more detail.
So what is the best way to feed? Shar Pei? We can give an unequivocal answer to this question, it is best to feed the store feed sharply. If you decide to feed it natural food. Most likely, this will not be possible, since for dogs of this breed it is quite difficult to choose a diet from natural products, and the wrong food will immediately affect the appearance of your dog. Under malnutrition, Shar Pei can be bald, they can have watery eyes, and so on.
In short, if you have a Shar Pei, go to the store for food. We have told you several times how to choose quality food, so there will be no problems. We just want to remind you what you should choose is a premium or super premium meal. Remember that cheap types of food can seriously harm your pet and even lead to death. There are even special varieties designed specifically for Shar Pei.
In fact, this can end the conversation about these funny and cute dogs. Many of you may think that these dogs are some kind of monsters. In fact, it is not recommended for inexperienced dog breeders to start and look for a puppy before you
One of the oldest dog breeds, descending from primitive Molossians and Chow Chow, the Shar Pei breed originally hails from ancient China. Emperors and noble families valued the fighting skills of Shar Pei, cultivated fearlessness and war in dogs. The fighting dogs were reliably protected from enemy bites by stiff, sticky hair and an abundance of folds on the head. “Extra” skin during the hold pounded into another dog’s jaws, preventing them from seriously injuring the fighter. But in the twentieth century, the breed did not need the government of China, excessive taxes were imposed on the dog. This led to the almost complete disappearance of the Shar Pei, and by the 1970s the breed was listed in the Red Book. Only the efforts of American breeders allowed to revive the number of unique dogs called Shar Pei, whose characteristics and description of the breeds corresponded to the historically recognized dogs.
The general appearance of the dog expresses energy and militant confidence. Sharpei, whose breed description was officially adopted only after its revival, is an animal of medium size, square in shape, not a wet constitution. It is important that the adult dog folds are only present on the head, a slight fold at the withers and at the base of the tail is allowed. Puppies are almost completely covered with folds.
The head seems large in relation to the body. A broad, flat skull has a moderate transition to the muzzle. Mouth of a particular structure, without a hint of sharpness, wide all over. Due to the structure of the muzzle, the Shar Pei breed shares some similarities with the hippopotamus. The language is blue or spotted, the pink tongue is not allowed. scissor bite. Dark eyes have a frown.
Forelegs without folds, straight, with strong pasterns slightly inclined. The hind legs are muscular, while the trotting dog makes a strong push and a full swing, the movements are light and strong. The tail is thick, set very high, arched over the back. The lack of a tail and a beefy tail are considered vices.
The fur is bristly, short, not sticking to the body, slightly bordering on the extremities. Colored monophonic, from black to fawn, white, spotted or tan color is not allowed.
Because the Shar-Pei have long competed in dog fights and were considered fighting dogs, many of the breed’s character traits are unacceptable for companion dogs. Because of this, sensitive Wardens and rather aggressive Sharpei are not allowed to serve in the police force or in the army. In addition, dogs of this breed do not tolerate extreme heat and cold, and on a sunny summer day the pet’s head should be protected.
As a domestic dog: a guard and a companion, Shar Pei are quite suitable. In addition, they are extremely clean, perfectly accustomed to cleanliness if the owner gives the puppy the opportunity to do business on the street.
Sharpei are very loyal to outsiders, but they feel very threatened and are ready to defend the owner. The decision to attack an attacking Shar Pei is given by itself, so the owner must carefully monitor the animal so that he does not accidentally show sudden aggression.
Sharpei, preparing to attack, always circled and intimidated the perceived enemy. If the dog shows such behavior after the arrival of the guests, it should be closed.
In relation to other animals, Shar Pei often become the instigators of a fight, even if they have previously played happily with a dog or cat. In cats in the representatives of this breed there is mutual dislike, and often for years the animals observe “armed neutrality” without entering into disputes over disapproval of the owner. Street cats – a strong incentive for any Shar pei.
One of the bright features of shar pei is dislike water procedures and water in general. Rainy weather often causes severe reluctance to walk. Monthly bathing in the bath or shower is perceived as an inevitable evil, and swimming in the reservoirs in summer is not one of Sharpei’s favorite things to do. This is partly because water in the dog’s ears leads to long-lasting and difficult-to-treat inflammation. Ear canals sharieya thin and narrow, so during bathing you can not wash the dog’s head.
Many experienced owners use the innate dislike of Shar-Pei water procedures when it is necessary to separate the fighting dogs or stop the attack on the cat. A conventional spray bottle made from a plastic bottle is used for this. Helps immediately without hurting the dog. Sometimes it’s enough to say, “Where’s the water?” So that scandals and quarrels stop.
From the first days of staying in a new family, Sharpei should be shown how to behave with children, with pets, with strangers. Sharpie puppies need essential socialization. The child should be taken to a visit to a practice site in a park where children are playing. We must regularly explain to the animal how to behave in this or that situation. Only timely socialization of the Shar Pei puppy will help avoid problems with an adult dog.
Inexperienced owners will be discouraged by what they feel is inadequate dog aggression to pat their heads. In fact, the angle of vision of dogs of this breed is limited and the dog simply does not see who is touching the top of his head.
The owner who has decided to go into a dressing area with his Shar Pei will be somewhat disappointed. Sharpei, whose description boils down to epithets: intelligent, capable and intelligent, becomes an absolutely incapable, lazy learner. Don’t fret, it’s a matter of persistence Sharieya, who doesn’t exactly like orders and prefers reasonable (from his team point of view), rather than a monotonous training exercise.
Sharpei can’t stand the heat
Owners should be prepared for their dog to have a congenital hereditary condition called systemic amyloidosis, or a Shar Pei’s fever. The disease leads to kidney failure. Also, the pet can swell swelling, which is accompanied by pain syndrome. Disease can only occur a few times in a lifetime and can be repeated regularly.
Numerous folds on the head and neck require careful treatment. Moisture, getting into the folds, provokes the spread of infection. Immediately after bathing or walking in the rain, the dog should be thoroughly wiped or dried with a hair dryer. You can use powder or talcum powder to absorb residual moisture.
The propensity for allergic reactions causes sharpei owners to closely monitor its diet. It is recommended to feed the animal up to a year with ready-made food that has the optimal nutritional balance, and only then switch the dog to natural nutrition with the introduction of vitamin preparations into the diet.
A short video clip clearly shows how cute and docile the dog of the Shar Pei breed can be. Experienced trainers talk about the importance of socializing the puppy, about the health problems of dogs of this breed. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between dogs and children.
Sharpei – a breed of dogs, behind the comical appearance of which there is a real fighter. In their native China, these dogs have always acted as fearless guards and skilled hunters. A feature of the essence of the breed is the combination of tenderness and attentiveness to the owners with assertiveness and intransigence to enemies.
Wool type and color options
Characteristic of the breed is hypertrophied wrinkled skin. The dog is covered in folds from head to toe. The first wrinkles appear already on the third day after birth, up to the month of wrinkles of 6-7 pieces. In 2-3 months, the shar pei will turn into wavy behemoths, but gradually part of the folds will be smoothed out.
Modern standards allow the presence of wrinkles only on the head, withers and tail area. The rest is not considered desirable. However, some experts disagree with these claims or are not at all familiar with them, so often at the shows the most folded copies win.
Currently there is a special type of Shar Pei – “Extremal”. This is the name given to specimens with hypertrophied folds throughout the body. The skin of such a Shar Pei literally hangs in tails all over the body, making the dog heavy and sedentary.
This is what the first representatives of the breed looked like, and in the civilized world such increased folding is a disadvantage. Although Shar Pei followers are “in the fold”, breeders deliberately produce such specimens.
The skin is covered with short hair without an undercoat. Due to the nature of the wool coat, shar-pei resembles a stuffed animal.
The type of wool shar-pei are divided into three types:
Horse – the length of the hair up to 1 centimeter. The number of wrinkles decreases as the puppy grows.
Brush – the length of the hair is 2.5 centimeters. The folds decrease along the body, remaining on the neck and muzzle.
Bear hair – hair length from 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters. Individuals with this type of wool at the official level of the show breed will not be recognized.
Shar-pei is also classified by color.
The main color. Has additional pigmentation in the form of a mask and a belt on the back. The main colors include:
- black;
- cream;
- deer;
- red deer;
- isabella (creamy with a noticeable admixture of a pink tint of varying intensity);
- Red;
- blue (it contains all shades of gray);
- sable.
Dilute color. Black color is completely absent. The group includes colors:
- cream (it is also a creamy shade);
- apricot;
- Red;
- chocolate (all shades from milk to dark chocolate);
- purple;
- isabella.
The appearance of Shar pei reminds us of the assumption that it is a grumpy and closed dog, an incorrigible pessimist. However, upon closer acquaintance, it turns out that the characteristics of the Shar-Pei have nothing to do with the grumpy muzzle expression. These dogs are friendly and affectionate towards the owner and family members. Sharpei is a friendly, cheerful, and tactful dog.
Shar pei inherent self-sufficiency and stubbornness. Beginning at 3-4 months, the old puppies begin to study the household, checking them for strength and observing the family hierarchy. Members of a low-status family (e.g. children) will not obey. Manage the dog will only a strong-willed person, with a strong character, qualities of the owner.
Outsiders, both indoors and on the street, shar-pei are suspicious and wary. Sensing the dog starts barking hysterically at the intruder door and worrying about his appearance in the apartment, but a stranger at the door and fight back in case of danger pei ready to meet at any time. In addition, the size of the opponent does not frighten Sharpeya. He is ready to enter a fight with anyone, even the most powerful man.
In this case, animals growing up with him in the same field, Shar Pei love, and often they are associated with a good relationship. Good nature and kindness, Sharpay shows children, gets along with them so well, but handling the dog should be taught to children, or there might be some trouble.
The dog can not be grabbed by the feet, suddenly put a hand on them. Shyness is associated with the features of Sharpei vision: peripheral vision due to large eyelids is weak, and unexpected touches startle them. If the puppy is constantly scared, it will become aggressive and bitter.
Another feature of shar-pei is the ability to switch on the fly. While the owner is lying on the sofa or busy with his own business, Sharpey will sleep comfortably next to him or on his own bed. But it is necessary to take a leash and call a pet for a walk, while turning into a funny, playful dog, a real choleric. Despite the apparent awkwardness, the dog is actively moving and loves to play.
Shar pei affectionate dog, loves to be scratched behind his ear, loves to lick his hands. The owner for him is the center of the universe, and the type of animal depends entirely on the personality and lifestyle of its owner. He put on one mode: will be happy to go jogging together or to have a long sleep in the morning and will have to wait patiently, have fun with the host country on a picnic or sadly with him, looking out the window of a city apartment. If the owner’s voice is sad, Shar Pei will not care about the games, but will pretend that he is sad too.
Sharpei adapts to the regime of the owner: he can lie on the couch with the owner all day or accompany him for a long walk.
A distinctive feature of Shar Pei is a high intellect. You can make the right decision immediately in unusual situations. Thanks to his high intelligence, Sharpei never loses his composure. Loneliness, he does not like, but stays in the apartment, will patiently wait for the master, will not begin to be ashamed, to gnaw furniture and any things. Dogs living in country houses strictly walk along the paths, never come to the beds of the flower bed, they also speak of their incredible ingenuity.
Your best shar pei traits are shown exclusively with close people. Distrust of strangers can manifest itself in the form of aggression, especially when the stranger is being pushy or breaking distance with the owner or dog.
A dog needs early socialization. Reluctant to intentionally engage in conflict with humans and other Shar Pei animals, but may fear them, nervous at the approach of strangers. The owner is important to teach the dog to treat others calmly.
The model of proper behavior in the house and on the street should be shown to the Shar-Pei from an early age. The pet must be shown what can and should be done and what is not allowed. From a young age, the puppy must learn who is the master of the house. With Sharpei, you need to create a position of leadership, otherwise, he will take on the role of leader and it will be impossible to re-educate him. Acquiring sharieja on commands and rules of conduct, it is necessary to show confidence and perseverance.
For carrying out orders, shar pei should be encouraged by tenderness or praise. Yelling, and even more so, the dog is unacceptable. The dog is universal, so it can be brought up as a guard, watchman, faithful friend.
The ideal version of the dog, which can easily be started in a city apartment – it’s shar pei. Maintaining and caring for Shar Pei does not bring any special problems. From this wool will not be plentiful, and furniture will not suffer from the teeth of the pet left alone in the apartment. Sharpie puppies don’t even need to be used to just going to the bathroom on the street, they will patiently wait for a walk to do their “stuff”.
Shar pei gets a special place in the apartment. To arrange it is necessary in order that the dog saw owners, but it didn’t appear on a draft. The dog should sleep on a roomy chair of medium stiffness, made of natural materials.
Caring for Shar Peiem consists of several activities.
Bathing is carried out on average every 3 months as contamination. Water shar pei do not like, and it is necessary to accustom them to the soul as soon as possible. For swimming, you need a special shampoo for short-haired dogs.
Human shampoos for Shar Pei cannot be used. Flavors can cause severe allergic reactions. In addition, such funds are poorly washed off, and the dog can poison when licking. With frequent washing, Shar Pei is not necessary as they do not have the distinctive smell of a dog. After the shower, the dog should be thoroughly wiped and dried, especially in the fold area.
Combing is done once a week and during molting every other day. During molting, the falling wool is removed with a stiff rubber glove. Sharpie doesn’t need a haircut. Trimming is also highly undesirable.
Mowing the claws is carried out after their growth by 1 mm. Shaving the Shar Pei’s claws cannot be shortened due to the risk of damaging the blood vessels near the edge of the claw. Do not cut the claws at all, as they interfere with paw formation and provoke dislocations.
Eyes and ears – the weak points shar pei: due to the peculiarities of the skin structure covering them, the risk of inflammation is increased. Eyes should be wiped regularly with a damp disc.
Relieving the pet from the tartar will help pieces of lemon, tomato, or bones that can be bought at a pet store. Sometimes the dog’s ears grow too much wool, which impairs air circulation in them. Excess wool should be trimmed or plucked with the fingers. It is very undesirable to get water in your ears when swimming or swimming in a reservoir.
How much does a Shar-Pei dog cost?
Puppies of this breed cost between $1300 and $2000 from a reputable breeder.
Nature and temperament of the Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is a dog that shows a close connection to its owner or his family. He appears reserved and reserved towards strangers. The calm and level-headed, but also very alert four-legged friend is often referred to as a “one-man dog” and therefore does not tolerate a change of owner very well. His cleverness coupled with a rather dominant demeanor requires sufficient dog training experience in his humans to make him a well behaved and affable companion dog. But he will never be a slavish “complier of orders”, he is too strong in character and sometimes idiosyncratic for that.
The appearance of the Shar Pei
An outstanding feature of this breed is the bluish-black to lavender-colored tongue, which is otherwise only found in the Chow Chow, which also comes from China. The body of the Shar Pei is compact and almost square in appearance, which is accentuated by the stocky, very straight legs and the tail curled over the back. Particularly striking is the rather large, somewhat beefy head with the small, triangular ears tilted forward, the deep-set eyes and the broad muzzle, which according to the breed standard “similar to that of a hippopotamus”. The fur or the skin is always a bit too big for the Shar Pei, which leads to the clear formation of folds on the head and back, which is characteristic of the breed.
With the outright marketing of these dogs by their breeders in the United States during the 1980’s and 1990’s, the wrinkled coat was taken to the extreme: the dogs were touted as the “Chinese wrinkled dog,” which clearly came at the expense of the breed’s health. The exaggerated skin folds all over the body provided the perfect breeding ground for fungal and infectious diseases. In addition, there were sometimes significant eye problems, since the wrinkled facial skin meant that hair constantly protruded into the eyes and damaged the sensitive cornea. This extreme wrinkling is now forbidden by the breed standard – fur folds are only permitted on the head, neck, withers and base of the tail, and they must not impair the normal function of the eyes.
Any monochromatic tone except white is permitted as a color for the Shar-Pei. Darker shades of the respective basic color are permitted on the back, but spots or markings of a different color are not. The hair is short, rough and very stiff to the touch and has no undercoat. Differences of about two centimeters are tolerated in the hair length.
The Shar Pei reaches a shoulder height of about 44 to 51 centimeters and weighs 20 to 25 kilograms.
How Big Do Shar Pei Dogs Get?
The Shar Pei reaches a shoulder height of about 44 to 51 centimeters and weighs 20 to 25 kilograms, with males being slightly larger and heavier than females.
Upbringing and keeping of the Shar-Pei – This is important to note
Due to its strong and idiosyncratic character, the Shar Pei needs clear and consistent training on the part of the owner, which makes it unsuitable as a beginner’s dog. He likes to be dominant towards other dogs, so it is particularly important to socialize the puppy well through frequent contact with other dogs. Puppy play groups and training courses in professional dog schools offer a good environment here. Under these conditions, getting used to other animals kept in the household must also be done slowly and with the necessary care.
Within his family, however, the intelligent and sensitive Shar Pei is particularly affectionate and affectionate, which is why he wants to be closely integrated into everyday family life. Being alone for hours or even being kept in a kennel is never suitable for this breed. With loving empathy, the appropriate dog experience and a good portion of discipline, it is no problem to make the Shar Pei an affable and pleasant companion.
Diet of the Shar Pei
As with all other dog breeds, feeding the Shar Pei a high-quality, meat-based food is highly recommended. Inexpensive types of feed made from cheap ingredients and with a high proportion of grain and other additives very often lead to intolerance reactions in this breed, which then manifest themselves primarily in skin problems. This should also be considered when choosing a snack for in between. If the worst comes to the worst, it is best to use normal food as a reward for training, which of course must be taken into account when calculating the daily ration.
Basically, the amount of food and thus the energy supply always depends on the individual age, health and activity status of a dog in order to avoid a deficiency or oversupply. Of course, access to fresh drinking water must always be guaranteed.
What can a Shar Pei eat?
Unless a food allergy requires a special diet, the Shar Pei can be fed a high-quality, meat-based wet or dry food.
Health – life expectancy & common diseases
As already mentioned, the Shar-Pei breed was severely decimated in China in the 1950s by state repression. Only in Hong Kong and Taiwan were there still a few purebred dogs. With the sudden great interest in wrinkled dogs in the USA during the 1970s, there was a real boom, which led to the forced breeding of numerous puppies from a very small genetic pool of few parents. Here, the emergence of various hereditary diseases was accepted in favor of speedy market satisfaction. Nowadays, only regulated breeding by recognized breeding associations tries to get these negative consequences under control again.
A disease typical of this breed is the so-called “Familial Shar Pei Fever”, in which there are episodes of high fever of over 41°, painful, swollen joints and/or a thickened snout. These recurring inflammatory processes can ultimately lead to amyloidosis in some dogs, as inflammatory breakdown products are deposited in the kidneys or other organs. Early death from kidney failure can result.
A breeding selection for particularly pronounced wrinkling almost always causes skin problems such as atopic dermatitis or cutaneous mucidosis, eye problems due to inwardly rolled eyelids (entropion), ear infections, bone and joint problems. According to the breed standard, such characteristics also lead to the dogs concerned being excluded from breeding.
The average life expectancy of the Shar Pei is between eight and twelve years.
How long does Shar-Pei live?
The average life expectancy of the Shar-Pei is between eight and twelve years.
Of course, it is important to be aware of the life expectancy of your future dog when you adopt him. So let’s look at how old the Shar-Pei gets on average and what breed-related diseases you should be prepared for.
On the life expectancy of the Shar Pei
The average life expectancy of this dog is between 8 and 10 years. That’s relatively short, especially considering the size of the Shar Pei as an adult. Unfortunately, this breed’s health isn’t quite as sound as other dogs. Of course it can also happen that your four-legged friend defies the average and lives longer than 10 years old, but you should be aware that he can also leave your side earlier.
Can a Shar Pei live longer?
It is all the more important to have all the factors that are in your hands under control in order to keep your Shar-Pei as healthy as possible and, above all, for as long as possible. You should consider the following:
Watch his diet
A dog’s diet has a direct impact on its health. Poor quality food will not meet your Shar Pei’s needs and will adversely affect their health. That is why it is important that you choose the right dog food for him. Read the ingredients carefully and pay attention to the composition (a protein content of more than 28%, low carbohydrate content, etc.). Always adapt your Shar Pei’s food to its needs throughout its life and if in doubt consult your veterinarian for advice.
Take good care of him
Of course, proper care of your Shar Pei is also an important factor in keeping it healthy for a long time. Pay particular attention to the wrinkles on the face, which need to be cleaned regularly to avoid infection and irritation, skin problems to which this breed is very prone. Also, don’t forget to clip your dog’s nails and clean his teeth, eyes and ears. That being said, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian at least once a year to have your dog’s vaccinations refreshed and remember to give your Shar Pei the necessary anti-parasitic and deworming medication.
Train your Shar Pei consistently
Yes, dog training is also crucial for the health of your four-legged friend. Because of this, you need to start training your Shar Pei as early as possible. With consistent training, you can avoid many accidents. For example, you can call your dog back to you if it strays too far or is in danger. Sometimes a few seconds are enough to avoid accidents.
Pay attention to his needs
Your dog’s well-being also depends on your ability to properly care for him and meet his needs. Your four-legged companion needs physical as well as mental stimuli to be balanced. While athletic, he’s not a tireless bundle of energy, which is why the Shar Pei needs activities and toys, the latter especially to keep you occupied while you’re away.
What diseases is the Shar Pei prone to?
Unfortunately, Shar Pei is prone to certain diseases, more or less serious. So find out what you need to look out for so that you know better how to deal with your four-legged friend in the event of an emergency.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip dysplasia affects the hind limbs and elbow dysplasia the front limbs. In both cases, this joint disease can result in disabling lameness, but in the most severe cases it can also lead to near paralysis. Dysplasia is often hereditary, so it’s a good idea to have your dog’s parents tested to make sure they are not affected. Another reason for this disease can also be excessive demands during the growth phase, which is why you should always take care of your puppy.
Dermatological problems
Because of its very specific face with its many wrinkles, the Shar Pei is very prone to various skin problems if not cared for properly. Microbes and bacteria can easily collect in the folds, so extra care should be taken. When bathing your four-legged friend, be sure to dry every skin fold well to avoid moisture and maceration. You should also avoid leaving your dog in the sun for too long.
Eye problems
The Shar Pei is also susceptible to something called entropion. This causes the eyelid to turn inward, eventually leading to repeated eye infections. This disease can be corrected by surgery. Progressive retinal atrophy is also one of the typical diseases of the Shar Pei and leads to progressive degeneration of the retina, which no medical treatment can counteract. First, visual acuity will decrease, then night blindness will set in before eventually the dog will lose his eyesight completely.
The familial Shar Pei fever
As the name suggests, this disease is typical of the Shar Pei breed. It is a chronic inflammation and fever, although the causes of the disease are unfortunately not exactly known. However, it is known that it is hereditary. She is being treated with medication, but unfortunately the familial Shar Pei fever is not completely curable. The main aim of the treatment is to maintain the dog’s quality of life.
Gastric torsion
This disease is very common in medium and large dogs. The stomach twists in on itself, blocking the entrances and exits and causing swelling. The dog can then no longer excrete the gas contained in the stomach and, in the worst case, the pressure of the stomach can cause the spleen to burst, which leads to internal bleeding. Gastric torsion must be considered a veterinary emergency as the dog’s life is at risk.
Caring for the Shar-Pei
The Shar Pei’s short, quite hard coat is easy to care for. Due to the missing undercoat, however, the dogs are quite sensitive to cold and do not like water that much. The more pronounced the skin folds are in an adult dog, the more intensive the daily care must be in order to prevent skin problems in the deep, poorly ventilated skin folds in good time. Ears and eyes must also be checked regularly before inflammation can occur.
Shar Pei – activities and training
Due to its headstrong and confident nature, the Shar Pei is not a sporting dog. The great fun of going through an agility course or the exuberant joy of dog dancing, as shown by a border collie, is not revealed to this calm and relaxed Asian. Sufficient exercise with a few rather leisurely walks with patient taster breaks is more in his interest. But please not in cold and wet weather, because a Shar Pei doesn’t like that at all.
Even learning funny tricks is not part of his repertoire. He doesn’t want to bother with such silliness. Nevertheless, a dog of this breed must be trained very consistently in order to get a good handle on its strong-willed character and to give it a clear classification within its family.
Good to know: characteristics of the Shar Pei
In the early 1970s, there were very few Shar Pei left in China. At that time, a dog owner and breeder from Hong Kong named Matgo Law wrote an article in the American trade press asking for support in his efforts to preserve this ancient breed. This is how the Western world became aware of the Shar Pei with its special appearance.
In 1977, the Shar Pei was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the “world’s rarest breed of dog”. Shortly thereafter, the first specimens arrived in the United States, where breeding of the breed began immediately. Already at the beginning of the 80s there were several hundred Shar Pei in the USA. Breeding soon began in other countries as well, and the stock of the breed was thus secured.
What are the wrinkled dogs called?
Although different dog breeds with more or less wrinkled fur are known, the Chinese Shar Pei is considered the epitome of the “wrinkled dog”. However, he owes this to a rather unhealthy, targeted breeding selection of this trait, which was mainly practiced in the USA in the 1970s, where the extreme wrinkles of the dogs were marketed as a breed trait.
Disadvantages of the Shar Pei
Since the Shar Pei shows a strong will and males in particular like to be dominant over other dogs, the future owner should have appropriate and sufficient experience in dog ownership and training.
The more pronounced the skin folds are in an adult dog, the more complex and time-consuming daily care is to prevent health problems as much as possible. In principle, however, breeding for such purely optical characteristics, which are undesirable according to the breeding standard, should not be supported by buying a puppy in the first place. In fact, the original Shar Pei of ancient China hardly had any wrinkles!
Is the Shar Pei right for me?
No matter what breed of dog you are interested in, you should always ask yourself a few basic questions before getting a dog:
Do I have enough time to take care of the dog, to walk him several times a day, and to keep him busy?
Do all family members agree to getting a Shar Pei?
Who takes care of my dog if I can’t?
Am I willing to take my Shar Pei with me on vacation?
Do my financial resources suffice not only to cover the high purchase price for the puppy (about $1300-2000) and the initial equipment with a leash, collar, bowl and basket, but also the running costs for high-quality food, necessary visits to the vet, vaccinations and medication , dog school, dog tax and liability insurance to pay? After all, a dog costs about the same as a small car over the course of its lifetime!
If you have finally thought about everything and decided to bring a Shar Pei as a new family member, you should first look for a reputable breeder. Important criteria for the fact that the breeder is really serious about breeding dogs are, for example, a manageable number of breeding animals and litters and the keeping of bitches and puppies within the family and with close contact to reference persons. A look at the mother dog gives the interested party an impression of whether the breeder cares about the health of his dogs or rather about selling puppies that are as wrinkled as possible at the highest possible prices. A good breeder will ask questions of the prospect about how and where their dogs will be kept and, if necessary, will refuse to sell a puppy if the prospect’s answers are not satisfactory. Recommendations for feeding, information about veterinary treatments such as initial vaccinations and deworming and the offer to contact you after the purchase should be a matter of course for a good breeder. It is best to visit the breeder before you finally buy the puppy.
You should never buy a Shar Pei from a pet market or from the trunk of a shady dog dealer! Although these dogs are usually cheaper than from a reputable breeder, there is almost always unscrupulous and cruel animal cruelty behind them! The mother animals are kept under terrible conditions as pure “litter machines”, the puppies are neither vaccinated nor otherwise veterinary treated, often suffer from acute, in the worst case fatal illnesses soon after purchase or remain a lifelong case for the vet – and that is under much more expensive than the puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder!
In addition to purchasing from a breeder, it may also be worth going to an animal shelter – there are actually many purebred dogs waiting to find a new and beautiful home here. Various animal welfare organizations have also dedicated themselves specifically to helping Shar Pei in need and are looking for suitable, loving owners for such dogs.
If you have many years of experience in dog ownership, remain consistent in the necessary upbringing of your Shar Pei and do not surrender to his strong-willed Asian charm, you will find a devoted companion in this dog breed who will treat you with unconditional love and will never shy away from to defend his people against impending dangers with his life.
How many puppies does a Shar-Pei get?
The average litter size for the Shar-Pei is four to six puppies.
