Shar-Pei

Size: Medium to Large
Other Names: Chinese Shar-Pei
Country of Origin: China
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Non-Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Northern Breed
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting

Height:

18-20 inches

Weight:

Male: 55-65 pounds; Female: 40-55 pounds

Color(s):

Black, cream, fawn, red-fawn, red, sable, apricot, chocolate, Isabella, or blue

Coat:

Brush-coat, with long hair and a smooth feel; or horse-coat, rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing, in one direction soft, in the other harsh

Description:

The origin of the Chinese Shar-Pei can be traced to the province of Kwun Tung, and has for centuries existed in the southern provinces of China.  These dogs helped their peasant masters in various tasks such as herding cattle, guarding the home and family, and have proven themselves to be qualified hunters of wild game, usually wild pigs.  The Shar-Pei was bred for intelligence, strength and scowling face.  During the Communist Revolution, when the Shar-Pei population dwindled dramatically, dogs were rescued by a Hong Kong business man named Matgo Law, who appealed to Americans in 1973 through a dog magazine to save the breed.  Around 200 Shar-Peis were smuggled into America.  The current American Shar-Pei population stems mainly from these original 200.  Some people may experience a sensitivity to the harshness of the coat of either length.  This is a mild, short lived rash, that can develop on the skin that has been in contact with the coat, most commonly on the forearms.

Temperament:

In general, the Shar-Pei has proved himself to be a loving, devoted family dog, that is very protective and independent.  The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique and intelligent dog, who can be stubborn, strong-willed and very territorial.  He is often suspicious of strangers, and is a good guard dog.  He is amenable to accepting strangers, given time and proper introduction at a young age.  He is mostly a silent dog, barking only when playing or when worried.

Training:

The Shar-Pei is amenable to training, but can get bored from repetition.  Early training can help control the Shar-Pei’s stubborn traits, before they become problem behaviors, such a being excessively territorial and aggressive.  The Shar-Pei requires early socialization with children, strangers, and other animals, in order to have a dog that is a good family member as well as a welcome member of society.

Care & Grooming:

Often, the Shar-Pei can be allergic to food products that contain soy, corn, wheat, gluten, and sugars.  Using a completely grain-free food to offset and try to prevent these allergies is recommended.  Often the consumption of these types of poor quality foods result in allergic skin reactions.  Shar-Pei whose food intake is restricted to better quality foods free of corn/soy/wheat and gluten, will enjoy much healthier lives, with little or no skin irritation, itching, or sores.

Shedding:

Low to moderate; the short harsh coat is easy to wipe down.

Health:

Shar-Pei may develop entropion, skin-fold infections, Shar-Pei fever, and hip dysplasia.  Keep the wrinkles clean and dry, and watch for unexplained fever or swollen hocks.

Lifespan:

8–12 years

Litter Size:

4–6 puppies