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Chinese Shar Pei
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The Shar Pei or Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed of dog known for its
distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The
breed comes from China. The name (pinyin: shā pí; English name
probably derived from British spelling of Cantonese equivalent sā
pèih) translates to "sand skin," and refers to the texture of its
short, rough coat. As puppies, Shar Pei have numerous wrinkles,
but as they mature, these wrinkles disappear as they "grow into
their skin". Shar Pei were once named as one of the world's rarest
dog breeds by Time magazine and the Guinness Book of World
Records, and the American Kennel Club did not recognize the
breed until 1991.
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Chinese Shar Pei
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Country of origin
China
Weight
40-65 lb
Height
18-20 in
Coat
Short, rough (horse, brush or bear)
Color
Varied
Life span
7-10 years
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Description
Appearance
Small, triangular ears, a muzzle shaped like that of a
hippopotamus, and a high-set tail also give the Shar Pei a unique
look. For show standard, "the tail is thick and round at the base,
tapering to a fine point" (AKC standard February 28, 1998). This is
one of the most important feature of Shar-pei. So bushy thick tail is
incorrect but very commonly seen in most western Shar-pei today.
Colors
Western Shar Pei come in many different colors such as fawn, red
(rose), sand, cream, black, lilac and blue. They resemble the Chow
Chow due to having the same blue-black tongue. There are over
sixteen recognized colors in AKC. The coat must be solid in color
and any Shar-Pei with a "flowered coat" (spotted) or black and tan
in coloration (i.e. German Shepherd) is a disqualification. Colors
include black, cream, fawn, red-fawn, red, sable, apricot,
chocolate, isabella, and blue. The nose may be black or brick (pink
with black), with or without a black mask. A Shar-Pei can also have
what is called a "dilute" coloration. Meaning the nose, nails and
anus of the dog is the same color as the coat, (i.e. chocolate coat
with chocolate nose, nails and anus). All of these color variations
are acceptable and beautiful, but the coat color must be solid and
well blended throughout the whole body of the dog.
Coat
Western Shar Pei comes in three different coat types; horse, brush
and bear coat. The unusual horse-coat is rough to the touch,
extremely prickly and off-standing and is closer to the original
traditional Shar Pei breed in appearance and coat type than the
Brush or Bear Coat. This coat is fairly prickly, and can be rough or
irritating when petting in the opposite direction of the fur. The
Horse Coat is generally thought to be more active and predisposed
to dominant behaviour than the Brush Coat. The brush-coated
variety have slightly longer hair and a smoother feel to them. The
Brush Coat is generally considered to be more of a 'couch potato'
than the Horse Coat.
Wrinkles
Shar Pei usually come in two varieties: one is covered in large
folds of wrinkles, even into adulthood (the Western type and mainly
Brush Coat). The other variation has skin that appears tighter on
its body, with wrinkles just on the face and at the withers (the
original type and Horse Coat).
Temperament
The Shar Pei is often suspicious of strangers, which pertains to
their origin as a guard dog. In general the breed has proved itself
to be a loving, devoted family dog. They are also a very
independent and reserved breed. Nevertheless, the Shar Pei is
extremely devoted, loyal and affectionate to its family, and is
amenable to accepting strangers given time and proper
introduction at a young age. If poorly socialized or trained, it can
become especially territorial and aggressive. Even friendly and
well-socialized individuals will retain the breed's watch dog
proclivities (such as barking at strangers). It is a largely silent
breed, barking only when playing or when worried. The Shar Pei
were originally bred as palace guards in China. While this breed is
adorable it is also very protective of its home and family, a powerful
dog that is willing to guard its family members. The breed is
amenable to training, but can get bored from repetition. Overall,
the Shar Pei is a dog that is loyal and loving to its family while
being very protective and independent.
Health
Because of its fame after being introduced to North America in the
1970s, the breed suffered much inexperienced or rushed
breeding. Many genetic problems arose as a result.
Allergy-induced skin infections can be a problem in this breed
caused by poorly selected breeding stock. This actually has
become more and more rare over the years with responsible
breeders and lines. Familial Shar Pei fever (FSF), and swollen
hock syndrome, (SHS), are also a serious problems for the breed.
The FSF disease causes short fevers lasting up to 24 hours, after
which there may be no recurrence or they may recur at more
frequent intervals and become more serious. A possibly related
disease is called amyloidosis, and is caused by unprocessed
amyloid proteins depositing in the organs, most often in the
kidneys or liver, leading to renal failure. At this time there is no test
for these seemingly prevalent diseases.
A common problem is a painful eye condition, entropion, in which
the eyelashes curl inward, irritating the eye. Untreated, it can
cause blindness. This condition can be fixed by surgery ("tacking"
the eyelids up so they will not roll onto the eyeball for puppies or
surgically removing extra skin in adolescent and older Shar Pei).
Chinese Shar Pei can be notoriously allergic to food products that
contain soy, corn, wheats, glutens and sugars (or can develop
these allergies without proper care early on). It is recommended in
the breed now to use a completely grain-free food to offset and try
to prevent these allergies. 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/wheats and glutens, will enjoy much healthier lives with
little or no skin irritation, itching, or sores.
Responsible breeders work to reduce the frequence of these
genetic problems, and so finding an experienced, well-established
Shar-Pei breeder is important. Some problems (ie, the need for
eye-tacking) can be virtually eliminated from experienced breeders'
litters. The breeder will also give the best and most detailed diet
information specific to their Shar-Pei.
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Chinese Shar Pei puppies
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