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Shar Pei
Shar Pei

Country of Origin: China

Group: Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid Breeds - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs

Section: Molossoid breeds

Original Function: dog fighting, herding, hunting, guardian

Todays Function: companion

Dimension Male: 46-51 cm

Dimension Female: 46-51 cm

Weight Male: 18-25 kg

Weight Female: 18-25 kg

Litter Size: 4-6 puppies

Life span: 8-10 years

Other Names: Chinese Fighting Dog, Chinese Shar-Pei


Colors: The colors of the chinese shar-pei are cream, fawn, red, and black.

Living: The shar-pei is a moderately active indoor dog so some space indoors is required. they will however

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Description

Both heavily wrinkled dogs with large heads and smaller headed dogs with tighter looking skins occur in this breed. There are three coat varieties: horse-coat and brush-coat and a rare bear-coat, which is not recognized by the AKC. The bear-coat, does not falling within AKC standard because this particular Shar-Pei has an undercoat and a topcoat exceeding 1 inch. The popular theory about the bear-coat is that it"s a "throwback" to the chow-chow. They are actually quite popular as pet quality Shar-Pei, albeit rare, and often confused with the chow by unknowing owners as well as animal shelter workers. The unusual horse-coat is rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing. The brush-coated variety has longer hair and a smoother feel. The coat on either variety can be up to one inch in length. Coat colors include all solid colors and sables. There is also a lowered, spotted, and a parti colored Shar-Pei coat, which is a disqualifying fault in the show ring according to AKC standard. The small ears fall forward and the tail is carried in a curl. Like the Chow Chow, these dogs have a blue-black tongue. It has a square profile with a broad, full head and wide, padded muzzle. Puppies have more wrinkles than adults. Shar-Pei slowly loose their wrinkles as they get older.

Temperament

The Shar-Pei is self-assured, serious, independent, stubborn and very much self-possessed. Although not particularly demonstrative, it is devoted and very protective of its family. It is reserved, even suspicious, toward strangers. It can be aggressive toward other dogs and may chase livestock and other animals, although it is generally good with other family pets. The Shar-Pei needs daily mental and physical stimulation, but its needs can be met with lively games throughout the day or a good long walk. It is not generally amenable to exclusive outdoor living, but it can divide its time between house and yard. The coat needs only weekly brushing, but wrinkles need regular attention to ensure that no irritations develop within the skin folds.

Excercise

The name Shar-Pei means sandy coat, referring to the gritty sandpaper texture of the coat. When rubbed backward, the prickly coat can be uncomfortable, and even cause welts on the skin of an occasional sensitive person.

Grooming

The Shar-Pei should be brushed regularly. Their coat is never trimmed. This breed does not have an undercoat. The "bush" coat sheds a little year round, but the "horse" coat tends to shed only during molting periods. Molting may leave the dog looking unke

Health

Major concerns: entropion, CHD

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, demodectic mange

Occasionally seen: ciliary dyskinesia, renal amoidosis

Suggested tests: hip, knee, elbow, (eye)

Note: The breed is susceptible to fevers of unknown orig