Chinese Shar Peis

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Appearance

Shar-Peis are medium-sized muscular dogs, famous for their coarse wrinkled coat and their bluish-black tongue. There are an abundance of wrinkles in puppies, however, wrinkles should be limited to the muzzle and neck in adult dogs. The Shar-Pei's coat color palette is extremely rich. Solid colors, brown, beige, tan and black are among the sixteen acceptable. Shar-Peis have a large head with a broad flat skull. Their eyes are dark, small almond-shaped. The triangular ears are rather thick. The medium length tail can be either straight or curved across the back.

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Pictures

Picture courtesy of
True Gem Chinese Shar Pei

Height: 18-20 inches.
Weight: 45-60 pounds.
Life Span: Around 12 years.

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Temperament

The Shar-Pei's temperament is as peculiar as their outstanding appearance. Shar-Peis are sometimes called arrogant and standoffish. However, they tend to expose aloofness and dignity only when strangers are around. It is difficult to find a better companion and a more charming pet. Shar-Peis have a gentle nature and love to clown around with children. They are devoted to their owners and are usually happy with both indoor and outdoor activities. Shar-Peis are rated high as watchdogs and guard dogs.

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - History

The Shar-Pei is a very ancient breed. Its history begins as early as 202-220 AD (Han Dynasty) and archeologists claim that Shar-Peis were fighting dogs, service and tomb dogs at that time. The Chow-chow and the Tibetian Mastiff are often mentioned as the Shar-Pei breed's ancestors or relatives.

In 1940s, when the communist regime took over China, Mao Tse-Tung chose to impose luxury tax on pets. As a result, in the 1960s the Chinese Shar-Pei breed was under a threat of extinction. It was named the most rare dog breed in the Guinness Book of World Records in late 60s.

Chinese Shar Peis - Information - Pictures

Picture courtesy of
Groups MSN com

Help came from Hong-Kong, when in 1973, Mr. Matgo Law wrote to an American magazine explaining the problem and enclosing some pictures of these dogs. He was concerned about the disappearance of the breed. There was an immediate response resulting in making the Shar-Pei the most expensive dog breed in the world. The Shar-Pei fever lasted several years and made the breed extremely fashionable. However, this fad brought about the problem of poor quality breeding of Shar-Peis. Some irresponsible breeders were after profit and the quality of litters was not of their concern.

In 1974, the Chinese Shar-Pei American Club was founded. The first Shar-Pei breed show took place in 1978. And, in 1991 the AKC officially recognized the Shar-Pei.

The Shar-Pei is not the most rare and the most expensive breed nowadays. However, the peculiar interest in Shar-Peis and respect of the breeds history has not weakened.