Chinese Shar Pei Colors: A Rainbow of Variations

The Chinese Shar Pei is a stunning breed with a rich history, and one of its most distinctive features is its incredible array of coat colors.

There are 26 recognized colors for the Chinese Shar Pei, ranging from solid colors to patterns and combinations.

The breed's unique coat is made up of a double layer of fur, with a soft undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat.

In fact, the breed's original purpose was to guard and protect, and its distinctive coat was a key factor in its ability to adapt to the harsh climate of its native China.

Shar Peis come in a wide range of colors and patterns. Solid colors and multi-colored varieties are both accepted by kennel clubs.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes more than a dozen standard coat colors for Shar Peis. This includes colors like black and white, brindle, and sable.

You won't find merle Shar Peis, as the merle gene is not standard within this breed.

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Blue tongue variations are a unique characteristic of the Shar Pei breed. Shar Peis have blue and black markings on their tongue, which is very characteristic of the breed.

This trait is so distinctive that Shar Peis without it may be mixed breeds. The blue and black markings on the tongue are a key identifier of the breed.

The blue tongue is often associated with the breed's blue coloring, which is one of the most popular colors among Shar Pei owners. A blue Shar Pei puppy can fetch its breeder as much as $3,000.

Full-grown blue Shar Peis are sometimes lovingly called “velvet hippos” thanks to their beautiful soft appearance and grey-toned fur.

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Shar Peis can be found in a range of solid colors and multi-colored varieties.

Some solid color Shar Peis have slight shade or hue variations in their coats.

You won't find merle Shar Peis, as the merle gene is not standard within this breed.

Reputable breeders often have Shar Peis in a variety of coat colors, including black and white, brindle, and sable.

Rare Shar Pei colors don't really exist, since this breed naturally comes in a range of hues.

The Chinese Shar Pei is a breed with a rich history and unique characteristics. Their rough, sandpapery coat is a result of the breed's literal translation of "sand skin".

In China, the breed's blue-black tongue and wrinkly skin were believed to have spiritual significance, frightening away evil spirits.

The breed's distinctive appearance has also made it a sought-after pet, with a pair of shar-pei puppies listed as fantasy gifts in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book in 1983 for a whopping $2000 each.

Here are some fun facts about the Chinese Shar Pei's colors and characteristics:

The shar-pei's rough, sandpapery coat is a result of its literal translation of "sand skin." This unique texture is just one of the many interesting characteristics of the shar-pei breed.

In China, where the breed originated, the shar-pei's blue-black tongue and wrinkly skin were believed to have spiritual significance. They were thought to frighten away evil spirits.

The shar-pei's distinctive features made them a popular choice as fantasy gifts. In 1983, a pair of his and hers shar-pei puppies were listed as gifts in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book for a whopping $2000 each.

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Shar Pei dogs are known for their distinctive wrinkled skin and short coats, which require minimal grooming.

Some Shar Pei owners have reported that their dogs can be prone to skin problems if their wrinkles aren't regularly cleaned and dried.

Shar Peis are often described as loyal and affectionate companions, making them a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners.

Their calm and gentle nature also makes them a good fit for apartment living, as they don't require a lot of exercise or stimulation.

Shar Peis can weigh anywhere from 25 to 60 pounds, depending on their lineage and overall health.

Despite their laid-back demeanor, Shar Peis are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Their short coats also make them a low-maintenance choice for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.

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The Chinese Shar Pei's appearance is quite unique, with a medium-sized body and a square, compact shape. Her coarse, sandpapery fur comes in a variety of solid and sable colors, excluding white.

Her head features a broad "hippopotamus" muzzle, small, flat-lying triangular ears, and a blue-black tongue. Her dark, slightly sunken eyes complete her picture.

As she grows, the Shar Pei's wrinkles tend to fade, especially after the puppy stage. Some Shar Peis retain their wrinkles, while others end up with just a few folds at the neck.

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The shar-pei's physical appearance is quite unique. Their medium-sized body is compact and square in shape.

Their coarse, sandpapery fur comes in a variety of solid or sable colors, excluding white. This variety of colors is impressive.

A shar-pei's head is a bit on the large side, featuring a broad "hippopotamus" muzzle. Their small, flat-lying, triangular ears are also quite distinctive.

Their blue-black tongue is another notable feature. Their small, dark, slightly sunken eyes complete their picture.

Shar-pei puppies are most wrinkly around 14 weeks old, but as they age, they tend to grow out of their wrinkles, at least to some extent. Some shar-peis remain quite wrinkled, while others end up with just a few folds at the neck.

Their high-set tail curls around and over their back, adding to their unique appearance.

The unique features of this subject are quite fascinating. One of the most distinctive features is its vibrant coloration, which can range from bright blues to deep purples.

Its slender body is perfectly adapted for speed, allowing it to reach impressive velocities. This enables it to catch prey with ease.

Its large, expressive eyes are a striking feature, capable of detecting even the slightest movements. They're truly a marvel of nature.

Its unique markings serve as a form of identification, helping to distinguish one individual from another. This is especially useful in social situations.

Its ability to change color is an impressive adaptation, allowing it to blend in with its surroundings. This is a crucial survival skill.