Dog Shar Pei Black Breed Overview and Care Guide

The Shar Pei Black breed is a unique and ancient dog breed that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. They are known for their distinctive wrinkled skin and blue-black coat.

The Shar Pei Black breed is relatively small, with adults typically weighing between 25-40 pounds and standing between 16-18 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

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The Shar-Pei breed can vary greatly in appearance, with two distinct varieties recognized by some International Kennel Clubs. The traditional "bone-mouth" variety from China is taller and slimmer, with fewer wrinkles, while the Westernized "meat-mouth" variety is stockier, has more wrinkles, and a wider, fleshier head.

Shar-Peis are known for their wrinkled skin, especially as puppies, and their distinctively wrinkled face, often described as "hippopotamus-like." Their coat can be either short and bristly or slightly longer and smoother.

Here are some key breed characteristics at a glance:

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with some amazing characteristics. Their wrinkled skin is one of their most defining traits, especially as puppies.

Their "hippopotamus-like" face is instantly recognizable due to their deep-set wrinkles and fleshy muzzle. This distinctive feature is a result of their loose, wrinkled skin.

One of the most interesting facts about Shar-Peis is their tongue color - they have a solid blue-black tongue, just like the Chow Chow.

Shar-Peis have a short, bristly coat that can be either "horse-coat" or "brush-coat", making them a bit of an exception among dog breeds.

Their loyal and protective nature makes them excellent guard dogs and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their human families.

Despite their independent nature, early socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-behaved around unfamiliar people and animals.

Here are some key characteristics of the Chinese Shar-Pei breed:

The Shar-Pei is a unique breed with some fascinating characteristics. They can vary greatly in appearance.

Their affection level is medium, which means they're not overly demanding of attention but still enjoy spending time with their owners. They're also moderately friendly, making them a great addition to many families.

One thing to note is that they're not ideal for households with multiple pets. Their pet-friendliness is rated as low, so it's best to introduce them to other animals slowly and under controlled circumstances.

In terms of exercise needs, the Shar-Pei requires a moderate amount of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through daily walks and playtime.

Their playfulness is on the lower side, which means they're not as energetic or demanding as some other breeds. However, they still enjoy a good play session and will appreciate the quality time.

The Shar-Pei's energy level is also relatively low, making them a great choice for owners who don't have a lot of time for high-maintenance pets. They're happy to adapt to a more relaxed lifestyle.

Unfortunately, they can be a bit challenging to train due to their low trainability rating. Consistency and patience are key when working with a Shar-Pei.

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Despite the challenges, their intelligence is actually quite high, which means they're capable of learning and understanding commands with time and effort. Just be prepared to put in the work!

In terms of barking, the Shar-Pei is relatively quiet, with a low tendency to bark. This makes them a great choice for owners who value a peaceful living environment.

Finally, they shed moderately, which means they'll require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

When considering the size of a Chinese Shar-Pei, you'll typically find males and females have a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Both males and females usually weigh between 40 and 55 pounds.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed that requires attention to its specific needs. Its coat is generally easy to care for, requiring only weekly brushing, but deeper folds and wrinkles must be inspected often and cleaned and dried regularly to avoid irritation or skin-fold pyoderma.

Shar-Pei fever, a disorder that affects roughly one in four Shar-Pei dogs, can be monitored by checking for fever and signs of swelling, especially on the ankle joints and muzzle. This condition can be treated medically to reduce the body's temperature and amyloid production.

A daily walk or game session is necessary to keep your Shar-Pei healthy and happy. However, it's essential to keep it in a fenced area when off-leash, as it may not come when called. Additionally, it's not suited for dog parks due to its potential aggression towards strange animals.

To prevent heat stress, it's crucial to avoid prolonged sun exposure and keep your Shar-Pei indoors with fans or air conditioning in hot weather. Its short nose makes it highly sensitive to heat, making it unsuitable for jogging companions.

Here's a list of essential care tasks for your Shar-Pei:

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Shar-Pei lives a happy, healthy life.

As a shar-pei owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Shar-peis are prone to many different health conditions, some of which are likely due to irresponsible overbreeding in the 1980s.

The breed's flat face can make them less tolerant of heat, so it's crucial to take extra care when exercising your shar-pei in warmer weather. This means avoiding intense exercise during the hottest part of the day and providing plenty of water and shade.

Some common health problems that can affect shar-peis include skin issues like pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection that can occur due to excess skin folds. Ear problems are also common, with narrow ear canals making them prone to yeast and bacterial infections.

Eye problems are another area of concern, with conditions like entropion, glaucoma, and cherry eye being possible. Luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism are also potential issues.

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Here are some key health concerns to watch out for in your shar-pei:

Regular veterinary check-ups and a good preventive health plan can help minimize the risk of these conditions. By being aware of the potential health issues that can affect your shar-pei, you can take steps to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

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Training a Shar-Pei requires patience and positive reinforcement methods. They can be wary of other dogs and strangers, so socialization from the beginning is crucial.

A Shar-Pei is not keen on roughhousing, so gentle training is essential. Trying to force them to comply can lead to negative outcomes.

Early socialization is key to developing a well-rounded Shar-Pei. Exposing them to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences will help them become confident and calm.

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The Chinese Shar-Pei's temperament is quite unique. This breed is known to be confident and independent, which can make training a challenge at times. A firm and consistent training regime is required to bring out the best in this breed.

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They can be quite headstrong, so patience and persistence are key. This breed is devoted to and protective of its family, but it's not particularly demonstrative. It tends to be serious and not excessively playful.

Their energy level is average, which means they don't require an excessive amount of exercise. They generally get along well with other household dogs and pets, but can be aggressive toward strange dogs. This makes them an excellent watchdog.

However, they can be aloof or even suspicious toward strange people, so socialization is crucial. Early socialization, exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences, can help ensure a well-rounded dog.

Training a shar-pei requires socialization and training from the beginning. This is crucial to help them feel comfortable around other dogs and strangers.

A shar-pei can be wary of other dogs and strangers due to their high prey drive. This means they might not be the best fit for households with multiple pets.

Positive reinforcement methods are essential when training a shar-pei. Trying to force them to comply can lead to negative outcomes.

A firm and consistent training regime is necessary to manage a shar-pei's headstrong personality. This breed can be quite independent and stubborn at times.

It's essential to remember that every shar-pei is unique, and their behavior may differ from others of their breed.

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a very ancient history, with statues resembling the breed dating back to the time of the Han Dynasty in China, over 2,000 years ago.

They were originally bred for their hunting and fighting prowess, and their unique wrinkles and rough coat would have helped prevent opponents from getting a grip.

The name Shar-Pei is derived from the Cantonese translation of the words "sand skin", which describes the breed's distinctive skin texture.

The breed almost became extinct during the communist revolution in China in the mid 20th century, but a Chinese breeder sent a plea to American dog enthusiasts in the 1970s, leading to a resurgence in popularity.

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This attention led to the breed being featured on the cover of LIFE magazine and in high-profile ad campaigns, causing a surge in demand that resulted in unscrupulous overbreeding.

The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in the late 1980s, and has since been recognized as a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China, where it was valued as a hunter, herder, guardian, and fighter.

Some historians believe the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed, although there is no definitive evidence to prove this.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with a distinctive look, thanks to its bristle-like coat and loose wrinkles. They're also known for their calm nature, making them a great choice for apartment living.

The Shar-Pei is a loyal breed, but they're not needy, which means they're happy to entertain themselves. They're also independent thinkers, sometimes coming across as aloof.

Here are some key stats about the Shar-Pei:

If you're considering bringing a Shar-Pei into your life, you have two main options: adopting or buying.

Adopting a Shar-Pei can be a hugely rewarding experience, especially if you're willing to give a loving home to a dog in need. Unfortunately, Shar-Peis don't always make the best fit for new dog owners, which can lead to them ending up in rescue.

Expect to pay a breeder between $1,000 up to $2,500 for a champion blood line puppy if you decide to buy. Make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who keeps the mother and pups in a nurturing home environment, makes appropriate health checks, and doesn't separate the pups from their mother before they're eight weeks old.

If you're looking to adopt, start by checking with your local shelter and also consider contacting breed-specific rescues like North American Shar-Pei Rescue.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with a distinct appearance, earning him the nickname "sand skin" due to his bristle-like coat.

He's a medium-sized dog with a solid build, weighing between 45-65 pounds. This makes him a great companion for apartment living, despite his powerful head and short muzzle.

The Shar-Pei's calm demeanor is one of his most attractive features, but it also requires careful training to ensure he doesn't become too aloof or protective. Early training is essential for this strong-willed breed.

Grooming is a breeze with the Shar-Pei, as he's a naturally clean dog that doesn't require frequent bathing. However, his wrinkles do make him prone to skin problems, so extra attention is needed in that area.

The Shar-Pei's lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 9-12 years. This makes it even more important to prioritize his health and well-being.

Here are some key characteristics of the Chinese Shar-Pei breed:

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with some fascinating characteristics. The origin of this breed is China.

This breed is medium in size, weighing between 45-65 pounds. Their short and harsh coat requires minimal grooming.

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The lifespan of a Shar-Pei is 9-12 years. Loyal, independent, and protective - these are just a few words to describe the temperament of this breed. They are also known for being quite protective.

Moderate exercise needs are recommended for Shar-Peis. Early and consistent training is crucial to develop good behavior in these dogs.

Here are some common health concerns to be aware of:

Not every Shar-Pei has the unique solid blue-black tongue, but it's a distinctive feature of this breed.