Shar Pei Dog Breeders: Uncovering the Ancient Chinese Breed

The Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese dog breed with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.

Originating in the Liangshan Mountains of Sichuan Province, China, the breed was highly valued for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts.

One of the most distinctive features of the Shar Pei is its unique wrinkled skin, which is a result of the breed's original purpose as a guard dog.

The Shar Pei's short, easy-to-maintain coat is another desirable trait, especially for busy owners.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed with a rich history that spans thousands of years. Figurines bearing a resemblance to the Shar-Pei have been dated back to the Han Dynasty, at least 200 B.C.

The breed nearly became extinct during the communist revolution in China, when dogs were ruthlessly exterminated by the government. A small number of breeders in Hong Kong and Taiwan were able to keep the breed alive.

In 1966, the first Shar-Pei were imported into the United States. The Chinese Shar-Pei was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1985.

The breed is believed to be a descendant of the Chow-Chow, due to their blue-black tongue. They were used in hunting, guarding the family, herding livestock, and as ratters.

The Chinese believed that the wrinkles and dark mouth of this canine warded off evil spirits. They had great endurance and could work all day alongside their masters.

The Chinese Shar-Pei was accepted by the American Kennel Club as a recognized breed in 1992, an event which helped spur the proliferation of the breed. There are now over 70,000 dogs registered with the AKC as foundation stock.

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The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with some distinctive physical characteristics. Its calm and confident demeanor is matched by its rugged appearance.

The Shar-Pei's loose skin and wrinkles, combined with its harsh coat, give it a rough-around-the-edges look. Its deep-set eyes and limited peripheral vision due to the wrinkles on its head are also notable features.

In terms of size, the Shar-Pei typically stands between 18 to 20 inches tall and weighs between 45 to 60 pounds. Its well-muscled shoulders, laid back and strong, support its sturdy build.

Their wrinkles are one of the Shar-Pei's most distinctive features, and they serve a very practical purpose. These wrinkles help protect their internal organs from injury if they get bitten by another dog.

The Shar-Pei's wrinkles can save their life in dog fighting situations, where they might otherwise suffer serious internal damage. Their wrinkles also help them in their guarding jobs, protecting the royal family and livestock from predators.

In addition to providing protection, the Shar-Pei's wrinkles also make them look quite unique and adorable. Their wrinkles are a result of their loose skin, which is a characteristic of the breed.

The Chinese Shar-Pei's forequarters are a notable feature of their overall build. Their shoulders are well muscled.

These well-muscled shoulders are a result of the breed's physical characteristics. They are well laid back.

The physical characteristics of this subject are quite interesting. Height ranges from 18 to 20 inches. This is a relatively compact size, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. The weight, however, can vary significantly, ranging from 45 to 60 pounds. This weight range is substantial, requiring some effort to lift and move.

If you're considering bringing a Chinese Shar-Pei into your family, you might be wondering how their size compares to other breeds.

The Bullmatian is a similarly sized breed, with a 99% similarity in size to the Chinese Shar-Pei.

The Cocker-Pei is another breed that's roughly the same size as the Chinese Shar-Pei, with a 98% similarity.

The French Bullweiler, Pitchow, and Border-Aussie are also similarly sized to the Chinese Shar-Pei, with a 97% similarity in each case.

Here are some breeds that are similarly sized to the Chinese Shar-Pei:

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Chinese Shar-Pei. One of the most significant health concerns for this breed is skin problems, which can be prevented by brushing your dog daily and washing them weekly.

Entropion, a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, can also affect Chinese Shar-Peis. Regular eye exams can help detect this issue early on.

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation are all common joint problems that can affect Chinese Shar-Peis. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.

Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to heat sensitivity, so it's crucial to keep them cool, especially during hot weather. Providing shade and avoiding prolonged sun exposure can help prevent heat stress.

Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent kidney problems and Chinese Shar-Pei fever. Your veterinarian can also recommend a suitable diet for your dog.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Chinese Shar-Peis, grouped by category:

Remember, regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent many of these health issues.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dominant breed that requires consistent leadership from its handler, so it's essential to establish a strong bond early on.

They can be quite stubborn, but fortunately, they are one of the easier breeds to housebreak. However, they are not fond of water.

Socialization is key, especially with other dogs and people, to prevent anxiety and unwanted behaviors. Reward-based training can also help prevent anxiety in Shar-Pei.

They tend to be reserved with strangers but never timid or aggressive, making them good watchdogs.

Shar Pei can be quite anxious and fearful dogs, but this can be prevented by socializing them with people, children, and other pets from a young age.

Reward based training will also help prevent unwanted nervous behaviors. Anxiety can arise from fear, separation, and age.

Shar Pei may not cope well with young children, and they tend to prefer a quieter household. They generally are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a calm and confident breed, but it's essential to be aware that it can be reserved with strangers.

One of the unique characteristics of the Shar-Pei is its limited peripheral vision due to the wrinkles on its head and deep-set eyes.

Despite its independent nature, the Shar-Pei is very devoted to its own family members and makes a loyal companion.

The breed's loose skin and wrinkles, combined with its extremely harsh coat, can make it look a bit intimidating at first, but don't let that fool you.

The Shar-Pei's distinctive features include a hippopotamus-like muzzle and a blue-black or lavender tongue, which are just a few of the reasons why this breed stands out.

In terms of temperament, the Shar-Pei is never timid or aggressive, making it a great choice for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dominant breed that requires consistent leadership from its handler. They can be quite stubborn if they sense uncertainty or weakness in their human partner.

They are easygoing and calm, making them good companions for families with children and cats. However, they may not take commands from other family members if they appear uncertain or mild.

These dogs are naturally reserved with strangers but never aggressive. They have limited peripheral vision due to their wrinkles and deep-set eyes, so it's essential to approach them carefully.

With proper socialization, they can be great with people, children, and other pets. Reward-based training can also help prevent unwanted nervous behaviors like anxiety and fear-based aggression.

They tend to prefer quieter households and may not cope well with young children. First-time dog owners may want to consider a different breed, as Shar-Peis require patience and experience to manage their strong will.

Despite their independent nature, they are extremely devoted to their family members and make wonderful companions for the right owner.

As a responsible shar pei breeder, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect this breed. Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to a range of health issues, including Entropion, Hip Dysplasia, and Kidney Problems.

These conditions can be inherited, which means that responsible breeding practices are crucial to minimize the risk of passing them on to future generations. Entropion, for example, is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This can be extremely painful and may lead to blindness if left untreated.

Hip Dysplasia is another common issue in Chinese Shar-Peis, where the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to arthritis and mobility problems. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help alleviate symptoms, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.

Kidney Problems are also a concern, and can be caused by Familial Shar-Pei Fever, a condition that's unique to this breed. If you notice any symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or vomiting, it's essential to take your shar pei to the vet immediately.

Here are some of the most common health issues that affect Chinese Shar-Peis:

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential issues early on, and prevent more serious problems from developing. By working together with your vet, you can help ensure that your shar pei lives a happy and healthy life.

Grooming and care are crucial aspects of owning a Chinese Shar-Pei. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly, to keep her fur clean and healthy.

To prevent infections, clean her deep wrinkles often and dry them thoroughly. You'll want to get into the habit of doing this regularly to keep your Shar-Pei happy and healthy.

Brushing her teeth at least twice a week will help keep them perfect. This is especially important since Chinese Shar-Peis generally have good teeth.

Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy, to prevent infections. Don't worry, it's easier than you think, and you'll learn how to do it with practice.

Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do to keep your Shar-Pei's grooming and care on track:

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to grooming and care. Stick to a routine, and you'll be rewarded with a happy and healthy Shar-Pei.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed known for its unique appearance, with a large body and a large, square head. They have a distinctive blue-black tongue and a scissors bite.

Their eyes are small and sunken in a sea of wrinkles, giving them a lovable and wrinkly appearance. Puppies of this breed tend to have more wrinkles than adult dogs.

Their ears are high-set and triangular, with a small and rounded tip. The Chinese Shar-Pei comes in three coat variations: horse-coat, brush-coat, and bear-coat. The bear-coat is rare and not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Here are the breed standard colors accepted in the Chinese Shar-Pei breed:

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a compact body, where height is approximately equal to the length from the breastbone to the rump.

Their head is slightly large in proportion to the body, with a characteristic "hippopotamus" muzzle. The ears are small, high-set, and flat-lying.

The skin covering the head and body is abundant, loose, and wrinkled in puppies, but may be limited to the head, neck, withers, and base of the tail in adults.

The coat is harsh-textured and no longer than one inch, with females potentially being slightly longer in body and smaller than males.

Their eyes are small and sunken in a sea of wrinkles, and they have a blue-black tongue.

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Standard Colors are a crucial aspect of this breed's identity. They are the traditional and well-known colors that are accepted within the breed standard.

The breed standard colors include a range of options, each with its own unique characteristics. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.

Apricot is a beautiful, warm color that's a staple in this breed. Black is another classic color that's instantly recognizable.

Blue is a striking color that's often associated with this breed. Brown is a versatile color that suits many different personalities.

Chocolate Dilute is a unique and eye-catching color that's worth noting. Cream is a soft and delicate color that's perfect for those who want a more subtle look.

Cream Dilute is similar to Cream, but with a slightly different tone. Fawn is a warm and inviting color that's perfect for those who want a friendly and approachable look.

Five Point Red is a bold and vibrant color that's sure to turn heads. Red is another classic color that's synonymous with this breed.

Red Fawn is a combination of Red and Fawn, creating a unique and striking color.

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