Shar Pei Dog Coats: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Shar Pei dog breed is known for its unique appearance, with a short, fine coat that's often wrinkled and loose.

This breed originated in China over 2,000 years ago.

The Shar Pei's short coat requires minimal grooming, but it does need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.

Shar Pei's are often described as loyal and protective, but also gentle and affectionate with their family.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is calm, confident, dignified and aloof. They're a laid-back breed that's not easily ruffled.

One thing to keep in mind is that Shar-Peis can be reserved with strangers, but they're never timid or aggressive. They're just a bit protective of their family, which is totally normal.

Their unique appearance includes loose skin folds, especially on their face, and a harsh coat that requires regular grooming. They also have a distinctive hippopotamus muzzle and a blue-black or lavender tongue.

Shar-Peis are not overly affectionate, but they're extremely devoted to their family members. They make great companions for those who appreciate their independent nature.

It's worth noting that Shar-Peis have limited peripheral vision due to their wrinkles and deep-set eyes. So, be patient with them when approaching or interacting with them.

Overall, the Shar-Pei is a unique and loving breed that's worth getting to know.

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Shar-Peis are known to be clean dogs with easy-to-care-for coats, but they do shed a lot.

Their wrinkled skin and skin folds need extra attention to prevent fungi or bacteria from settling in, especially after bathing.

You should dry their wrinkles and skin folds thoroughly after bathing to keep them healthy.

Shar-Peis don't like hot weather, so it's essential to keep them cool and comfortable.

Regular grooming and proper care can help keep their coats in great condition, despite the shedding.

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The Chinese Shar-Pei has a very ancient history, dating back to at least 200 BC, with statues resembling the breed found from that time period.

The breed was originally bred for its hunting and fighting prowess, with the wrinkles in its skin and rough coat helping to prevent opponents from getting a grip. The name "Shar-Pei" is derived from the Cantonese translation of the words "sand skin".

During the communist revolution in China, the breed's numbers dwindled drastically, and it almost became extinct. In the 1970s, a Chinese breeder sent a plea to American dog enthusiasts asking for help to save the breed.

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The breed was considered the rarest dog breed in the world in 1978, with only a few hundred Shar-Peis remaining. Thanks to Matgo Law, who bred the animals in Hong Kong, the breed was saved from extinction.

A small number of breeders in Hong Kong and Taiwan were able to keep the breed alive, and in 1966, the first Shar-Peis were imported into the United States.

The Shar-Pei's name is a reflection of its unique coat texture, which is often described as feeling like sandpaper. This is due to the breed's short and rough coat.

Their coat colors can vary, but it's the texture that earned them the name "Shar-Pei", which translates to "sand skin." This name is a nod to the breed's distinctive coat.

A Shar-Pei's coat requires minimal maintenance, needing only a monthly brush-through to reduce shedding.

The Shar-Pei's return from the brink of extinction was a remarkable turn of events.

In May 1978, a magazine article titled “Possibly the Last Surviving Specimen of this Breed” helped raise awareness about the Shar-Pei's precarious situation.

A Shar-Pei breeder from Hong Kong, Matgo Law, was inspired by the article to write a letter offering a rescue plan for the breed.

This letter marked the beginning of efforts to save the Shar-Pei from extinction.

The Shar-Pei's survival was a testament to the power of advocacy and community action.

The DOGS magazine article featuring the Shar-Pei had a profound impact on the breed's future.

The name Shar-Pei is Chinese and means "sand skin" because the dog's coat looks and feels a little bit like sandpaper.

Their coat is truly one-of-a-kind, with a rough texture that can be irritating to human skin. It's almost like running your hand over a piece of sandpaper, a sensation you might not be used to if you're familiar with other breeds with softer coats.

The name Shar-Pei translates to “sand skin” for a good reason - their coat colors can vary significantly, but it's the texture of their fur that is responsible for their name.

The Shar-Pei coat is a unique and essential element of the breed. It's single, straight, and stands away from the body, lying flatter on the limbs.

Coat length can range from extremely short to one inch at the withers, known as a "brush coat." The coat appears healthy but is not shiny.

A healthy Shar-Pei coat should not be soft or wavy, and should not be trimmed. Excessive and heavy folds of skin on the body, except for the withers and the base of the tail, are a disqualification in adults.

Shar-Peis come in a variety of solid colors, including red, black, cream, blue, brown, chocolate, and lilac. Darker shading down the back and on the ears is common in solid-colored Shar-Peis.

The breed's coat may also include darker hairs of the same base color sprinkled throughout. However, albinism and any color pattern other than solid or sable are disqualifications.

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If you're considering bringing a shar-pei into your life, it's essential to think about your lifestyle and experience first. A shar-pei is not the easiest dog to care for, especially when it comes to potential health problems and trainability.

You should do your research if you're buying a puppy from a breeder. Expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,500 for a champion bloodline puppy. Make sure to choose a registered breeder who keeps both mother and pups in a nurturing home environment.

A reputable breeder will have made appropriate health checks and not separated the pups from their mother before they reach eight weeks old. This is crucial to ensure the puppy's well-being.

Shar-peis can end up in rescue due to their specific needs, so don't forget to check with local shelters or breed-specific rescues. Offering a forever home to a rescue dog can be a rewarding experience.

Here are some useful resources to begin your search: