Shar Pei Dog Tongue: A Comprehensive Guide

The Shar Pei dog tongue is a unique feature of the breed, characterized by its loose, hanging skin that resembles a blue-black "sarcoat" or "blue tongue". This skin is actually a fold of skin that hangs from the mouth.

The Shar Pei's tongue is a result of its original purpose as a working dog in China, where it was bred to hunt and guard. The loose skin helped protect its tongue from injury during these activities.

In fact, the Shar Pei's tongue is so loose that it can be pulled back into the mouth, a trait known as "retractable tongue". This is due to the breed's unique anatomy, which includes a shorter than average tongue and a more flexible skin fold.

As a result of this unique anatomy, the Shar Pei's tongue requires regular care to prevent infections and other health issues.

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The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with some fascinating characteristics. Originating from China, this medium-sized dog weighs between 45-65 pounds and lives for 9-12 years.

One of the Shar-Pei's most distinctive features is its short and harsh coat. This breed group is classified as Non-Sporting, which means it doesn't require a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

A Shar-Pei's exercise needs are actually quite moderate, so daily walks and playtime should suffice. Early and consistent training is recommended to help your Shar-Pei become a well-behaved companion.

Here are some key health concerns to be aware of: skin problems, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Some Shar-Peis are even born with a solid blue-black tongue, although not all of them have this unique feature.

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Shar Pei owners need to be aware of their dog's unique health needs.

The Shar Pei's skin folds can trap bacteria, leading to infections.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent skin problems.

Shar Pei owners should check their dog's skin daily for signs of infection.

The Shar Pei's large tongue can cause breathing difficulties during exercise.

Exercise should be limited to short periods to prevent breathing issues.

The Shar Pei's skin can also be prone to allergies.

Identifying and treating allergies early on can prevent more serious health issues.

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a rich and fascinating history that dates back 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 originated in the southern provinces of China, where it was valued as a hunter, herder, guardian, and fighter. This versatility likely contributed to the breed's widespread presence in ancient China.

A small number of Shar-Peis were brought to the United States in 1973, thanks to the efforts of Matgo Law, a breeder from Hong Kong. This marked the beginning of the breed's revival in the West.

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

The Chinese Shar-Pei was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a member of the Non-Sporting Group, after being accepted in the Miscellaneous Class in 1988.

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The Shar Pei is an alert and independent dog. He's extremely devoted to his family, but aloof with people he doesn't know.

They enjoy the companionship of people more than dogs, and they like to be with their owner all the time. A calm and confident dog, the Shar Pei seems to develop an intuitive understanding of his owner or family.

Early socialization is crucial to ensure that your Shar Pei puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start.

Socialization helps expose your Shar Pei to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking him to busy parks and stores that allow dogs will also help him polish his social skills.

Shar Peis can have a kind temperament toward those they know, but they're sometimes standoffish to strangers. Socialization needs to be a priority when a Shar Pei is 8-12 weeks old to get them used to children, other pets, and new people.

They don't require much exercise, but they do enjoy going on daily short walks or having 30 minutes set aside per day for other forms of exercise.

Shar Peis are prone to skin problems, so regular grooming is essential. They need to be bathed at least once a week to prevent skin infections.

Their wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried daily to prevent skin irritation and infections. This is especially important in the folds of their skin where their tongue rests.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet are also crucial for their overall health.

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food.

A highly active Chinese Shar-Pei will need more food than a less active one, so keep an eye on your dog's energy level and adjust their meals accordingly.

The quality of dog food makes a big difference, and better food will go further in nourishing your dog, so consider investing in high-quality dry food.

Dogs with a bigger build or higher metabolism will need more food than those with a smaller build or lower metabolism, so consider your dog's overall health and adjust their meals accordingly.

A good rule of thumb is to feed your Chinese Shar-Pei 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals.

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When your Shar-Pei puppy turns 1, you'll need to transition their diet to an adult medium-breed dog formula over five to seven days.

A Shar-Pei should be fed a medium-breed, high-quality puppy formula high in calories to allow for proper growth during the first 12 months of life.

You'll know it's time to switch your Shar-Pei to a senior diet at 7 years of age, which should contain joint support.

This senior diet will help support your Shar-Pei's joint health as they age.

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Owning a dog is a significant responsibility, but it can also be a deeply rewarding experience.

Shar Peis are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, making them great companions for many people.

To ensure your Shar Pei's happiness and health, it's essential to provide them with regular exercise, which can be as simple as a daily walk around the block.

Shar Peis require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy, so be prepared to get moving with your furry friend.

As a breed, Shar Peis are prone to skin problems, so regular grooming is crucial to prevent skin infections and keep their coats healthy.

Shar Peis need to be bathed every 2-3 weeks, and their wrinkles should be cleaned daily to prevent skin infections.

With proper care and attention, your Shar Pei can live a long and happy life, with an average lifespan of 12-18 years.

Shar Pei Grooming is a unique challenge due to their loose skin and distinctive tongue.

Shar Peis have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming in terms of brushing and combing.

However, their skin folds need to be cleaned daily to prevent infections and skin problems.

Their tongue, which is a distinctive blue-black color, should also be cleaned regularly to prevent drooling and bad breath.

Shar Peis are prone to skin conditions like entropion, which can cause their eyelids to roll inward and require surgical correction.

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Regular grooming sessions can help identify these issues early on.

Shar Peis also need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth and cracking.

Their skin folds and tongue should be dried thoroughly after bathing to prevent skin infections.

A gentle, fragrance-free shampoo is best for Shar Peis, as their skin can be sensitive.

The Shar-Pei is a devoted family dog who is protective of his family, including children.

To get along with kids, it's best to raise the Shar-Pei with them from a young age, or expose him to children as he grows up.

Children 10 and older who know how to treat a pet respectfully are a good match for this breed.

However, it's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear/tail pulling.

Never leave a dog unsupervised with a child, no matter how friendly the dog is.

To provide the best chances for getting along with other dogs and animals, the Shar-Pei should be raised with them from an early age, as he tends to be aggressive with other canines.

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They're known for their independent nature, making them a bit stubborn at times. Shar Peis are not pack animals and prefer to do their own thing.

Their strong will and independent streak can make training a challenge, but consistency and positive reinforcement can help.

Shar Peis are also known to be loyal and loving to their family, making them great companions.

They have a strong instinct to protect their family and territory, which can manifest as alertness and watchfulness.

Shar Peis are generally quiet dogs and don't bark much, but they will alert you to any potential threats.

They're not high-energy dogs and don't require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy.

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The Shar-Pei's distinctive tongue is a key characteristic of the breed, and it's a blue-black color. This unique feature has been a part of the breed for thousands of years, dating back to the Han Dynasty.

Shar-Pei dogs are known for their broad and thickened muzzle, which is a distinctive feature of their face. The folds of skin on their face, neck, and shoulders are also a hallmark of the breed.

With proper training and socialization, Shar-Pei can make loyal companions, but they do require early age training to learn good behavior around people, other pets, and children.

Shar Pei dog tongues are indeed unique, and here are three little-known facts about them:

Their tongues are blue-black in color, which is a result of the high concentration of melanin in the skin.

This is because the Shar Pei's ancestors were bred to work in the hot sun, and their dark tongue helped protect their mouths from the sun's rays.

Shar Pei tongues are also extremely wrinkled, with deep folds that can trap moisture and bacteria, making them more prone to infections.

In fact, the wrinkled skin on a Shar Pei's tongue can be so deep that it can trap food particles, leading to bad breath and other oral health issues.

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A Shar Pei's tongue is also extremely sensitive, with a high concentration of nerve endings that can make them more prone to pain and discomfort.

This sensitivity is thought to be an adaptation to help the Shar Pei detect subtle changes in its environment, such as the presence of food or potential threats.

The Shar Pei's appearance is quite distinctive. Their medium-sized, compact body is roughly square-shaped, with a short-coupled build.

Their head is slightly large in proportion to their body, and features a characteristic "hippopotamus" muzzle. The skin on their head is loose and forms wrinkles on the forehead, framing the face.

A blue tongue is a common feature of the Shar Pei breed. In fact, Shar Peis have blue and black markings on their tongue, and it's a trait that's very characteristic of the breed.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a compact body, roughly square in shape. They have a short-coupled body, meaning their height is approximately equal to their length from breastbone to rump.

Their head is slightly large in proportion to their body, with a characteristic "hippopotamus" muzzle. Females may be slightly longer in body and smaller than males.

The Shar-Pei's skin is abundant, loose, and wrinkled, especially in puppies. In adults, wrinkles may be limited to the head, neck, withers, and base of the tail.

Their coat is harsh-textured and no longer than one inch in length.

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Shar Peis have blue tongues, just like the famous Chow Chow. This distinctive trait is very characteristic of the breed.

The blue and black markings on their tongue are a hallmark of the Shar Pei's appearance.