General Description
(Chinese Shar-Pei) The Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a moderately substantial build and distinctive facial features. The breed has a broad, deep chest and a short, close-coupled back. The brisket extends to the elbow and rises slightly under the loin. Their croup is flat and the base of the tail is set extremely high. Tails of this breed are round, thick, and taper to a fine point. They curl over to either side of the dog’s back. Their shoulders are well-muscled sturdy, and sloping, and their forelegs are straight and moderately spaced. Elbows of this breed are close to the body. The limbs are substantially boned, but they are neither heavy nor excessively long. Their feet are medium-sized, compact, and firmly set. They have strong, muscular, well-angulated hindquarters and hocks that are short and perpendicular to the ground. Their medium-length neck is full and properly set into the shoulders. Moderate to heavy folds of loose skin are present around the throat and neck. The breed’s topline dips slightly behind the withers, and it rises slightly over the loin. The head of the Shar-Pei is large in size, proudly carried, and covered with profuse wrinkles. These facial wrinkles start at the dog’s forehead and continue into side wrinkles that frame the dog’s face. The skull is broad and flat, and the stop is comparatively pronounced. The Shar-Pei’s muzzle is one of the most distinctive physical characteristics of the breed. It is broad, full, and “hippopotamus”-shaped. Their nose is large, wide, and darkly pigmented, and their strong teeth close in a scissors bite. Eyes of this breed are small, almond-shaped, and dark. Dogs with diluted coats may have eyes that are lighter in color. Their very small ears are thick, triangular, and slightly rounded at the tips. The coat of the Shar-Pei is very harsh, absolutely straight and off-standing across the dog’s body, and generally flat over the dog’s limbs. The coat does not appear glossy or lustrous, but it looks healthy. It is less than 1” in length. While the Shar-Pei’s coat is solid or sable in color, shading may exist down the dog’s back and over the dog’s ears.
All dogs reagradless of the breed have a gestation period of 63 days (9 weeks)
Character
The Shar-Pei is playful, courageous, dominant, and energetic. By nature, they are very loyal to their owner. They are an intelligent breed that does not respond to commands slavishly. If properly trained and socialized from an early age, they generally get along well with cats, children, and strangers. Despite the breed’s frowning expression, they are easy-going, calm, and devoted. They are great watchdogs and companions. Because they are stubborn and bold, they need firm, consistent training from an assured owner. This breed usually despises water, and they will do anything they can to stay away from it. They are clean and often housebreak themselves. Because they have been so over-bred, there are significant differences in personality and health. The temperament of these dogs will vary according to their lineage. Well-bred Shar-Pei lines will get along quite well with other dogs.
Most males, and several females are more than dominant, possesive and over-protective of their families.
A remnant of their bodyguard duties in China, it needs to be mellowed down with socializing from an early age.
Easily adaptable to one's lifestyle, they can vary from highly energetic and agile to sluggish and sleepy heads.
Size
18 – 20 inches
Weight
40 – 55 pounds
General Health
The Shar-Pei is susceptible to hereditary skin problems. It is important for potential owners of this breed to find a reputable breeder. Dogs exhibiting fevers of unknown origin or swollen hocks may be in the early stages of kidney failure. This breed has an average life expectancy of up to 10 years.
History
The exact origin of the Shar-Pei is unknown. Many believe the breed is a descendant of the Chow Chow, however, the only clear link between these two breeds is the purple-colored tongue. There are pictures on pottery that suggest the Shar-Pei was in existence throughout the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.). For many years, the Shar-Pei was utilized as an all-purpose farm dog in the Chinese countryside. The scowling face, intelligence, and strength of the Shar-Pei made it a perfect choice for hunting, protecting stock, and guarding the family and home. Later, the Shar-Pei was used in dog fighting. Because of their loose skin and prickly coat, opponents had a difficult time grabbing and holding on to them. Throughout the Communist Revolution, the Shar-Pei was in danger of becoming extinct. Several of these dogs were rescued by a Hong Kong business man named Matgo Law. This man captured the attention of Americans in 1973 through a dog magazine that promoted the concept of rescuing the Shar-Pei. From the specimens Matgo Law managed to rescue, the Shar-Pei was saved. The breed’s popularity has grown immensely over the past few decades.
They were also used to guard Chinese Royalty and Samurai Warriors.
Maintenance
The short-haired coat of the Shar-Pei should be brushed on a regular basis. During the shedding period, bathing once per week and brushing on a daily basis will help to remove dead hair and promote new hair growth.
Ideal Environment
The
Shar Pei is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively active breed indoors, and they do not require a yard. This breed is sensitive to hot weather. As long as they receive daily physical activity, they will be very peaceful indoors.
Dog Training!
If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read
our review of DogProblems.com.
Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog
into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends
train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many
training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer
a lot of the load to his site.
|
Find your new Shar Pei
Puppies For Sale
Richlands, NC
We have dedicated our breeding program to produce quality and dedicated family members. All of our adult dogs stay in the...
Find a Breeder
Rijeka, AK
we breed only the TOP exemple of this race!
Rescue a Dog
Be the First to take out an Ad!
whats good to use for their itchy skin??
Special flea spray...maybe wait for it to clear up? Ask your veterinarian for advice
it depends on what they have.is it dry? use moisterizing shampoois it flea bittin? use special spray for fleasmake sure to ask your vet why your pet is itching first and then. talk to a vet.
You should put it on a wheat free diet. Also use this old trick. Rub oil in the coat,then comb it out, rub the dog down with wet towles till clean. Do it once and you get a huge difference!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dry kelp in the diet, good brushing esp during molting. Head-n-Shoulders or RID (during molting time). During molting, apply iodine to prob spots, then smoother areas in baby oil. Patience is a must, the turn over process takes about 2 mos total for the new coat to come in. Good diet is a factor as well, you are what you eat.
This is in response to the previous question concerning how hard they are to take care of due to medical probs, it won't post under that question, here is our answer:Pei are a unique breed. They are often treated like other breeds causing more problems. Molting is often misprescribed, there are non toxic remedies. A good breeder will match up the right facial qualities to minimize eye probs in the line. Amyloidosis is a concern, it's in most pedigrees. Ethical breeders will breed away from Amyloidosis, keep records on the line, stay in touch to make informed decisions in their line. Only known way to test for Amyloidosis is with a Congo Red stain. FSF is another prob serious breeders bree~ DragonSoul Shar Pei
how hard are they to take care of? I've heard there realy hard because of all there medical problems
If you feed them a diet without any wheat, it seems to help prevent some of the skin problems. If you have a good breeder and an excellent vet who has experience with the breed many problems can be avoided. Please, please, please take care of any eye problems asap. Even a well bred pei might need help with eye care and not so well breed ones need to be evaluated and may need to have entroption surgery. As a breed rescue-er, I have seen too many dumped shar peis who just need their eyes done!
is the pei good with kids
Yes. But a little lazy. So if you want a dog for the kids to play with, you should find another breed.
First, there are different types of Chinese Shar Pei. Old World style and Typey. Old World style is high drive, high energy, stubborn, focused~ they are a direct kickback to the original temperament bred in China. Typey is also known as the Americanized Pei, they are laid back, tend to snort, snuff, snore, and while having bouts of playful energy also enjoy couch potato quality time. As far as kids and owners go, Pei need an alpha firm loving owner, regardless if this owner is an adult or child. Not all children are raised to respect animals, to pick up the signs and cues of animal behavior and signals. As well some children when they scream, run amuck, will in turn rile up an animal. Proper socialization of both puppy and children is a must. ~ DragonSoul Shar Pei
The Shar Pei does great with kids. You get the best of both worlds with them. When you or they are ready to play, the dog will be very playful. When you want to chill, they will definitely chill, probably go to sleep for a while. Our dog barks when we get home, he's very excited to see everyone. Then, he goes about his business of just chilling out or will play when you're ready.
Would they get along with a maltese?
View more Shar Pei Questions and Answers.
View more Shar Pei Photos.
chinese shar-pei
I breed shar-pei and can tell you this is an great breed of dog and easy to house break.Owner of the shar-pei must show leadership.Training must be very firm and consistent.Shar-pei have a tendency to own you if you let them.
Pros: Very Smart
Cons: Needs a strong Owner
Chinese Shar Pei
This is a highly intelligent breed of dog. They are easily trained if one does it properly. I would not have another breed, purebred anyway. They do have some health issues, most common is entropion. Other issues if dealt with properly and in a timely fashion become a non issue.
Pros: They are terrific dogs, their intelligence is unmatched in the dog world. Yes you must be the Alpha dog but because of their ability to comprehend the human languages if talked to they will learn entire sentences. They don't do well on commands but respond very well to C'mon lets go int the house type of thing. House breaking is generally done by the mother when they are very young so to finish their house breaking one just has to show them where they need to relieve themselves
Cons: Too smart. They also have a stubborn nature. If not properly socialized they can be aggressive.
Chinese Shar pei
After my first shar pei, I was so amazed by his kind nature and intelligence that I kept one of his pups.
They are a wonderful addition to my home, and my life.
Pros: Highly adaptable
Intelligent
Protective
Kind
Patient with children (and adults at times)
Cons: Over-protective
Stubborn
Health issues
Too attached
Shar Pei Information
