Where did the Shar Pei dog come from?
Among this ancient canine clan, perhaps none is as uniquely Chinese as the Shar-Pei. Native to China’s southern provinces, the Shar-Pei goes back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. It was believed to have been a peasant’s dog, and in the manner of peasant’s dogs in all times and places, the Shar-Pei was expected to be versatile.
What’s the life expectancy of a Chinese Shar Pei?
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years; China’s dogs are breeds apart, with their own look and feel. Among this ancient canine clan, perhaps none is as uniquely Chinese as the Shar-Pei.
What was the purpose of the Chinese Shar Pei?
Some people often confuse the two breeds. We do know the Chinese Shar-Pei was a farm dog used by the Chinese for hunting, tracking, herding, protecting stock, and as a guard dog.
How to take care of a Shar Pei dog?
The Westernized variety is referred to as the ‘Meat-Mouth’ and is much stockier, wrinklier and has a wider, fleshier head. The Shar-Pei grooming regime is relatively straight forward. Their coats do not require much maintenance, usually just a weekly brush out to remove dead hair. They do shed, but it is not excessive.
Where did the Chinese Shar Pei dog come from?
The Chinese Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China where he was valued as a hunter, herder, guardian, and fighter. Some historians believe the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed, though there is no definitive evidence to prove this.
How long does it take for a Shar Pei puppy to grow?
Shar Pei Breed Development As a medium-sized breed, Chinese Shar Pei puppy development typically spans 17-19 months from birth to full maturity. Physical Development: Shar Pei puppies grow steadily in height and length for the first 7-8 months, then those growth rates slow somewhat while the adolescent “fills out” by gaining muscle mass and fat.
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years; China’s dogs are breeds apart, with their own look and feel. Among this ancient canine clan, perhaps none is as uniquely Chinese as the Shar-Pei.
What are the characteristics of a Shar Pei dog?
They are suspicious of strangers and other dogs. Shar-Pei are serene dogs, but they will meet a perceived threat with tenacity and vigor. Early training and socialization are essential—a dominant adult Shar-Pei without them is a serious problem waiting to happen.
The ancient Chinese originally bred Shar-Pei to guard the royal palace and protect the royal family. The Shar-Pei’s loose skin was designed to protect him in dogfights. If another dog grabbed onto the Shar-Pei’s skin, he could still get away, and his internal organs wouldn’t be damaged.
When did the Chinese Shar Pei go extinct?
When China became a communist nation in the 1940s, the government initiated a hefty tax on all dogs, causing the Shar-Pei to go nearly extinct.
Are there any health problems with Chinese Shar Pei?
There are some unusual and specific health concerns in the Chinese Shar-Pei breed. One of the major problem areas is the eyes; eye disorders including entropion, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and SARDS are known to occur in the breed.
How did the Chinese Shar Pei dog get its name?
‘Shar-Pei’ means ‘sand skin’, referring to the rough texture of the breed’s coat. The Chinese Shar-Pei likely shares a common ancestor with the Chow Chow, which also originates from China and has a blue-black tongue. Chinese Shar-Peis served as guard dogs, hunters, fighters, workers, and companions for peasants and farmers.
Is the Chinese Shar Pei good with children?
The Chinese Shar-Pei bonds quickly with its family, and is extremely devoted. Chinese Shar-Peis are not unfriendly toward strangers, but may bark at them when first introduced. They are fine with children and get along with other household pets, provided socialization has taken place at a young age.
When did the Kennel Club recognize the Shar Pei?
Although the Shar-Pei has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th century, the American Kennel Club recognized it as their 134th breed only in 1992. Small, triangle ears, and a cylinder body shape give the Shar-Pei a unique look.
What kind of coat does a Shar Pei have?
The Shar-Pei’s pigmentation resembles the Chow Chow, as they have been crossbred before, probably giving the Shar-Pei the same blue-black tongue. There are over 16 recognized colors in the AKC standard. The coat must be solid in color, and any Shar-Pei with a “flower-coat” (white with either black or blue patches) is a disqualification.
