Sharpei Dog
Affectionate Yet Independent!
Background And Description:
You will not easily forget the Sharpei dog once you catch sight of his abundantly wrinkled appearance. This ancient breed
originated in China and although its lineage is not well-defined, many believe the mastiff and chow chow breeds were
involved in its development.
In case you might be wondering about what the "Shar Pei" name means, a rough translation is: draping sand paper like skin - a
reference to its unique short and rough coat. Another extremely rare feature is a blue-black tongue - a characteristic
shared only with the chow chow breed.
Early history reveals its purpose as a working and hunting breed. Later they were also used as fierce contenders in the
dog-fighting arena. Thankfully this "sport" faded away when the country became a communist nation, but sadly dogs were
also pretty much eliminated.
However, although this caused a sharp decline in Sharpei dogs, fanciers came to the rescue, among them most notably a gentleman
by the name of Matgo Law from Hong Kong who was instrumental in getting a few of the breed into the hands of American and
Canadian breeders. This time around, breeders worked toward developing the breed's temperament for companionship.
Nowadays, having left his former lifestyle far behind him, the Sharpei dog is a popular family companion and a frequent participant in the
show dog arena.
Appearance:
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Height: Ranges between 18 to 20 inches
The acceptable coat colors of the AKC standard are limited to solid and sable. It is permissible for the solid colors to have darker shading
of the dominant color on the ears, down the back and throughout the coat.
The shading must be variations of the same body color and may include
darker hairs throughout the coat.
Disallowed colors include albinos, brindle, parti-colored, or patterned.
Coat and Care:
The standard coat of is one that is harsh and completely straight and stand-offish on the main body area, while
being a bit smoother and flatter on the legs. Alternatively, it may have a very short coat - referred to as a 'horse coat', or one not longer than 1" -
known as a brush coat.
The brush coat sheds a light amount year round, while the horse coat has periods of heavy molting. Both coats
can benefit from the use of a
FURminator
to remove dead hair and keep the coat healthy.
Maintenance includes brushing, attention to cleanliness of the wrinkled areas, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and bathing as
needed.
Shar Pei Health:
The Sharpei dog can be affected by malformations of the eyelids, a condition which needs to be surgical corrected to prevent ulcerations on the eyes.
Some dogs may also suffer from hereditary skin problems. There is also a tendency toward demodectic mange. Hip dysplasia is another
potential problem.
Most importantly, Sharpei dogs are at risk for the hereditary disease of Familial Shar-Pei Fever
which can lead to renal amyloidosis - the abnormal accumulation of amyoloid protein around the body. The propensity for this disease is carried in the genes to a greter or
lesser degree in all lines of the breed.
Personality and Traits:
At one point, not too long ago, the Sharpei dogs were very rare and extremely sought after which resulted in a rash of
irresponsible breeding.
This, combined with its not too distant history as an aggressive fighting dog, means that there can be variety of
temperament and traits, both favorable and unfavorable, seen in the breed. It is another case where a reputable breeder
should be sought by those interested in the breed.
While the Sharpei dog has in general been proven to have many positive qualities, such as loyalty, courage and affection, he
can be quite independent. One thing to keep in mind, is that they need an experienced owner who can confidently train them
with consistency, but never harshly.
They respond very well to their master's praise and rewards, yet are quick to spot any weakness in him. Early socialization
is recommended to get this unique breed, that is sure to attract attention, used to people contact plus a variety of
experiences, places and situations, as well as other canines.
When it comes to housetraining, the Sharpei is a quick learner, if this is started early - say in the first three
months - before they start testing you!
Some Sharpei dogs can have inherited health issues related to their eyes, ears, skin, plus food allergies - particularly wheat and soy. Finding a
reliable vet to evaluate their
health soon after you acquire one, is a good idea.
Activity Level:
Most definitely, this breed needs a good walk each day. Keep an eye on the temperature though for this is another breed
that doesn't tolerate hot weather very well. In addition, a chance to romp and play outside in the yard,
will be very appreciated.
Space Needs:
An uncrowded house and yard where the Sharpei dog has some space, is the ideal situation. Outside areas should have shady spots
plus the availability of water as Sharpei dogs are sensitive to heat.
Children:
This breed is best suited to families with young adult children who are more mature in their respect for pets. As with any breed, it
is always the recommended policy to have an adult supervise interactions between children and pets.
Elderly:
The Sharpei dog would not be the most ideal companion for the elderly as they require a more experienced take-charge owner and
one able to take care of their daily exercise needs.
Reading Recommendations:
Share Your Knowledge Of The Sharpei Dog
- Do you own a Chinese SharPei or have previously owned one?
- Would you like to share what you know about this fascinating breed?
- Or, is the Sharpei just one of your favorite dog breeds and you'd like to make some comments
about this interesting dog?
We invite any and all dog lovers to make a post about this breed, or
their favorite breed and we'll publish your
comments on a webpage along for others to enjoy. We'll even add your name if you'd like the recognition.
Visit
this page where you'll find a
text box to post your comments. You'll also be able to read stories that others have written about their favorite
dogs.
Go on, give it a try!
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