The Shar-Pei, with his characteristic coarse coat and blue-black tongue, originated in southern China and was first bred as a guard dog and a herder. The original breed was referred to as ‘bone-mouth Shar-Pei’ and his descendants have a more square, bony snout than the popular ‘meat mouth’ breed we know in the west today. Loosely translated, Shar-Pei means ‘sandy skin’, which refers more to the texture than to the colour of his coat. The bone-mouth Shar-Pei’s prickly coat was perfect for fending off wild boar and other threatening animals, though through breeding, the wrinkly-skinned Shar-Pei has a friendlier coat.
History
The Shar-Pei is considered a basal breed – not quite an ancient breed of dog, but certainly centuries older than most of the breeds popularised in the 19th and 20th centuries. His blue-black tongue comes from some common genes shared with the Chow Chow, and was thought to magically ward off evil spirits. After the Communist Revolution, pet dogs were practically outlawed in China, which dramatically reduced Shar-Pei numbers and threatened the breed almost to extinction. A Chinese breeder appealed to enthusiastic Americans to save the breed and after 200 Shar-Pei were smuggled into the USA, the more westernised ‘meat mouth’ Shar-Pei became quite popular.
Puppies
Shar-Pei puppies are unmistakably wrinkly and cute, and as they grow up, they ‘grow into’ most of their wrinkles. Shar-Pei adults have facial wrinkles and excess skin around their necks and ankles. Don’t let the wrinkled chubby face of the Shar-Pei fool you. He may seem squidgy and oh-so-cute, but his temperament is that of a stubborn guard dog who is fiercely loyal to only his chosen few.
Breed temperament
The Shar-Pei is very intelligent and he housetrains easily. He is a head-strong breed who quickly attaches to one or two individuals (or his close family) and then will guard them fiercely; suspicious of anyone he doesn’t know. He can come off as snobbish or aloof, so it’s necessary to socialise a Shar-Pei puppy quite extensively from as early as possible.
His intelligence wins over his stubbornness and he is a fast learner that will benefit from lifelong training to build his confidence and rein in his strength. He requires a very firm, confident owner who is an experienced dog handler – the Shar-Pei is not a good option for a first-time dog owner.
Health
The Shar-Pei’s coat is short and neat and doesn’t require regular washing – just a quick daily brush to remove shed hair. Some individuals shed excessively, so keep the vacuum cleaner close at hand. Shar-Pei dogs need consistent daily exercise, which is also a good time to spend reinforcing his position in the pack rather than expending pent-up energy.
Shar-Pei have a variety of breed-specific health issues to look out for, such as skin allergies and infections associated with his wrinkles. His short snout puts him at a risk for over-heating and he will likely also be the snorer in the household. Genetic health issues include eye problems like entropian, where eyelashes fold inward and can damage the eye; as well as familial Shar-Pei fever (FSF) and kidney problems.
They can live up to between eight and 12 years old.
Breed | Shar-Pei |
Country of origin | China |
Average adult height | 45cm – 50cm |
Average adult weight | 15kg – 18kg |
Life expectancy | Average of 10 years |
Exercise requirements | Moderate; consistent |
Similar breeds | Chow Chow; mastiff |
Rescues in South Africa | Shar-Pei Rescue in South Africa – networking group on Facebook |