Shar-Pei Breed Information & Insights

The Shar-Pei is a breed of dog known for its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. The breed originates from southern China, and the name Shar-Pei means sand skin, a reference to the texture of their short, rough coat. The Shar-Pei breed has a rich history, dating back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty in China. Initially bred for hunting and herding, they were also used for protection. In the mid-20th century, the breed was close to extinction due to factors such as famine and government regulation, but a Hong Kong businessman named Matgo Law worked to revive the breed. With the help of breed enthusiasts in the United States, the Shar-Pei was introduced to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and officially recognized in 1991.

Main Info

Origin: China
Lineage: Spitz and Sled Dog Lineage
Alternate Names: Chinese Shar-Pei
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Average Male Height: 18-20 inches
Average Female Height: 18-20 inches
Average Male Weight: 45-60 pounds
Average Female Weight: 45-60 pounds
Coat Length: Short
Coat Type: Smooth
Coat Colors: Black, Blue, Brown, Cream, Fawn, Red, Red Fawn, Red Sable, White, Fawn Sable, Cream Sable, Apricot Dilute, Blue Dilute, Lilac Dilute, Cream Dilute, Chocolate Dilute, Five Point Red Dilute, Isabella Dilute, Black Sable, Blue Sable, Brown Sable
Coat Pattern: White Markings, Brindle, Sable, Mask, Spotted on White, Pointed, Saddle Pattern

Genetic Predispositions and Health

The Shar-Pei is susceptible to lip and skin fold pyodermas, otitis externa, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, allergies, amyloidosis, entropion, and canine hip dysplasia. They can also be affected by Shar-Pei fever (also known as Familial Shar-Pei Fever or FSF), a periodic fever disorder.

Personality and Behavior

Shar-Pei are known to be intelligent, loyal, and independent. They can be wary of strangers but are generally devoted and protective of their families. They require early socialization and consistent, firm training to prevent them from becoming overly suspicious or aggressive. They are typically calm and quiet dogs, but they can be stubborn, so patient and persistent training techniques work best.

Spitz and Sled Dog Lineage

A canine genetic lineage is a group of individuals or entire breeds that descended from common ancestors predating modern breed formation. Often these lineages are associated with a ‘type’ of dog with a unique historical working role and associated behaviors (e.g., herding, scent hunting, etc.).

Spitz and Sled Dogs originate in the Arctic and subarctic regions which caused them the develop adaptations to cold climates. Some of these adaptations give rise to characteristics of the lineage, most notably a dense double coat that helps with insulation. The lineage of these dogs can be followed back to ancient breeds developed by Indigenous people. These ancient breeds were used as an aid for transportation, herding, guarding, and hunting. These jobs have created dogs that are independent, intelligent and have strong work ethics as well as a sturdy body that helps them to pull sleds or go on long journeys over rough terrain.

Example breeds with ancestry from this lineage include Akita, Chow Chow, and Siberian Husky.

Fun Facts

The Shar-Pei is one of the few breeds with a blue-black tongue, a characteristic it shares with the Chow Chow, another breed from China.

Shar-Pei puppies are born with their characteristic wrinkles, but they often grow into their skin as they mature, and adults may only have wrinkles on their face and shoulders.

In 1978, the Guinness Book of World Records listed the Shar-Pei as the world's rarest dog breed.

References

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei/
https://www.ukcdogs.com/chinese-shar-pei
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/SHAR-PEI-309.html

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