The name Shar-Pei roughly translates to mean " sandpaper skin"
which describes one of the most recognized aspects of the breed. Also known
as the Chinese Fighting Dog, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a cross between the
mastiff and Nordic breeds, including the Chow-Chow as is evident with the
blue tongue that both breeds have in common. From Northern China, they have
been used by peasants for hunting, herding and protection. They have also
been used to fight other dogs for sport. When the outlawing of pets were
outlawed on the mainland China, the breed almost disappeared but the breed
was rescued by Matgo Law, a Hong Kong breeder. Although a centuries old
breed, they did not make an appearance in the United States until the 1970s.
They were recognized by the AKC in 1991.
The Shar-Pei is an intelligent sober breed. They tend to be aloof and independent.
The Shar-Pei tends to be a one-person dog and many make good guard dogs.
Because of their strong personalities, they need firm training and socialization.
They do not adapt well as kennel-dogs and are much better off in the company
of people.
They have a wide blunt muzzle with a bulge at the base of the nose. The
bite is scissors. The eyes are dark, almond shaped and set forward on the
face. Their ears are small, and triangular, dropping close to the head which
is large for the size of body. The body is medium-sized and powerful. They
are squarely built with a slightly concave top line. They have straight
muscular legs and a broad deep chest. The excessive skin forms dewlaps along
the neck. The feet are compact. The movement should be free and balanced
. The tail may be carried in a tight curl, loose curl or arched. Average
height of the Shar Pei is between sixteen and twenty inches while the average
weight is between 35 and 45 pounds. As a puppy, they have an oversized skin
which wrinkles greatly. They do grow into this coat as an adult. This coat
needs extra care however because the wrinkles are prone to skin disease.
The coat which should not exceed one inch in length at the withers is generally
solid colored in fawn, chocolate, cream red or black. Although parti-colored
and saddle patterns exist, they are disqualifications in the show ring.
goryampage@yahoo.com of Ohio writes:
Who could ask for anything more?
I received my female Shar-Pei as a Christmas present in 1997. The best
present ever. I didn't know anything about the breed except I loved the
way they look. She was practically housebroken at eight weeks. She never
chewed anything wrong as a puppy and was very mellow and even-tempered.
What a companion I have had over the last six years. Health problems are
minimal. I bath her about once a month alternating between oatmeal shampoo
and Selsen Blue. Just make sure you clean their ears frequently to avoid
infection. I use a rinse from the store, and then wipe the insides with
a mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. This keeps them clean and
dries quickly. The Shar-Pei is a highly intelligent dog and constantly uses
their paws. When we moved out on our own, she developed separation anxiety
and I recently adopted another dog, a terrier mix as a companion and that
cured her anxiety immediately. She was just not used to being alone, and
I think that has nothing to do with her breed. They make excellent watch/guard
dogs and she ALWAYS knows where I am in the house and usually places herself
between myself and the door. These dogs are the greatest!
Missjackie3@yahoo.com of Chillicothe, OH writes:
A devoted, loyal friend.
I had a Shar-Pei for over 13 years. He was very loyal and loving. He
was aloof with people outside the family, but never aggressive. I always
felt he knew exactly what I was thinking, and wanted to please me at all
times. I have had several different breeds in my life, but never one quite
as special as the Shar-Pei. The only drawback to this breed is the health
problems. My dog was on various medications throughout his life for skin
issues. The vets never were able to find out what caused his problems, except
that he was extremely wrinkled. I would recommend a Shar-Pei to anyone who
has the money and time to spend on this unique breed. Another note: it has
been said that Shar-Pei do not do well with other animals. My other three
dogs and two cats would beg to differ. He loved them all!
cooperam@comcast.net of Michigan writes:
She's our baby.
We have a ten-month-old blue Shar-Pei. She was housebroken when I bought
her at eight weeks old. She is a very loyal dog, and shy towards strangers.
Once she gets to know a person though, she loves them to death and won't
leave them alone. She likes to be with her people ALL the time, BOTH of
them. She isn't a really hyper dog, which is good, because we are busy and
can't spend hours exercising her. We also have a cat that she loves to chase
around the house and lounge around with. She does stink sometimes, and really
hates all parts of grooming. She's happy AFTER a bath but during it's a
real pain. When she eats, she makes quite a mess, drooling all over the
place. In spite of that, we couldn't imagine being without her
uscmsmc1@aol.com of Hollywood, CA writes
Good one-person/family defender and friend.
I have a one-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei male, they are very independent,
intelligent, and playful, but at times are aloof, not unlike cats. They
enjoy playing with you, living for you, but like to do their own thing too.
They are protective of their owners and property, but may be aggressive
with other male dogs. Females are docile, but tend to throw tantrums, meaning
they pout if you don't let them do something. Males are not so fussy, and
are content to do something else if not allowed to do one activity. Very
playful at times, even to a fault. They love sniffing, and will track and
trail scents for hours. Not easily distracted, they stick to one activity,
i.e., playing with a ball, eating, sleeping, and they do it with gusto.
Gets along well with cats, although likes to chase them, but would never
intentionally hurt them, even defends them against other strange dogs. Loves
children, but despite his size is very strong, and can sometimes play roughly
but with a sense of humor, loves retrieving and playing hide-and-seek! If
you are a woman, the Shar-Pei will defend you and purposely put itself between
you and a stranger or strange dog, loyal, and dedicated to his master, a
big couch potato and bed buddy, prefering to hog the sheets if allowed,
or will sleep on the floor next to you guarding you until the dawn's early
light. A friend who grows with you and loves you until the end.
Name withheld by request of Massachusetts:
Adorable, loving companions.
I owned a black female Shar-Pei and have never had a more loving, cute
(and smart) dog. I think the important thing here is to strongly recommend
that you get a Shar-Pei ONLY from a good breeder. They take care to breed
good temperment and health. A pet store Shar-Pei can be unhealthy and have
bad temperment. Shar-Pei rescues are another good source of healthy, sweet
dogs. I raised mine with a cat; they got along great. Obedience training
(i.e. dog school) is needed but they will outperform other dogs. These are
housedogs (don't leave them outside, except for walks together, of course).
My Shar-Pei loved visitors, cats and children. She also loved the Chow Chow
and Bernese Mountain Dogs across the street. She did not like other dogs
that tried to jump on her. I had only minor health problems with her (allergic
to lamb fat). I highly recommend these dogs, but only from a good breeder!
Charlessue@aol.com writes on 9/9/00:
Skin problems.
We own a black female ShaPei;8 months old.We have spent alot of money
on her for skin problems(scratching;losing hair)and nothing seems to work.
The vet. has her on pills twice a day now;which makes her sleep alot. I
think it is just a tranqulizer. We love her so much. She is just like our
child.
Mosy2@yahoo.com of Michigan writes on 1/10/00:
Great family pets. Protectors, playmates, and companions.
We have had three Shar-Pei now. We have only had a problem with one of our
dogs. We will just never buy another dog from that breeder. We have bought
two from a different breeder and have not even had as much as an ear infection
from either of them. As with any breed, even people, some are more prone
to certain things. We don't do anything special as far as care with our
dogs other than feed them a low protein diet. With this type of diet, they
have less of an odor and have better coat. We have had to take one of our
puppies that we bred back. When we first received her, she had very patchy
fur. Within a month of the lower protein dog food, her coat was almost to
where it should be. Then we found another loving home for her. She continues
to do well after 3 months. Also, this breed only needs to be bathed once
a month, which is great for time consumption. Shar-peis are very easy to
take care of. As with any breed, you have to know what to look for and how
to treat it and possibly prevent it. When you buy any breed, you should
be able to get a contract from the breeder. This protects you, the puppy,
and the breeder to ensure a good home for the puppy. That should be the
ultimate goal of any breeder.
purplepal@cs.com writes on 12/29/99:
Great companion dogs.
I own a Shar-Pei who is two years old. Although I have often read that they
can be aloof pets, I have found the opposite to be true of my dog. He is
a great protector, but loves to sit with me while I do dishes or other tasks
around the house. He will watch TV, take rides in the car, or his personal
favorite go on long walks with me. He enjoys the company of others, but
is fine if left alone in the house. He house trained within a few days,
and has never had problems chewing items he isn't supposed to. The only
concern I have with the dog is that he is a bit offstandish with men he
does not know and he behaves awful at the vet. I would definately reccommend
this breed to others, especially people who want a companion.
mystic@wmol.com writes on 10/2/99:
They are a "money pit" dog.
Shar-Pei are very goofy dogs. They.snore alot. Some are protective,some
are aggressive. They do tend to have health problems - eye, skin, cancer,a
malyoid (which is not cureable). They are a "money pit" dog. I
have owned two of them and own one now. I love the breed but I just would
not get another one. Do homework on the breed.and also better have alot
of extra money for health problems. .