The AKC recognized it as an official breed in 1992. The breed took off in the U.S., becoming extremely popular in the 1980s. This is thanks largely to Matgo Law, a breeder from Hong Kong who introduced shar-peis to American breeders in the early 1970s in an effort to save them from extinction. However, breeders in Hong Kong and Taiwan were able to preserve the breed and eventually rebuild their numbers. Shar-peis, along with other Chinese dog breeds, were nearly wiped out during the mid-20th century by the Communist government, which disapproved of keeping dogs as pets. Unfortunately, shar-peis were also frequently used as fighting dogs, which accounts for their aggression toward other dogs. It's thought to have been bred by peasants to perform tasks including hunting, herding and guarding livestock from predators and thieves. The shar-pei is an ancient breed, dating back more than 2,000 years to China's Han Dynasty. Gently wipe their ears on a weekly basis and check them for signs of infection, such as odor or redness. After bathing, take the time to thoroughly dry between their folds and wrinkles to prevent a fungal infection. They only require brushing once a week to remove shedding hair, dirt and excess dander, and only need bathing once every few months - unless they get excessively dirty. The coat of the shar-pei is extremely easy to groom. Stay extra vigilant to ensure they don't overheat in warm weather, especially in high humidity. Because of this, shar-peis don't do well with vigorous exercise like running or jogging. Consistency is key to successfully training shar-peis and preventing them from unlearning their training.Īlthough shar-peis are not flat-faced like bulldogs or pugs, they do have shorter-than-normal noses and are considered brachycephalic. The good news is that the shar-pei dog breed is intelligent and eager to please their pet parents, which makes them fairly easy to train. Their propensity for aggressiveness toward other dogs means they should always be kept on leash and allowed near strange dogs only under strict supervision. Just keep in mind that they need short walks to stretch their legs if a backyard isn't available.ĭue to their stubborn streak, shar-peis need lifelong reinforcement of training and socialization. Because they don't require much exercise, they can make good apartment dogs. Shar-peis are laid-back, low-energy dogs.
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These dogs do best with confident, assertive leadership to help them know how to properly behave. Providing them with socialization and obedience training as puppies can also make them easier to handle as adults, as shar-peis are strong-willed dogs whose personalities may overwhelm an unprepared pet parent.
While shar-peis can be aggressive toward other dogs, says Dogtime, early socialization can help them learn to get along with other pets. They tend to be aloof with strangers, but are fiercely loyal and affectionate with their own people and love to spend time in the company of their families. They possess a calm and devoted nature that makes them loving companions. Originally bred to guard livestock, shar-peis are alert, intelligent and protective dogs who make excellent guardians. The shar-pei's hair tends to stand up straight along the main trunk but lies flatter along the limbs and tail. The American Kennel Club (AKC) identifies two acceptable coat lengths: the extremely short "horse coat" and the slightly longer "brush coat," which is no longer than an inch at the withers. Shar-pei literally means "sand skin" in Mandarin. Shar-peis are also distinguished by their rough, sandpaper-like coats that can be any solid color or sable mix.
Their long, thick and tapered tail is set high and tends to curve over one side of the back haunch. Their thick neck and broad chest give them a sturdy look without making them overly stout.
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Standing about a foot and a half from the neck and shoulders down, shar-peis grow into the heavy folds of skin that cover them as puppies. The shar-pei is also unique for its blue-black tongue, a trait shared with only one other breed - the chow chow. They tend to have a scowling expression due to the loose folds of skin that hang over their brow. Identifiable primarily by the loose, wrinkled skin covering their head, neck and shoulders, shar-peis are also recognizable by their broad muzzle and small triangular ears. Medium and compact, shar-peis are distinctive-looking members of the non-sporting group. Although loving, shar-peis have a dominant streak and need a confident, assertive pet parent to be their teacher.