Shar Pei Breed description: Character & Co
Facts & Origin
Origin and history of the Shar-Pei
The breed history of the Shar-Pei can be traced back to 200 BC. Dogs of this type can be seen on Chinese art objects and vases of the Han Dynasty. Researchers believe the Shar-Pei to be a cross between the Chow-Chow and European Mastiffs, which came to Asia via maritime trade.
Once the Shar-Pei was a noble companion of the great Chinese rulers and the fine society. After times as a hunting and social dog, he degenerated into a guard dog of the regional peasants. Later, the Shar-Pei was even used in dog fights. This past earned him the nickname "Chinese fighting dog". In the 1970s, he is said to be almost extinct. Only one specimen still lived in China. Some of these unusual animals had been exported to the USA. It was on the Shar-Pei there that today's breeding was finally founded.
Features of this breed
"Sand-skin" means Shar-Pei translated. The meaning pointswhat refers to the structure and color of the bristly coat .In addition, this dog breed has a blue tongue as well as a blue palate, similar to theChow-Chow- therefore the relationship between the breeds is not completely clear. According to legend, this feature drives away evil spirits when they become visible through barking.
Especially in the past, a strong wrinkling was promoted, which unfortunately led to health problems. At about four weeks, a large part of these - puppies, however, are born with smooth fur. Due to rapid growth, they reach their final
size at about 8 months of age, in which condition the wrinkles are usually reduced again .
Worldwide fame
The Shar-Pei is the most famous wrinkled dog par excellence - and this despite the fact that the breed standard does not allow excessive wrinkles in the adult animal. He even made it into an anti-wrinkle commercial for the cosmetics company Garnier. However, the fact that these wrinkles quickly spill out in the direction of torture breedings should not come as a surprise.
Suitability and attitude
The Shar-Pei is basically a family dog without excessive urge to move; therefore, he is also considered rather unsuitable for dog sports. However, the FCIcharacterizes him as a huntingand guard dog.
| Alternate Name | Chinese wrinkle dog |
| Origin | China |
| Life expectancy | 9 - 11 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | Molossian type |
| AKC group | non-sporting group |
| KC group | utility group |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Typical character traits of the Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is stubborn, but not unapproachable. He attaches himself to a human or a family. Towards strangers he can be dismissive or very suspicious.
If you know him, he is a lovable cuddly dog, but he needs safe guidance. Under the folds sits namely quite character! If the dog has other plans, he will possibly oppose your plans with pure refusal. If you want to win the heart of a Shar-Pei, you have to be just as stubborn and resourceful. It is best to get a Shar-Pei puppy used to many situations and people from an early age. This way you will get a dog that is friendly to the world with an open nature.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Breed diseases of the Shar-Pei
Among the main problems of this breed are pathological skin changes caused by the wrinkles. If moisture or parasites collect between the sometimes powerful bulges, eczema or suppuration occurs.
Occasionally, the Shar-Pei suffer from the heart disease "respiratory sinus arrhythmia" and rheumatic "amyloidosis".
Acquisition and breeding of the Shar-Pei
You can get a Shar-Pei puppy from about 500 Euro. You can find good Shar-Pei breeders at the "Shar-Pei Club e. V.". If you don't want to buy a Sharpei, but adopt one, the "Sharpei Nothilfe" could be the right address for you. Before buying a Sharpei, you should think about whether you have enough time for this dog. If you leave him alone too much, he can develop a strange nature and become quite difficult to handle.
The Shar-Pei was classified a few years ago by some German regions as a fighting dog because of its breed history. In the meantime, however, this has been withdrawn. In Austria and Switzerland there are no restrictions.
Breed characteristics of the Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is classified as group 2(Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molosser and Swiss Mountain Dogs),Section 2.1(Molossians,mastiff-like dogs) are classified. No working test is required.
This breed has a height at withers of 44-51cm .Its preferred gait is the trot, where all movement should be free, harmonious, and energetic, with good ground cover and strong thrustfromthehindquarters.Asspeedincreases,thepawstend to come upcloser toanimaginarycenter line. A stilted movement is undesirable for breeding specimens.
The Head
The head of the Shar-Pei is ratherlargein proportion to the body.The wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks continue in the formation of the dewlap. His skull should be flat and broad, the stop moderately developed.
The muzzle
The muzzleis a characteristic feature of the breed: it is broad from the base to the tip of the muzzle without any tendency to taper. The lips and upper muzzle areaare well padded.A bulge of skin at the base of the nose is permissible. The large nasal sponge sitting on top of it is broad and preferably black, but any color,color matching the general color of the coat is permissible. permissible. The nostrils are wide open.
Thetongue, palate, gums and flews are preferably bluishblack.Apinkspottedtongueispermissible, but if it is uniformly pink in color , it is considered highly undesirable.In dogs whosecoat coloriswashed out,thetongueisuniformly lavender.
Appropriate breeding specimens should have strong jaws with a sound scissor bite,theincisors oftheupper jawoverlappingthoseof the lower jawwithoutspaceandsetvertically inthe jaw.Thelower elephantshouldnot besoexcessively padded as to interfere with the bite.
The eyes
This Hunderases has dark,almond-shaped eyes with scowling expression. A lighter color of the iris is permissible if the color of the coat is washed outis washed out.ThehealthyFunctiontheEyeballsorthe eyeeyelids must not be impaired by the surrounding skin, wrinkles or hair. or hair surrounding it. Any sign of irritation eyeball, conjunctiva or eyelids is highly undesirable. undesirable.
The Ears
The Shar-Pei has very small, ratherthick ears, which are of the shape of an equilateral triangle. They should be slightly rounded at the tip. Set high on the skull , the tips of the ears point toward the eyes. Above the eyes they are set well forward and wide apart andclose to the skull.Prick ears are highly undesirableaccording to the breed standard.
The body
The strong neck iswellontheshoulders put on. The loose skin on the underside of the neck should not be overdeveloped. be overdeveloped. In adult dogs, skin folds arealso highly undesirable onthe body - except atthe withers and at the base of the tail, where there is moderatewrinkling. The upper line of profileshould be slightly sunken behind the withers, only to rise again slightlyabove the loins. The back is short and strong, the lumbar region should also beof short length, but broad and slightly arched.The croup, on the other hand, is flat.
The chest of the Shar-Pei is broad and deep; the rib cage reaches to theelbowarea. Below the loin, the lower profile line is slightly rising.
The tail
Thick and round at the root, the tail tapers to a thintip.Therodisveryhighset,a characteristic feature of the breed. It can be high and curved, tightly rolled or over the back or curved to either side. curved. An incomplete or completely missing tail is highly undesirable.t.
The limbs
The forelegs are straight, moderately longlong and of good bone strength. The skin of the forelegs shows no wrinkles. Shar Peis have muscular shoulders, which are well sloping backwards. The pastern is only slightly sloping, but strongand elastic. The hindquarters aremuscular, strong andmoderatelyangulated. The legs are perpendicular to the ground and,seen frombehind, parallel to each other. The hock joint is set low.
Foldsatthigh, on thelower leg,athind mid-footβ as well as thickening of the skin at the hock are undesirable.
The front and hind feet are moderately largeβcompact and not splayed. The toes should bebe well knuckled. Dewclaws on the hind legs must not be present.
The coat
A characteristic feature of the breed is short, rough and bristly coat.bristly coat. The hair is straight and stands away from the body; but on thelimbsbut it is usually flatter on the limbs. The length ofthehaircanvary from1to2.5cm. The Shar-Pei has no undercoat.
All solid colors are acceptable except white. The tail and the back of the thighs are often lighterin color, and darker shading along the back and on the ears is permissible.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Triangle |
| Tail | rolled up |
| Anatomy | massive, square, hefty |
| Size ♀ | 46 - 51 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 18 - 25 kg |
| Size ♂ | 46 - 51 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 25 - 30 kg |
| Suitable For |
Colors
Known Diseases
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases that share a common feature: the pathological abnormal deposition of a fibrous protein called amyloid in various tissues of the body. Several organs are often involved.
Skin inflammations
Can be hereditary in certain breeds.
FAQ
-
No, the Shar-Pei is neither considered a fighting dog nor a listed dog in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
-
A Shar-Pei puppy costs about 1700 Euro. If it should be a Blue line or generally a special coloring, it can become already times over 2000 euros.
-
How to call the dogs with wrinkles is probably clear here: Shar-Pei or also wrinkle dog.
-
A Shar Pei is a breed of dog that was originally bred in China. The breed is known for its characteristic wrinkled skin and independent character.
-
Shar Peis are medium-sized dogs and can grow between 18 and 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 55 pounds.
-
Shar Peis require regular grooming, including brushing, bathing and regular exercise. It is also important to ensure that they receive a balanced diet.
-
A Shar-Pei costs on average 1000€. In addition, there are the running costs and the initial care (dog bed, leash, etc.).
-
The Shar-Pei was originally a guard dog from China.
Other medium dogs
Useful Articles
You can find articles that might interest you in the dogbible blog to match your favorite breed.
Visit our magazine