Chinese Shar Pei Dog

The Chinese Shar Pei Dog has been around since ancient times, and there is no telling, when exactly or how this dog originated. Old porcelain pictures suggest that similar dogs existed around 200 B. C. Because Shar Pei have purple tongues, they are believed to have descended from the Chow Chow. The Chinese Shar Pei was widely used for driving and guarding livestock and for hunting. These dogs were popular among Chinese countrymen for their superb stamina, enviable endurance and unsurpassed intelligence. The Chinese Shar Pei also proved a valuable fighter dog. These dogs have thick and folded skin that allows them to withstand hard blows and strong bites.

The Chinese Shar Pei Dog of today is a great family companion, not intended for fighting. These dogs are delightful companions, and they are famous for their people-oriented and loyal disposition. They are not as vicious as some people think them to be. Purebred Shar Pei are no less convivial or intelligent than most other popular breeds of dogs. “Protective” does not mean “ferocious”. It is true that the Chinese Shar Pei has strong protective and guarding instincts. However, high quality dogs never show unmotivated aggression toward strangers. As a rule, excessive aggression comes as a consequence of poor socialization or irresponsible breeding.

Chinese Shar Pei Dogs are naturally dominant and assertive, and they are not for everyone. These dogs appreciate firmness and strong will in their owners, and they tend to be bossy over soft-tempered people. It takes quite a character for a Shar Pei owner to establish his or her leadership over such a strong and willful dog. Chinese Shar Pei Dogs should not be trusted with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and with non canine pets. Chinese Shar Pei are usually good with well-behaved children, but they are not recommended for families with small children, because they are very strong and may knock a kid down.

These dogs are compact and sturdy, measuring 18-20 inches high at the shoulder and weighing 40-55 lbs. The dog has a broad and square head, deep and broad chest, small erectile ears, curled tail and strong limbs. The skin is wrinkly on the head, neck and chest. There are three types of coat that occur within the breed: horse type (short and harsh), brush type (medium length and harsh), and bear type (long and soft). The latter is less usual and is not accepted by the American Kennel Club. Coat colors include fawn, red, chocolate, black, apricot, sable, etc.; only solid colors are acceptable. The Chinese Shar Pei Dog requires daily grooming and cleaning.