CHINESE SHAR-PEI
APPEARANCE
Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed of dog known for its distinctive features of deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. Small, triangular ears, a muzzle uniquely shaped, and a high-set tail also give the Shar Pei a unique look. Shar Pei come in many different colors such as fawn, red (rose), sand, cream, black, lilac and blue. The height of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 18-20 inches, and the weight of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 40-65 pounds.
PERSONALITY
The Chinese Shar-Pei can be described as highly intelligent, independent and dignified. The Shar-Pei is considered to be an excellent family dog. It is devoted to its family and owners and makes an excellent watch dog. They are also a very independent and reserved breed. It is a largely silent breed, barking only when playing or when worried.
TRAINING
Training for the Shar-Pei is very important from a young age. The Shar-Pei can have a very dominant and stubborn nature and therefore training can be quite difficult. It is important for the handler to have a strong, direct, and consistent training. The Shar-Pei is known to house break itself. So, that makes life a little easier for the owner when the dog is a puppy and being integrated into the home.
EXERCISE
As a working breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei needs plenty of exercise, and should have an opportunity every day to go on a long walk or play off the leash in a dog-friendly park. This breed loves walks with his owner however due to the folds of skin, which can make him overheat, fresh water should always be provided.
SOCIALIZATION
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog that commands respect, but will also give mutual respect when properly trained and socialized. He can do well with children, however should be supervised around infants, as this is a powerful dog. Aggression with other dogs and animals can be a problem, and this dog was bred originally as a fighting dog, which is an instinct that he may still have if provoked.
LIVING CONDITIONS
If given proper exercise, this breed can do okay without a yard. An average sized yard is suggested, but is not required. The Chinese Shar-pei is sensitive to heat, though, and will need shade from the sun.
GROOMING
They do need to be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and then brushed daily during shedding season to reduce the amount of shedding. You should check and clean the folds of the skin as well as the ears for hygiene and health reasons. The grooming level of the Chinese Shar-Pei is considered to be low or minimal.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 7-12 years. The most common health conditions seen in the breed are fever, amyloidosis, canine hip dysplasia and eye entropion; other concerns include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, allergies and skin fold pyodermas.
HISTORY
The Chinese Shar-Pei can be traced back to the province of Kwung Tung breed for herding cattle, guarding the family and the home, and are qualified hunters of mainly wild pigs. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1991.
