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| Breed: Chinese Shar-Pei |
| Also Called: Chinese Fighting Dog |
| Height: The Chinese Shar-Pei is about 18-20 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Chinese Shar-Pei weighs between 45-60 lbs. |
| Colors: The Chinese Shar-Pei can be only solid colors and sable. |
| General Appearance: The Chinese Shar-Pei 's name tells quite a bit about the dog. The name "Shar-Pei" itself literally means "sand-skin," but translates more loosely as "rough, sandy coat" or "sand-paper-like coat" and refers to two distinctive qualities of the Shar-Pei coat - roughness and shortness - which make the breed unique in the dog world. The Shar-Pei shares another distinctive characteristic with only one other breed, the Chow Chow, in having a blue-black tongue, which may indicate an ancestor common to both breeds. However, proof of such a relationship is difficult. An alert, compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, close coupled; the well-proportioned head slightly, but not overly large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the "hippopotamus" muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are superabundant in puppies but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in the adult. |
| Temperment: The Chinese Shar-Pei is regal, alert, intelligent, and dignified. He may appear independent, snobbish, and standoffish with strangers. But is extremely devoted to his family. The Chinese Shar-Pei has been described as "people dogs," preferring the companionship of humans to that of other dogs. |
| Care: Attention must be paid to the skin of the Chinese Shar-Pei to ensure that no irritations exist within the folds. Regular massaging and brushing with a bristle brush will keep the coat in top condition. Teeth need regular cleaning and toenails need to be clipped every ten days. |
| Health Concerns: |
| Training: The Chinese Shar-Peis need firm training and socialization at a young age to prevent aggression as an adult. They are clever and intuitive but may be manipulative. Training should be with a firm hand and determined handler. |
| Activity: The Chinese Shar-Pei needs regular exercise on a leash. |
| Life Span: The Chinese Shar-Pei lives an average life of 7-12 years. |
| Litter Size: The Chinese Shar-Pei has an average litter of 4-6 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The Chinese Shar-Pei originated in China. |
| Brief History: The Chinese Shar-Pei, an ancient and unique breed, is thought to have originated in the area around the small village of Tai Li in Kwantung province, and has existed for centuries in the southern provinces of China, apparently since the Han dynasty (c.200 B.C.). Statues bearing a strong resemblance to the Shar-Pei have been discovered and dated to this period. More recently, a Chinese manuscript of the 13th century has been translated; it refers to a wrinkled dog with characteristics much like those of the Shar-Pei. |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB), UKC |
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