Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei, breed of medium-sized dog noted for its loose skin and wrinkles. Once considered to be among the rarest dog breeds, the Shar-Pei has enjoyed great popularity since the late 20th century, and its numbers have grown significantly. The breed’s name (Chinese for “sand skin”) refers to the dog’s short rough coat, which appears in a number of colors, including cream, red, or chocolate. Although heavily wrinkled as a puppy, the dog loses most of its creases, except those on the face and shoulders, as it matures. The distinct muzzle, broad and full, has been compared to that of a hippopotamus. Chinese Shar-Pei dogs have blue-black tongues, as do Chow Chows, though it is unclear whether the two breeds are related.

An ancient breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei is believed to have originated in China about 200 bce. Originally used for hunting and guarding, it became a popular fighting dog, because the animal’s loose skin made catching and clamping down on it difficult during fights, and thus the dog’s internal organs were protected better than those of other dogs. However, the Shar-Pei fell out of favor in China after the introduction of larger breeds from the West. Its numbers continued to dwindle in the late 1940s, as the Chinese Communist Party levied high taxes on dogs and eventually banned dog breeding. Surrounding regions, notably Hong Kong, continued to breed Shar-Pei, and pleas to save the animal resulted in increased demand, particularly in the United States, where the breed was introduced in 1966.

According to Guinness World Records, by 1973 there were only eight known Shar-Pei in the United States, and the breed had nearly gone extinct in its native China. That year a devoted Shar-Pei breeder in Hong Kong named Matgo Law issued a plea to American dog owners to save the wrinkly, loose-skinned breed, and Life magazine followed suit in 1979 with a feature story on the dog and a picture of it on the cover. The publicity worked, and by 1986 the number of Shar-Pei in the U.S. had spiked to some 13,000. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1992.

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Care and upkeep

The Chinese Shar-Pei needs a moderate walk or game session every day, and care should be taken to keep the dog from overheating. It should be let off leash only in fenced areas, since it is not very adept at coming when called. It may not be good in dog parks, as it may be aggressive toward strange animals. It is typically not skilled in agility or obedience trials, but it may enjoy lure coursing and nose work. Its coat—whether of the “horse” (rough), the “brush” (smooth and long), or the very rare “bear” (bushy and puffy) type—is generally easy to care for, requiring only weekly brushing. Deeper folds and wrinkles must be inspected often, perhaps daily, and they must be cleaned and dried regularly to avoid irritation or skin-fold pyoderma (a type of skin inflammation caused by bacteria and characterized by lesions).

Shar-Pei fever, a disorder marked by intermittent bouts of fever and inflammation, affects roughly one in four Shar-Pei dogs. During an episode, which lasts one to three days, the body produces amyloids (fibrous assemblies of protein) that may cause amyloidosis, a condition in which amyloids accumulate uncontrollably in bodily organs and tissues. Repeated amyloid deposits on the kidneys can cause kidney failure. All Shar-Pei should be monitored for fever and signs of swelling, especially on the ankle joints and muzzle, and treated medically to reduce the body’s temperature and amyloid production. It is believed that the genetic mutation responsible for the breed’s sagging skin is related to Shar-Pei fever. Other health concerns include entropion (inturned eyelids) and hip dysplasia.

Temperament

Confident and independent, the Chinese Shar-Pei can be quite headstrong, making training a challenge at times. Consequently, a firm consistent training regime is required. While devoted to and even protective of its family, the Shar-Pei is not particularly demonstrative. Its energy level is average, and it tends to be serious and not excessively playful. The Chinese Shar-Pei is generally friendly toward other household dogs and pets but can be aggressive toward strange dogs and aloof or even suspicious toward strange people. A strong breed, it makes an excellent watchdog and a fair protection dog.

These are well established and widely accepted generalizations about the breed. Individual dogs may differ in behavior and temperament.

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