The Wrinkly Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is famous throughout the world as a distinctively wrinkled breed of dog with a blue-black tongue. It is also known as the Chinese Shar Pei or Chinese Fighting Dog, as it derives from China, but it is also called the sharkskin dog. Its name translates to sand paper skin, referring to the texture of its short, rough coat.
The Shar Pei are no doubt an ancient breed, because we can trace their ancestors to as far back as 2,000 years ago! The bluish tongue is unique to only one other breed, the chow-chow, and they are thought to be related. Because of the way it looks and its close link to the chow-chow, the Shar Pei has ties with the giant Mastiff breeds!
Of medium size and substance and squarish in profile, the Shar Pei has what is called a hippopotamus head and an endearing, melancholy expression. For many years, the Shar Pei was used as a general-purpose farm dog in the Chinese countryside, for such purposes as hunting, protecting cattle (stock), and as a guard dog for the family and home. During that period, it was bred for its intelligence, strength, and scowling face!
The loose skin and prickly coat were developed in the Shar Pei to aid it in fighting, as these traits would make it difficult for its opponent to grab and hold on to it. While they should be brushed regularly, their coat does not need to be trimmed, and they do not have an undercoat. Puppies have more wrinkles than adults, and the Shar Pei slowly lose their wrinkles as they get older.
There are three coat varieties in this breed: the horse-coat, a brush-coat, and the uncommon bear-coat, which is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The unusual horse-coat is rough, extremely prickly to the touch, while the brush-coat has longer fur and a smoother texture. Coat colors include all solid colors, as well as sables.
The loyal Shar Pei connects well with his family and is outstandingly devoted to his master. They are fearless, bright, playful, dominant and full of character. They are recognized by their melancholy expression, but they are surprisingly calm, self-reliant, loyal and friendly dogs.
The Shar Pei are naturally intelligent and require a firm resolve and consistency when it comes to training”a weak handler will be misconstrued as a member of the pack that they do not need to follow. They have a natural tendency to be obstinate, from their instinct as fighting dogs, but this is easily mended by socializing, exercising and training them early on. The Shar Pei have fulfilled many roles in their long and colorful history, including catching vermin, herding, and even tracking, but if you know how to love and care for these spunky little animals then it is quite certain they will make a perfect companion for you and your family.
