Popular Dog Breeds
- 1. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies
- 3. Bearded Collies and Old English Sheepdogs
- 4. Retrievers
- 5. German Shepherds
Shar-Peis
Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser. National Outreach
Once the rarest, most expensive breed of dog in the world, the distinctive Chinese Shar-pei has made a tremendous comeback. In 1973, Matgo Law of Down-Home Kennels appealed to American dog fanciers to save the breed before it completely died out – another victim of Chairman Mao’s China. From the small handful of dogs imported into the US that year, the Chinese Shar-pei has thrived, rising to 39th in the American Kennel Club’s breed rankings a mere 30 years later. These days the prices have dropped and Shar-peis, both pure and mixed, can be found in the nation’s shelters. Is this combination of mastiff and Asian spitz a good match for your household?
An ancient breed, statues depicting the Shar-pei have been found from the Han Dynasty, circa 200 BC. The breed most likely originated in Tai Li, in the southern province of Kwantung. This multipurpose dog assisted his peasant guardians by herding cattle, hunting wild pigs and guarding home and family. Once known as the Chinese Fighting Dog, it is unclear if the breed was actually used in dog fighting or if the moniker “fighting dog” was used on every Chinese breed that protected property. The breed’s loyalty to its family and general dislike of other dogs leads one to concur that both interpretations ring true.
“Shar-pei” literally means sand-skin or more
loosely translated sandpaper-like coat. Among the unique features
of the breed is its harsh, bristly coat which when stroked
against the grain, can cause irritation and itchiness to human
flesh. The coat needs minimal grooming – a good rubdown
with a hound glove once a week is all that is needed to keep
shedding manageable. Three lengths of coat are seen: very short
and most abrasive (horse coat), one half to one inch in length
and softer than the horse coat (brush coat), and more than one
inch in length (bear coat). The horse and brush coats are
considered desirable among dog show fanciers. Acceptable coat
colors include all solid colors such as cream, fawn, apricot,
red, chocolate, brown, silver, and black. Sable (black-tipped
otherwise solid-colored hairs) is permissible but black and tan
markings, brindling, spots and patches are not.
The unique appearance of the Chinese Shar-pei is not soon
forgotten. From its extra large head, hippopotamus-like muzzle,
black tongue, petite folded triangular ears, small almond-shaped
sunken eyes and wrinkled head to its high set pointed tail curled
over the back, there’s no other dog like it. The profuse
wrinkling seen on puppies dissipates as the dog matures, leaving
adults with but a few creases upon their foreheads. This
medium-sized dog stands 18” – 20” tall at the
withers and weighs 40-60 lbs.
The scowling expression reflects the dog’s confident, independent, sober demeanor. Early socialization and training will go far to help the Shar-pei’s guardian control the dog’s stubbornness and territoriality. Like his relative the Chow Chow, the Shar-pei has a reputation of being easy to house-train. Due to sunken eyes surrounded by excess skin folds, the Shar-pei has limited peripheral vision. Children and visitors should be schooled to always speak to the dog first and then approach from the front to avoid startling the dog.
A limited gene pool may be to blame for the formidable list of health problems seen in some members of the breed. Some like hypothyroidism, entropian, hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are found in many breeds of dog. Familial Shar-pei fever and swollen hock syndrome, together leading to renal amyloidosis, and tight lip syndrome are peculiar to the breed. Skin problems such as seborrhea oleosa and idiopathic mucinosis are also seen. The average life span is 8 – 12 years.
If you have a yen for a regal-looking canine that places individual loyalty above all else and you don’t mind a snorer who disdains strangers and slavish obedience, the Chinese Shar-pei just may be your cup of tea.
EMAIL
SHARE
