Chinese Shar Pei Information
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The Chinese Shar-Pei originated around the small village of Tai Li in Kwantung province and has existed for centuries in the southern provinces of China since around 200 BC.
The name "Shar-Pei" means "sand skin" but translates better as "rough, sandy coat" or "sandpaper-like coat" and refers to two distinctive qualities of the Shar-Pei coat-roughness and shortness. Those qualities make the breed unique in the dog world. Another quality, which is only shared by the Chow-Chow is the blue-black tongue. This indicates an ancestor common to both breeds.
Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China as a communist nation, the dog population in China was essentially eliminated. There were no dogs seen in the cities and only a few dogs remained in the countryside. During this period a few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong and in the Republic of China.
Strong interest in the breed increased in 1973 when Mateo Law of Down-Homes Kennels in Hong Kong appealed to dog fanciers in the United States to "Save the Chinese Shar-Pei." The response was enthusiastic and due to their rarity, a limited number of Shar-Pei arrived in the untied states in 1973. Those who received these dogs decided to form a national dog club and registry. The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America Inc. held its first meeting in 1974. The Shar-Pei received full recognition in the American Kennel Club in 1991, and was placed in the Non-Sporting Group.
The Shar-Pei is a very alert and intelligent dog. They are dignified, essentially independent and can be somewhat standoffish with strangers, and if the stranger is persistent in getting near the Shar Pei before being trusted by the dog, the dog may bite to defend itself even if the person doesn't actually mean any harm. This is a breed that can be fairly picky on who they do and do not like- those who they do not like must work to gain their acceptance.
They are extremely devoted to their families, and will do anything to protect them. I don't recommend using an invisible fence with this breed as it does not prevent other animals/people from coming into contact with the dog and the dog may not welcome newcomers.
This breed is notorious for allergies and skin conditions and for eyelid disorders (entropion and ectropion). Some puppies are so heavily wrinkled about the face that they must have their eyelids "tacked" until they grow into their skin. Parents should have certificates for hips (OFA) and also ask your breeder about demodectic mange, luxating patella and cancer in their lines.
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