When someone sees a Shar Pei for the first time, they commonly react, “My goodness – what is wrong with that dog?” Shar Peis have a distinctive look that you either love or hate. The puppies are deeply wrinkled all over their bodies, but lose most of the body wrinkles as they age. They keep almost all of the deep folds and wrinkles around the face. Their eyes are almost invisible, their ears are incredibly tiny and they usually drool most of the time. The breed standard prefers a head that looks too large for the body.

These grow into massive dogs with solid muscle, making them look like a canine wrinkly-faced equivalent of Mike Tyson. They need plenty of exercise, especially if they are to live in an apartment. Their skin is usually so loose it looks as if you can fit another dog in it. If you come across a purebred Shar Pei with tight skin, it is still a purebred Shar Pei – just not one that can’t be shown.
It is thought that Shar Peis descended from Chow Chows, which are more popular around the world than Shar Peis. The two breeds share a lot in common. They are both big, muscular breeds with broad chests and a bull neck. Both are have bodies that resemble furry bricks on legs. And both have a purple, or blue-black tongue. Often blue tongues are the sign of a very sick dog, but not in Chow Chows or Shar Peis. Some Shar Peis are born with pink tongues, but are disqualified from showing.

Other ways Shar Peis can get disqualified from the show ring is by not having a solid colored coat. They often come in a brown and white coat that resembles an English Springer Spaniel’s. This is sometimes called a flowered Shar Pei among Shar Pei enthusiasts. Sometimes a small tuft of white is allowed on a show dog. If they have bear coats, in which the hairs are over one inch long, they will also be disqualified.
The breed standard for the Shar Pei is not conducive to everybody’s idea of a family pet. Their temperament is very much like a Rottweiler’s, only they are even more aggressive with other dogs. They usually are good with kids, but wary of adults. If you need a guard dog or a dog to round up livestock, they are ideal. The breed standard lists Shar Peis as having a “regal, standoffish” nature. They are not as eager to please as other breeds.

They have very strong wills coupled with very strong bodies. If you have never lived with a dog before, the Shar Pei is not for you. If you have physical problems, the Shar Pei is not for you. If you have a timid nature, then the Shar Pei is definitely not for you as they will quickly give commands to you and expect to be obeyed. Research and think carefully before bringing a Shar Pei home.

The Shar Pei is not the friendliest of dogs and may not be right for first time dog owners. Shar Pei information is easy to find if your search the web or go to the library.

Filed under: Domestic Pets

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!