A Guide and Crufts
Video of the Chinese Shar Pei.
A BRIEF HISTORY.
The Shar Pei originated in China many centuries ago.
They were used for herding, hunting, guarding and as combatants. When the
Chinese Communists came into control
they became nearly extinct.
During the 1960’s there were very few left and they became the rarest dog in
the world. In 1970 a man called Matgo Law
began a rescue operation of his native breed. A few specimens found their way
to interested parties in the United States.
Thanks to this man the Chinese Shar Pei breed is no longer an endangered
species.
APPEARANCE.
An alert, active, compact dog of medium size and
substance, short coupled and square in profile.
Preferred height 46-51cm (18-20") at the withers. Dogs are larger and more
powerful than bitches.
The Shar Pei has a number of unique characteristics.
The breed has a head which can best be described as "hippopotamus like", very
small ears flat to the forehead,
loose folds of skin about the head neck and shoulders and a short harsh
coat.
The Shar Pei breed have a blue black tongue, a characteristic shared only with
one canine breed, the Chow Chow.
The loose skin and wrinkles are abundant in Shar Pei Puppies, but these
features may be limited to the head, neck
and withers in adults.
TEMPERAMENT AND
CHARACTER.
Calm, independent, very affectionate, alert and devoted to people. The Shar Pei
is a wonderful companion and family dog.
He is equally adaptable to indoors and outdoors, protective but not vicous,
quick to learn, good with children when properly introduced, obedient and eager
to please his family. He is very loyal
to his family and loves them unconditionally. He is standoffish with strangers
and does not like to be rushed by them,
especially in his own territory. He will generally bark when somebody visits
and prefers to take his own time to approach
the visitor, to be petted. This is because of his protective instinct.
TRAINING.
The Shar Pei is very intlligent and learns easily. He can
do extremely well at obedience training.
It is very important that early socialising be carried out, with humans and
other dogs.
EXCERISE.
The Shar Pei does not need a large amount of exercise, most will exercise
themselves if room permits.
But they do love to go for a walk, on a lead and if you only have a suburban
block, this should be done as regularly as possible.
LIFE SPAN.
A well cared for Shar Pei will live upto 12 years.
HEALTH.
Shar-Pei can suffer from are Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patellas, Entropian, Skin
problems and Allergies.
The Shar Pei breed club are working on introducing control schemes for
hereditary diseases.
Responsible breeders make every effort to control these disorders in their
stock. Shar Pei bitches can drop their coat after whelping,
also both sexes can look a little moth eaten when moulting.
Do not mistake these as skin problems as this is quite normal for this
breed.
THE IDEAL SHAR PEI OWNER.
Should be a responsible person who is willing to share their life and home with
their Shar Pei, a person well versed in canine behaviour,
or willing to learn; a person willing to train, and socialise their
Shar-Pei.
Shar-Pei craves human companionship and is not a dog that should be left in the
backyard and forgotten about.
WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF IF CONSIDERING PURCHASING
A SHAR PEI PUPPY.
First examine your lifestyle and ask yourself – Have I the
time, the space and the long term commitment to consider owning
a Shar Pei Pup? The Shar Pei Puppy does not adapt easily to change of ownership
once it becomes an adult.
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