General Information

Dog NameChinese Shar-pei
Other NamesCantonese Shar-Pei
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebreed
GroupNon-sporting Group
Breed ForWorking dog
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginChina

Physical And Size

SizeMedium
Min Life Span8
Max Life Span12
Min Ideal Weight for male20
Max Ideal Weight for male25
Min Ideal Weight for female18
Max Ideal Weight for male25

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentCalm, Aloof, Loyal
Prey DriveNo
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyLow
Office FriendlyLow
Apartment FriendlyMedium
Senior Citizens FriendlyMedium
Service DogMedium
Search and Rescue DogMedium
Biting PotentialMedium
Country of OriginChina
Nicknames and Other NamesCantonese Shar-Pei
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupNon-sporting group
Bred ForAll-round farm dog and working dog
SizeMedium-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, ANKC, UKC, NZKC, CKC, KC
Life Span8-12 years
Ideal Weight45-60 pounds
Ideal Height18-20 inches
Fur TypeExtremely harsh coat, straight, wrinkled
Common ColorsCream, Apricot Dilute, Black, Brown,
Chocolate, Black Sable, Cream Dilute,
Chocolate Dilute, Fawn, Fawn Sable
MarkingsBrindle, Mask, Saddle pattern, Sable
Spotted on white, White markings,
Pointed
AvailabilityCommonly available
Achievementsnone
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToChow Chow

Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a blue-black tongue, small sunken eyes, and wrinkled face. These breeds are affectionate, loyal and stubborn as well. They are also known as the “sand skin” due to their distinct and bristle-like coat.

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are strong and independent companion famous for their loyalty and intelligence. They require regular exercises which often makes a hard to handle for an inexperienced owner.

Origin and History

The Chinese Shar-Pei was originated in the southern provinces of China where it was valued as hunter and fighter. Some people believe that the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed which dates back to the Han dynasty around 200 B.C.

The dog’s population in the country practically wiped out with the rise of the people’s republic of China. A few Chinese Shar-Pei, however, were bred in Hongkong and Taiwan. Thanks to the man named Matgo law, in Hongkong, who helped keep the breed alive otherwise the Chinese Shar-Pei might have been extinct till now.

The breed got registered in the AKC in 1992 and rank 50th in the breed list. The Chinese Shar-Pei is gaining a lot of popularity nowadays with their lovable and affectionate personality.

Are They Child-Friendly?

Yes, Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are good with children because they are devoted family dogs which are protective of their family and children. They are good with children of all ages but are best for homes which have older children who can treat them the right way.

Chinese Shar-Pei With Its Playing with small children. Hello! mate.
Image Source- Chinese Shar-Pei Club Chernyi Chizh

These dogs love to play outdoor and thrive when gets a chance to run and fetch balls. Shar-Pei is independent dogs, which may not like to play all the time. However, children should be taught when to approach a dog. This breed may hurt toddlers unintentionally because they are huge and heavy. Always supervise your children when they’re with your pet.

Behavior, Temperament and Personality

The Chinese Shar-Pie is an alert dog which is extremely devoted to its family but aloof with people it doesn’t know. They thrive when they’re with the people they love. Shar-Pei is calm and confident with non-aggressive behavior.

As already discussed, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an independent streak with a strong-willed but are extremely protective when it comes to their territory and family. These dogs can be aggressive to other canines of the same sex.

They are quite dogs which usually don’t bark, but if they do, you must go and check what has caught his attention. Shar-Pei might seem gloomy and lazy but they are energetic dogs with a playful personality.

Shar-Pei doesn’t need much attention since they can entertain themselves with lots of chew toys and sun to bathe in. They can almost read your mind and will lie in bed for hours without moving their muscle.

Trainability

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are easy to train because they have high intelligence. They will simply avoid harsh training and will accept the consistent training. They are quick learners and will thrive on their training sessions.

A video of Chinese Shar-Pei obedience training at home.

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are known to house train themselves. They are clean dogs and won’t like staying in a dirty place. However, these dogs are not for inexperienced owners who cannot be confident and consistent with their pets. like positive reinforcement training methods of rewards and treats. They are motivated and always follow the positive activities.

Facts

Some of the facts of Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are as follows:

  • The name Shar-Pei means sand-skin but translated more as sandpaper like a coat.
  • They have curved teeth capable of hooking into an enemy’s skin.
  • Its coat is a plus point while having a fight because if the enemy tries to bite them, their mouth will be full of their wrinkled skin.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Pyoderma, Hypothyroidism,
Glaucoma, Patellar Luxation, Cancer,
Bloat, Demodectic Mange, Entropion
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Leptospirosis,
Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus,
SheddingNone to Minimal Shedding
DroolingHigh Drooler
GroomingAverage Groomning Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyLow Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 23%
Fat: 5%
Fish Oil
Multivitamins
Antioxidant

Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to certain health conditions. Not all Shar-Peis will get any of these diseases but it‘s important to be aware of them:

  • Shar-pei fever: It is characterized by recurring fever and swelling of the hocks.
  • Hypothyroidism: It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
  • Cancer: It is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth.
  • Elbow dysplasia: It is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint.
  • Seborrhea: It causes red, itchy rash,and white scales.

Different Color

Chinese Shar-Peis are found in following different colors:

  • Black
  • Fawn
  • Lilac
  • Cream
  • Sand
  • Red

Puppies

Chinese Shar-Pei dogs can give birth to 4 to 6 puppies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuaXek5nDjT/
Chinese Shar-Pei puppy.

Cost

The average cost of the Chinese Shar-Pei puppies is $1500-$2000 USD.

Size

The Chinese Shar-Pei’s average weight is about 25 to 29 kg. These cute dogs will stand up to 46-56 cm tall.

Which Dog Breed Are They Similar To?

Some of the breeds similar to Chinese Shar-Pei dogs are as follows:

Visit Doglime to know more about different dogs breed.

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