Origin

No one knows about the origin of Shar pei. It is said that the breed descended from the Chow Chow but these two breeds have no similarity. The only similarity between the two breeds is that they both have a purple coloured tongue. In 206 BC at the time of the Han Dynasty this breed existed and this was also found in the pottery pictures. The Shar pei was used for working in the firms in China. This dog was also used for hunting and looking after live stock. At the time Communist Revolution this breed became almost obsolete. But late on this breed was saved and over years it gained popularity.

General Description

The Shar pei is not very large in size and it has a stout and muscular body. They have a well built physique. The Shar Pei has a broad head and a square shaped broad muzzle with a faded black nose at the tip. their eyes are totally hazeland almond shaped. Their face is totally wrinkled and they have broad wrinkled neck. The Shar pei has a wide chest touching the shoulders and a sleek stomack. Their tail is short and curved at the tip. The Shar pei have straight limbs and muscular legs and their ears are short and folded in front. They have hanging jaws and they have a short shiny coat which is sable in colour.

Character

The Shar pei is very brave, enthusiastic, dominating in nature and loves to play. The breed is very intelligent and loyal and devoted to their master. If proper training is provided from an early age then the Shar pei is very good to children, small animals like cats and all and strangers also. They are calm by nature and they prove to be excellent companions of human. The breed id independent and stubborn in nature so they must be treated with firmness. They also pove to be excellent guard dogs. They don’t like water at all and they always try to stay away from it. Generally they are good in character and temperament but that may vary due to differences in breeding. But most of them are fine.

Temperament

The Shar pei is very playful, enthusiastic and intelligent by nature. They are good but sometimes very dominating, independent and stubborn. That’s the reason why they should be treated with firmness. They prove to be excellent companion of human beings and if properly socialized from an early age they are also very good to children and even strangers. The Shar pei is also very good to cats and other small animals but that may vary between different dogs because of difference in breeding. But as a whole this breed is cool.

Training

Shar peis are intelligent but they are independent and stubborn at times and that’s why they should be trained and socialized from an early age. They have a dominating attitude and so they firm methods should be used at certain times. They should be trained with firmness, consistency and fairness.

Health

The breed can be affected by skin problems, kidney failures etc. Their average life span is 10 years.