What You Need To Know About The Shar-Pei

No two Shar Pei dogs look the same.  Some are much more wrinkled than others.  You can get dogs with large heads or small heads.  You can get lots of wrinkle or few.  There are three coat varieties: horse-coat and brush-coat and a rare bear-coat, which is not recognized by the AKC. 

The bear-coat, is not recognized AKC standard because this particular Shar-Pei has an undercoat and a topcoat exceeding 1 inch. The popular theory about the bear-coat is that it's a "throwback" to the chow-chow. They are actually quite popular as pet quality Shar-Pei, albeit rare, and often confused with the chow by unknowing owners as well as animal shelter workers.

The unusual horse-coat is rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing.  The brush-coated variety has
longer hair and a smoother feel. The coat on either variety can be up to one inch in length.

To the right is Taz owned by Randall & Donna - she's most adorable and so well mannered.  We recently met her at a car show & her and our Hemi had a nice visit.  Randall and Donna have a terrific Fur remover brush which works really well on all breeds but especially with the Shar Pei.  Visit them at www.walkaboutventures.com

Coat colors include all solid colors and sables.   Red Fawn, Apricot, Black, Albino, Brindle, Silver, Red, and Brown are ll common colors in the Shar-Pei.  There are plenty of others too.  There is also a lowered, spotted, and a parti colored Shar-Pei coat, which is not recognized by the AKC standard.

The small ears fall forward and the tail has this adorable curl.  These dogs have a blue-black tongue just like Chow Chow.  And the square profile with a broad, full head and wide, padded muzzle is so adorable.  Puppies have more wrinkles than adults. Shar-Pei slowly loose their wrinkles as they get older.

Check out these two adorable gems from Pet Palace  - This terrific breeder breeds miniatures and toys and her quality pups are second to none.  Visit her at Pet Palace  and see her adorable pups!  Above is Taz and Below is Lil Stich - aren't they adorable!!!  Joan is a breeder in British Columbia Canada on Vancouver Island.  Be sure to drop by and visit her.

The Shar-Pei is very loyal to his handler and owner.  It is an intelligent dog that does not always follow orders slavishly.  Playful, active, dominant, and brave.  They bond with their family, but are not unfriendly toward
strangers.  If Shar Pei meet cats and children while they are young, they usually learn to interact with them with little trouble.  The same goes for other dogs. 

The Shar-Pei has a frowning expression which can sometimes be interpretted as a scowl.  Actually this breed is generally very easy going and calm.   It is also one of the most independent, and devoted breed which makes them a delightful companion and good watchdogs. Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies

The Shar-Pei needs a confident handler.  If you are too uncertain, too inconstant, too soft, or too mild in the dog's eyes, it will take over as the boss.  The Shar-Pei needs a firm, but gentle and extremely consistent trainer.  The Shar Pei is stubborn and bold and needs firm obedience training to establish your leadership.  The Shar Pei needs an owner who can be "Top Dog". 

These dogs are so clean that they almost housebreak themselves.  Shar-Pei hate water and will usually avoid it at all costs.  If your Shar-Pei is hurt they tend to slobber.  And be wary of when they drink they leave big drool puddles behind them. 

Puppies grow very quickly and must be fed accordingly.  Eukanuba or Nutro are both good choices.  The Shar-Pei that is bred for show tends to be less dominant and less aggressive then others and show mix well with other dogs.

It is important to find a reputable breeder when seeking a Shar-Pei.  During the 1980's the breed was
very popular, in fact they were called the "Yuppie Puppies."  This also meant that the breed was carelessly over-bred.  A lot of this breeds personality and health depends on the lines it comes from.   Good Shar-Pei lines will get along well with other dogs and will not have skin problems, which is a hereditary condition.