Shar Pei History

The ancestry of the Shar-Pei is uncertain.  What is known is that this is one of the oldest breeds in existance and it almost became extinct but thanks to quick action of one man today the breed flourishes.

The Shar Pei is thought to be a descendant of the Chow Chow however, the only existing link between these two breeds is the purple tongue.

Pictures on pottery pieces show that the breed was present during the Han Dynasty 206bc.  For years the Shar-Pei was used as a general purpose farm dog in the countryside.  It was also used for as a watch dog, hunt dog, to protect the stock, and guard the home and family.  

The Shar-Pei has always been bred for intelligence and strength with a face that scowls. 

In later years they were bred for dog fighting. Their really prickly coat and loose skin was developed to aid them in fighting.  The Shar-Pei was a very difficult opponent to not only grab onto but also to hold onto.

The breed reached dangerously low numbes and thanks to a  Hong Kong business man named Matgo Law from Down-Homes Kennels who appealed to an American market in 1973 with a campaign called "Save the Chinese Shar-Pei" the breed was revived. Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies

Since then it has grown tremendously.  There now are several reputable breader throughout the country and the AKC has more than 70,000 dogs registered.  Today it is classed in the Non Sporting Group.

Originally the breed was insanely inexpensive.  But today you can get a full size quality Shar Pei for around $1000 and a mini or toy for around $2000.  Of course prices do vary depending on breeder but that's about 1/3 of what a Shar Pei cost in the 1980s.

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