Chinese Shar-Pei

Breed Type: Non-sporting
Weight: 45 to 60 lbs
Height: 18 to 20 inches
Coat type: Chinese Shar-Peis have two types of coat - horse coat and brush coat. Brushcoat Sharpeis have long hard hair. Horsecoat Sharpei breed is considered superior and has short, hard and bristly coat.
Color: Mostly available in solid colors and the sable color is most preferable to people in general.

Chinese Shar Pei dogs are medium sized dogs which are basically used as farm dog and guard dog in China. They are basically popular because of their distinctive features like deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. They have a short rough coat which is rough to touch and extremely pricking. The Chinese Shar pei breed are named the same because of their coats as Shar Pei when translated to English means shark coat or sand skin. This dog breed was once declared to be the rarest dog breed by Time Magazine and Guinness Books of World Record.

History
The Shar Pei breed is said to have been originated from the Guangdong Province of China and the original breed was quite different from the one popular in the West today. The distinction between both the Shar Pei breed is made on the basis that the original Chinese breed has a �meat mouth� while the Western counterpart has �bone mouth�. Though the exact time and ancestry of the Chinese Shar Pei breed can not be scientifically determined till now, it is assumed to be the descendant of Chow Chow. The genetic between the two is also only loosely based on the similar characteristics of blue-black tongue.

Some ancient archaeological pictorial descriptions hint that the breed was present even in the Han Dynasty in about 206 B.C. These pictures also suggest that this breed was used for hunting, protecting & herding stock as well as guard dogs. It was then bred for its intelligence, endurance and surly face. Later the use of this breed as �fighting dogs� gained popularity. DNA analysis reveal that the Shar Pei breed is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world.

Appearance
Chinese Shar Pei breed is liked due to its unique face with excessive wrinkles and loose skins. Tiny triangular ears, muzzle resembling that of a hippopotamus, and a high fix tail also give the Shar Pei an exceptional look. The tail of the Chinese Shar Pei is different from other breeds; it has a thick tail which is thick and round at the base, narrowing to a fine point. The height of a Chinese is 18 to 20 inches and its weight ranges about 45 to 60 pounds. The coat of this breed is also its unique distinction. The coat is completely straight and off standing on the prominent trunk of the body but somewhat flatters on the limbs. It ranges from extremely small length �horse coat� to the �brush coat� which is moderate in size about one inch in length at the withers. Red, Red Fawn, Five Point Red, Black, Black Silver Sables, Black Bronze Sables, Sables, Cream, Blue, Cream Dilute, Apricot Dilute, Chocolate, Chocolate Dilute, Lilac, Isabelle are the accepted colors of this breed.

Personality
Chinese Shar-Pei forms close bonds with the family and is quite independent. It seems oblivious to others around him and is cautious with other animals. Serious, dignified, brave and loyal, it has a dominant nature and thus, obedience training for this dog needs strong and patient handling. It gets along with children and other household pets, if proper socialization takes place at an early age. It may indulge in fights with other dogs and needs very firm and consistent training.