Should You Get a Chinese Shar-Pei?
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a distinctive breed known for its wrinkled skin, calm demeanor, and independent personality. Originally developed in China as a guard and farm dog, Shar-Peis are naturally alert, observant, and protective of their family. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners but are often reserved or cautious around strangers. While intelligent, Shar-Peis are not always eager to please and may require patient, consistent training and early socialization. For owners who appreciate a loyal and watchful companion with a strong sense of independence, the Chinese Shar-Pei can be a devoted and unique partner.
Chinese Shar-Pei — At a Glance
Temperament: Loyal, independent, alert
Breed Type: Guardian / companion dog
Height: 18–20 inches
Weight: 45–60 pounds
Lifespan: 8–12 years
Shedding: Low to moderate
Exercise Needs: Moderate
Good for Families: Yes (with proper socialization)
Best for Owners: Patient, experienced households
Origin: China
Size: Medium
The Shar Pei is an ancient breed
and is known to have existed over 2000 years ago. However, when it comes to comparing their age to the Basenji, the Shar Pei are still mere babies. The Basenji, known as the “barkless dog,” has an even more impressive lineage, dating back 6000 years!
The Shar Pei is one of only
6 basal breeds. These basal breeds are ancient dog breeds that have very little mixed DNA, indicating that they developed naturally over time and were not specifically bred for a particular purpose by humans. Alongside the Shar Pei, the other five basal breeds are the Basenji, Saluki, Akita, Finnish Spitz and Eurasier.
In ancient China
these dogs were considered a symbol of wealth and status, reserved only for well-to-do individuals. They were highly prized for their rarity and used to protect the royal family. In addition to their protective nature, Shar Pei were also utilized as guard dogs and even participated in dog fights. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Shar Pei was near extinction and was considered one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Sharpei has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Boxer
Chow Chow
Studies of dog DNA
has shown the Chinese Shar Pei to have one of the closest genetic relationships to wolves. It came as no surprise that breeds like the Basenji, Saluki, Afghan Hound, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Samoyed shared a close genetic connection to wolves, additional research has learned that smaller breeds like the Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Shar-Pei, and Shih Tzu also exhibit this close relationship.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Sharpei can reach up to 20 inches in height and up to 60 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“All solid colours acceptable except white. Tail and rear part of thighs frequently of a lighter colour. Darker shading down the back and on the ears permissible.”
The word Shar Pei literally
means “sand skin” which perfectly describes the unique texture of their skin. When you touch a Shar Pei, you’ll immediately notice that their skin is rough and can be compared to the texture of sandpaper. While the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) only recognizes one coat variety for this breed, which is described as “short and bristly,” the AKC (American Kennel Club) allows for both “horse coat” and “brush coat.” The horse coat can be up to an inch long.
Growing Up Sharpei
Have pictures of your dog as a puppy and an adult? We give-away free random videos of dogs growing up every month. You can enter pictures here!
How Fast Can a Shar Pei Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Sharpei is almost 22 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Sharpei was by a dog named Biscuit at 26.49 mph!
The Chinese Shar Pei
is not meant to live outdoors as the loose skin on their wrinkly face easily clogs up with dirt, mites and debris which can lead to irritation and inflammation. The wrinkles are caused by a genetic mutation in the (HAS2) gene. They may look cute, but actually serve a more important purpose. They provide protection from serious injury when bitten-attacked by other animals.
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Sharpei ranks 9 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards strangers. Aggression is defined s the dog’s reaction when a stranger approaches their personal space. This could be by barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting.
In this Same Research
the Sharpei ranks very high (7 out of 124 breeds) in touch sensitivity. Essentially, this means many Sharpei generally do not like grooming, nail clippings, examinations etc.
Sharpei Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Sharpei ranks 51 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey first commands more than 50% of the time. This puts them in the “average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Sharpei Have an Average
lifespan of 8-12 years. The oldest Sharpei on record was named Manchee and lived to be over 15 years. They are a tough breed, but there are some health concerns to be aware of :
Shar-Pei Recurrent Fever Syndrome
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Shar Pei AutoInflammatory Disease
There are two varieties
of Shar Pei-the meat mouth and the bone mouth. These terms refer to the muzzle of the dogs with the meat mouths basically having more skin and wrinkles on their face.
The Chinese Shar Pei has
a black-blue-purple tongue. The only other dog with this color tongue is the Chow Chow. No known genetic link exists between these two breeds. In ancient times it was believed that their unique tongues had the power to keep evil spirits away from their owners.
Check Your Shar Pei Facts and Take a Fun Sharpei Quiz!
Quick Facts about the Chinese Shar Pei Infographic
Facts about the Chinese Shar Pei – Final Thoughts
The Chinese Shar-Pei is an interesting breed with a unique set of characteristics. Their loose and wrinkled skin, combined with their rough coat and square profile, gives them a distinct appearance that harkens back to their ancient Chinese origins. Despite their harsh coat, they come in a variety of solid colors, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Socialization is key for these canines, as they can be reserved around strangers. However, with proper training and socialization, they can become loyal and affectionate companions. Whether you’re drawn to their distinctive look or intrigued by their rich history, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a great breed worth getting to know.
