Chinese Shar-Pei - A Dog from an Ancient World

The breed of "Chinese Shar-Pei" is a medium- built dog with a muscular build. It has a muzzle that is shaped similar to a hippopotamus. The head seems a bit out of proportion to its body. The breed's tail sits high on the back and curls over the back on one side or the other. It should have a sturdy base and go up to a small point. As puppies the "Shar-Peis" are very wrinkled, but as they grow older some of the wrinkles disappear as they get larger. The wrinkles stay at the withers and on the neck and head areas.

History of the "Chinese Shar-Pei"                     

The breed of the "Chinese Shar-Pei" happens to have its origins in the Kwung Tung province of China. It has lived in the southern region of this country for many centuries. They were owned usually by the peasants. This meant they were working dogs helping their owners take care of the cattle, hunt game like wild pigs, and by guarding them. The translation of the name "Shar-Pei" is either "shark skin" or "sand skin."

Because of the dogs having this rough skin they were found good for the dog-fighting pits in China. It allowed the dogs maneuver out of the grasp of their opponent. In China these dogs were called fighting dogs as any of the guard dogs were over there. However, they were regarded as guard dogs rather than fighting dogs in the United States and Canada. Either of these shows how good they are for protection.

When China became the communist country of People's Republic of China the "Shar-Pei" was almost obliterated. If it was not for Matgo Law and his efforts the breed would not be today. He brought some "Shar-Peis" to the USA during the 1960 to the 1970s. They continue to be popular today.

Temperament

This "Chinese Shar-Pei" breed is not only independent but also very intelligent. They are a very devoted pet to their owner and family. However, they are not comfortable around strangers, which is part of what makes them a good guard dog though they are not a fan of wearing warm dog coats.

They can be great dogs with kids and your other animals in the house. The key to having a great "Shar-Pei" is socialization with the people and other animals it needs to be around frequently. The owner of a "Shar-Pei" must take a firm hand when training it. This breed is independent and has a dominant personality. An owner needs to make the dog understand that they are in charge.

Health Problems

This breed can suffer from the following health problems:

• Hypothyroidism causes low hormone levels, which causes the metabolism to be too low. This condition makes the dog to gain too much weight even when eating correctly. It can also cause the skin to suffer irritation and makes the dog feel and act sluggish and dog steps may be needed.

• Entropion makes the eyelid roll into the dog's eye and can make the cornea irritated. Surgery is needed to repair it.

• Cancer in some instances can occur in various forms.

• Swollen Hock Syndrome makes the hock joint swell. It also causes an apprehension to move, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and at times swelling the muzzle occurs that is painful.