What kind of a guardian is it?
Although the origin of this breed is not well known, it is thought that the Shar-Pei originate from southern part of China and have been around for centuries. In their homeland they have a versatile role. They are human companions, participate in the hunt, guard and protect cattle and family. Today, Shar-Pei are considered to be interesting, spotless and intelligent pets. The most important characteristics of a Shar-Pei is its very strong personality that requires early socialization and decisive guiding. But his loyalty to the owner is unwavering. Independent, vigilant and proud, they can be unkind to those he does not know, and definitely do not belong to the type of dog that "likes everyone". Thoughtful and loyal, this dog is an excellent keeper, because it can be patronizing, and not too aggressive. It seeks respect - and knows how to get it.
... this is totally true.
When did the breed originate?
The unusual appearance of the Shar-Pei, with their characteristic skin folds, small ears and dark pigmented tongue is the result of centuries of selection. The fact that this breed origins can be traced back to Han dynasty (206 year BC - 220 AD) indicates that there was ample time for the improvement. At that time Shar-Pei or their ancestors were used as fighting dogs. The selection was directed towards obtaining a dog with loose, thick skin and hard, sharp hair. The rich skin folds protect the body from dog bites, and the big, loose jaw protects the neck. Another useful defence mechanism is the facial expression of Shar-Pei – their wrinkled face confuse other dogs, who are not able to predict gestures and reactions of this breed. If you add specific smell, especially of young ones, it is clear why the dogs that meet them are usually confused and try to avoid conflict.
... Well-kept Shar-pei will very rarely have a specific smell.
What is his character?
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese breed and has a specific character of the east - fans say that he is only the owner’s dog. This does not mean that Shar-Pei do not socialize with other family members - they enjoy the time spent with people, especially playing with children.
This dog is very well adapted to all situations in life. He rarely barks rarely, usually only to alert that something is happening and takes loneliness without problem. The attitude towards strangers ranges from friendly to uninterested, but Shar-Pei always remain vigilant, watchful and ready for action if needed. They reacts very quickly, without fear and apprehension of about the consequences, with surprising vehemence. They are very intelligent, and training needs to be done with a special attention. Roughness is not recommended, raising a warning tone is usually sufficient. When you are acquainted with the strangers, simply fails to notice.
A Shar-Pei that has been used to other dogs of different ages as a puppy does usually not cause any problems. The Shar-Pei is a fierce guardian of its territory and do not allow access to individuals of same sex. He does not seek a fight, but is not afraid of it - he answers to the provocations with vigilance and does not forget easily. The size of the rival is not important to him, because he is very brave and carries the heritage of the ancient fighters. Properly bred, he is a caring and reliable friend and protector.
Totally ... ... true!
What are his characteristics?
Although there are two lines - Chinese, taller, faster and slimmer dogs with less pronounced wrinkles and a more relaxed and longer skin and mouth and American, smaller, stronger and thicker dogs with more pronounced skin folds, a more stubby mug, slightly longer hair - experience shows that the best dogs arise from the crossing of American and Chinese lines. Shar-Pei must be powerful, compact and quadratic with well-proportioned, not too massive heads with distinct wrinkles at the helm. These skin folds are very important because they are typical breed characteristics.
The mouth should be big, wide, of medium length, the nose dark colored, preferably black (although dogs with fair hair can have a lighter color). The tongue and gum should be blue-black, the jaw strong, the lips fat and pulpy and the dentition complete. The eyes ought to be medium sized and preferably darker. The ears are ideally small and triangular, slightly rounded on top.
Shar-Pei puppies are born wrinkled, without pigmentation and with a straight tail. During growth, pigmentation sets in, the tail becomes curved, and the wrinkles more prominent. At the age of four months, the skin folds are the most numerous and prominent – after which age they gradually begin to flatten. Adults have wrinkles on head, back and jaw.
Although the origin of this breed is not well known, it is thought that the Shar-Pei originate from southern part of China and have been around for centuries. In their homeland they have a versatile role. They are human companions, participate in the hunt, guard and protect cattle and family. Today, Shar-Pei are considered to be interesting, spotless and intelligent pets. The most important characteristics of a Shar-Pei is its very strong personality that requires early socialization and decisive guiding. But his loyalty to the owner is unwavering. Independent, vigilant and proud, they can be unkind to those he does not know, and definitely do not belong to the type of dog that "likes everyone". Thoughtful and loyal, this dog is an excellent keeper, because it can be patronizing, and not too aggressive. It seeks respect - and knows how to get it.
... this is totally true.
When did the breed originate?
The unusual appearance of the Shar-Pei, with their characteristic skin folds, small ears and dark pigmented tongue is the result of centuries of selection. The fact that this breed origins can be traced back to Han dynasty (206 year BC - 220 AD) indicates that there was ample time for the improvement. At that time Shar-Pei or their ancestors were used as fighting dogs. The selection was directed towards obtaining a dog with loose, thick skin and hard, sharp hair. The rich skin folds protect the body from dog bites, and the big, loose jaw protects the neck. Another useful defence mechanism is the facial expression of Shar-Pei – their wrinkled face confuse other dogs, who are not able to predict gestures and reactions of this breed. If you add specific smell, especially of young ones, it is clear why the dogs that meet them are usually confused and try to avoid conflict.
... Well-kept Shar-pei will very rarely have a specific smell.
What is his character?
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese breed and has a specific character of the east - fans say that he is only the owner’s dog. This does not mean that Shar-Pei do not socialize with other family members - they enjoy the time spent with people, especially playing with children.
This dog is very well adapted to all situations in life. He rarely barks rarely, usually only to alert that something is happening and takes loneliness without problem. The attitude towards strangers ranges from friendly to uninterested, but Shar-Pei always remain vigilant, watchful and ready for action if needed. They reacts very quickly, without fear and apprehension of about the consequences, with surprising vehemence. They are very intelligent, and training needs to be done with a special attention. Roughness is not recommended, raising a warning tone is usually sufficient. When you are acquainted with the strangers, simply fails to notice.
A Shar-Pei that has been used to other dogs of different ages as a puppy does usually not cause any problems. The Shar-Pei is a fierce guardian of its territory and do not allow access to individuals of same sex. He does not seek a fight, but is not afraid of it - he answers to the provocations with vigilance and does not forget easily. The size of the rival is not important to him, because he is very brave and carries the heritage of the ancient fighters. Properly bred, he is a caring and reliable friend and protector.
Totally ... ... true!
What are his characteristics?
Although there are two lines - Chinese, taller, faster and slimmer dogs with less pronounced wrinkles and a more relaxed and longer skin and mouth and American, smaller, stronger and thicker dogs with more pronounced skin folds, a more stubby mug, slightly longer hair - experience shows that the best dogs arise from the crossing of American and Chinese lines. Shar-Pei must be powerful, compact and quadratic with well-proportioned, not too massive heads with distinct wrinkles at the helm. These skin folds are very important because they are typical breed characteristics.
The mouth should be big, wide, of medium length, the nose dark colored, preferably black (although dogs with fair hair can have a lighter color). The tongue and gum should be blue-black, the jaw strong, the lips fat and pulpy and the dentition complete. The eyes ought to be medium sized and preferably darker. The ears are ideally small and triangular, slightly rounded on top.
Shar-Pei puppies are born wrinkled, without pigmentation and with a straight tail. During growth, pigmentation sets in, the tail becomes curved, and the wrinkles more prominent. At the age of four months, the skin folds are the most numerous and prominent – after which age they gradually begin to flatten. Adults have wrinkles on head, back and jaw.
