Chinese Shar Pei: A Guide to Pure Breed Identification
With ancestors dating back thousands of years, the Chinese Shar Pei is considered a highly intelligent, family oriented dog. Brought to the United States in the 1960s, the Chinese Shar Pei is considered a prime financial investment in terms of dog breeding and show dogs. With approximately 10,000 registered in the United States, owning a Chinese Shar Pei is a unique experience for the dog lover. Understanding the identification, personality characteristics and unique medical issues will ensure an educated purchase into a pure breed dog and ensure a healthy and fulfilling life for your Shar Pei.
Chinese Shar Pei are historically a loyal and obedient breed of dog. Considered very independent, puppy training is quite simple when taken in short lessons where praise and treats are used as positive reinforcement. Because the Chinese Shar Pei is somewhat independent, training lessons beyond 30 minutes are not recommended as the Chinese Shar Pei may become frustrated and appear to be stubborn and inattentive. This, of course, is not considered a negative characteristic as the Chinese Shar Pei is simply a dog which demands respect and, lessons beyond 30 minutes, are deemed an insult to their intelligence.
In addition to loyalty and obedience, Chinese Shar Pei make great apartment and family pets. Requiring daily exercise, the Chinese Shar Pei can reside within an apartment and eagerly await the daily walk which, again, can be limited to 20 to 30 minutes. Accommodating to most summer and winter climates, the Chinese Shar Pei can reside within any area of the United States, provided the Shar Pei remains an indoor pet. Quick learners, the Chinese Shar Pei will provide enjoyment for families with children as well as families with no children.
When considering the purchase of an AKC registered Chinese Shar Pei, there are unique characteristics which much be marked to ensure the dog is pure bred. Characteristics such as a solid coat, solid, dark tongue, a tail which curls over the back and small ears. Additionally, the Chinese Shar Pei, when standing, will generally stand with feet pointing outward, considered a sign of strength. Shar Pei with spotted coats or spotted tongues are not considered pure bred or may be pure bred with genetic defect. These Shar Pei would not qualify as AKC registration.
Prior to purchasing a Chinese Shar Pei, understanding the unique health conditions is vitally important. Chinese Shar Pei generally live eight to 12 years. At birth, the skin is wrinkled but, with age, the wrinkling will reduce and remain around the head and feet only. Because of the excess skin, Chinese Shar Pei suffer from a variety of health conditions such as snoring, grunting and an inability to hold large amounts of food or water in the mouth. Additionally, the excess skin may result in skin disorders in which the eyelids roll in and scratch the cornea, ultimately leading to blindness. Dry and foul smelling skin is common if the coat and diet are not maintained appropriately. In terms of food, low protein diets are recommended.
For dog lovers, Chinese Shar Pei provide a great addition to a family of any size and type. Once considered guard dogs, the Chinese Shar Pei are loving and obedient. With pure bred Shar Pei, generally, sold for a price of $300-$500, the Shar Pei is a great investment for AKC registration and future breeding opportunities.
