Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Information
Learn all about Chinese Shar-Pei dogs, read about the Chinese Shar-Pei breed information, find out about the Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Standard, Chinese Shar-Pei behavior and more.
The Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Introduction
The Chinese Shar-Pei (sometimes written Chinese Sharpei) is certainly a unique-looking dog. The Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed’s most extraordinary feature is deep wrinkles. Sharpeis also have short, stubby, legs, and a wide “hippo face.”
The Chinese Shar-Pei’s Behavior
The Chinese Shar Pei breed is often considered independent, and may seem aloof with strangers. Shar-Peis often seem dedicated to their families. (Source: Wikipedia.)
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog’s actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
Chinese Shar-Pei Physical Characteristics
Here are the characteristics of the Chinese Shar-Pei breed as determined by the American Kennel Club’s published breed standard.
- Size: 18-20 inches and 45-60 pounds
- Coat: extremely harsh coat of absolutely straight hairs
- Color: Only solid colors and sable.
- Eyes: Dark, small, almond-shaped and sunken
- Ears: extremely small, thick, triangular, rounded at the tips.
- Skull: flat and broad
- Muzzle: broad, “hippopotamus”-shape
- Nose: large, wide and darkly pigmented.
- Tail: high-set
The Chinese Shar-Pei’s Origins and History
Country/Region of Origin: China
Original purpose: all-purpose utility dog of poorer farmers. (source: Wikipedia)
Name: The name sha pi means “sand skin.” The breed is also known as the “Chinese Fighting Dog,” according to Wikipedia.
Historical notes: The Chinese Shar-Pei breed was well-known as a fighting dog and guard dog. The Chinese Shar-Pei breed originally comes from the Guangzhou province of China. At one time it was named “the rarest dog in the world” by the Guinness Book of World Records.