Shar Pei Dog

Chinese Shar Pei

Chinese Shar Pei Characteristics: The noble and restrained Shar Pei is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1992). The Shar Pei, is characterized by its compact, square appearance with a dignified but somewhat scowling expression. Other characteristics include small, dark brown, almond-shaped eyes; small, high-set, flat lying ears; a large head, high set, curled tail and a balanced, vigorous gait.

The temperament of the Shar Pei can be described as Reserved, Devoted, Independent. The coat type of the Shar Pei is described as short, harsh coat in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Shar Pei demonstrated the desired traits of a Herder and Fighting dog and is known by its nick name the "Sharpei". The origin of the Shar Pei dog breed was in China dating back to Antiquity

Fast Facts about the Chinese Shar Pei: The following facts provide fast information about the Shar Pei breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1992) *** Nick name: "Sharpei" *** Origin: China *** Male Height: 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: short, harsh coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Shar Pei Health Problems: Chronic skin problems, Allergies, Elbow Dysplasia *** Lifespan: 8-10 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Chinese Shar Pei Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1992): The Shar Pei is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1992).

Other names for the Shar Pei: The Shar Pei is known by the nickname of the "Sharpei". Other names for this breed of dog include the Chinese Shar-pei and Chinese Fighting Dog. The Shar Pei was also referred to as one of the Chinese Foo Dogs.

Origin of the name Shar Pei: The origin of the name "Shar Pei" derives from the Chinese words  meaning "sandy coat".

Shar Pei History and Origin: The country of origin of the Shar Pei breed was in China and dates back to antiquity. Evidence shows that the Shar Pei was known during the Han dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD). The Shar Pei was amongst a number of dogs referred to a "Foo Dog" or "Lion Dog" and was once used as guard dogs at the Imperial Court of Peking, in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the name of the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911) and was famous for its numerous, symbolic statues of Imperial guardian lions.

The ferocious looking Shar Pei was deemed to be both a symbolic and physical guardian of the Forbidden City, and its royal inhabitants. The Chinese Shar Pei, unlike other Foo dogs, was allowed to be owned by peasants and commoners and was used in a number of roles including hunting, herding and guarding livestock and fighting. As a hunting dog the courageous Shar Pei joined hunts for wild boars, deer and bears. The ferocious wild boars had four sharp tusks that could inflict severe injuries, especially after a powerful charge.

The Shar Pei was also used to entertain Chinese spectators who gambled on its prowess as a fighting dog. The bristly coat, small, drop ears and wrinkled skin of the Shar Pei made it difficult for other dogs to grab hold of the animal. China became a republic in 1912 ending over 2000 years of imperial rule in China. The political turmoil in China led to the decline of the Shar Pei and by the time of the Chinese Communist revolution in 1949, the Shar Pei had become almost extinct in its native country. However, the Shar Pei was still being bred in Taiwan and Hong Kong and was exported to Europe and the United States.

Shar Pei Modern History: The modern history of the Shar Pei moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog, Guard Dog, Farm worker and family companion. The Chinese Shar-Pei was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1992.

Shar Pei Height: The Shar Pei breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Shar Pei Weight: The weight of the Shar Pei male in this medium sized dog is 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Shar Pei Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, harsh coat. Many Shar-Pei dogs have a Melanistic Mask (a dark coloration of the skin or hair typically on the muzzle and face of the dog) because of a high concentration of melanin.

Shar Pei Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Fawn, Cream, Lilac, Sand and Red. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors.

Chinese Shar Pei Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Chinese Shar Pei is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The modest grooming needs of the Chinese Shar Pei is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the Shar Pei on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears.

Shar Pei Litter Size: The litter size of the Shar Pei dog breed ranges from 4-6 puppies. Shar Pei puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Shar Pei puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Chinese Shar Pei Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Reserved, Devoted, Independent and Restrained.

Shar Pei Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Shar Pei requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a strident, balanced, vigorous with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game.

Shar Pei Diet: A fully grown Shar Pei should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Shar Pei Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Shar Pei breed include Chronic skin problems, Allergies, Elbow Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Shar Pei dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Shar Pei Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Shar Pei breed is 8-10 years.

Shar Pei Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Shar Pei breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Shar Pei names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are:  Lian *** Kong *** Sheng *** Liang *** Shing *** Lee *** Yul *** Lei *** Cheng *** Chi.

Chinese Shar Pei Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Shar Pei girl dog. Our top choice of good female Shar Pei names are Jia Li *** Feng *** Li Ming *** Lixue *** Mei *** Zi *** Li Na *** Xiao Chen *** Lixue *** Jiang Li.

Fast Facts about the Chinese Shar Pei: The following facts provide fast information about the Shar Pei breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1992) *** Shar Pei Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: China *** History / Date: 1200's *** Male Shar Pei Height: 18 - 20 inches (46 - 51 cm) *** Male Shar Pei Weight: 40 - 55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) *** Coat Type: short, harsh coat *** Litter Size: 4-6 puppies *** Shar Pei Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Shar Pei Lifespan: 8-10 years ***

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