01/Overview
The name “Shar-Pei” itself literally means “sand-skin”, but translated more loosely as “rough, sandy coat” or “sand-paper-like coat” and refers to the two distinctive qualities of the Shar-Pei coat – roughness and shortness – which make the breed unique in the dog world
Highlights
02/History
Taken from the CSPCA website:
"The Chinese Shar-Pei, an ancient and unique breed, is thought to have originated in the area around the small village of Tai Li in Kwangtung Province, and has existed for centuries in the southern provinces of China, apparently since the Han Dynasty (c. 200 B.C.). Statues bearing a strong resemblance to the Shar-Pei have been discovered and dated to this period. More recently, a Chinese manuscript of the 13th century has been translated; it refers to a wrinkled dog with characteristics much like those of the Shar-Pei.
The name “Shar-Pei” itself literally means “sand-skin”, but translated more loosely as “rough, sandy coat” or “sand-paper-like coat” and refers to the two distinctive qualities of the Shar-Pei coat – roughness and shortness – which make the breed unique in the dog world. The Shar-Pei shares another distinctive characteristic with only one other breed, the Chow-Chow, in having a blue-black tongue, which may indicate an ancestor common to both breeds. However, proof of such a relationship is difficult.
The history of the Chinese Shar-Pei in modern times is incomplete. However, it is known that following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China as a communist nation, the dog population of China was essentially eliminated. No dogs were seen in the cities, and few dogs remained in the countryside. During this period a few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong, BC and in the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The breed was recognized by the Hong Kong Kennel Club until about 1968. Subsequently the Hong Kong and Kowloon Kennel Association established a dog registry and registered the Shar-Pei. This organization still registers the breed today as do other registries in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, as well as organizations in Europe, Canada and Great Britain.
In the United States, the documented history of the breed goes back to 1966 when a few dogs were imported from stock registered with the Hong Kong Kennel Club. The American Dog Breeders Association registered a Chinese Shar-Pei for J.C. Smith on October 8, 1970. Strong interest in the breed increased in 1973 when Matgo Law of Down-Homes Kennels, Hong Kong, appealed to dog fanciers in the United States to “Save the Chinese Shar-Pei”. The response was enthusiastic, and because of their rarity, a limited number of Shar-Pei arrived in the United States in the fall of 1973. The recipients of these dogs corresponded with each other and decided to form a national dog club and registry. The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc. (CSPCA), held its first organizational meeting in 1974, and the club has been in continuous existence since that time. The first Annual National Specialty Show was held in 1978 and successive national shows have been held each year.
The Club’s primary purpose was to promote the breed, maintain the stud book registry and to provide a standard for the breed. On May 4, 1988 the Chinese Shar-Pei was accepted in to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Miscellaneous Class. The CSPCA continued to represent the breed and operated the registry until the AKC accepted the breed into the Non-Sporting Group on August 1, 1992. The CSPCA continues to promote the best interests of the breed, maintains the Standard and serves as a Member Club of the AKC."
03/Appearance
An alert, compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, close-coupled; the well-proportioned head is slightly, but not overly, large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the “hippopotamus” muzzle shape, and the high-set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck, and body are superabundant in puppies, but these features may be limited to the head, neck, and withers in the adult.
The height is 18 to 20 inches at the withers. The weight is 45 to 60 pounds.
The head is large, slightly, but not overly, proudly carried and covered with profuse wrinkles on the forehead continuing into side wrinkles framing the face.
Skull: Flat and broad, the stop is moderately defined.
Expression: The Shar-Pei has a scowling expression.
Eyes: Dark, small, almond-shaped and sunken, displaying a scowling expression. In the dilute-colored dogs the eye color may be lighter.
Ears: Extremely small, rather thick, equilateral triangles in shape, slightly rounded at the tips; edges of the ear may curl. Ears lie flat against the head, are set high, wide apart and forward on the skull, pointing toward the eyes. The ears have the ability to move. A pricked ear is a disqualification.
Muzzle: One of the distinctive features of the breed. It is broad and full with no suggestion of snipeyness. (The length from nose to stop is approximately the same as from stop to occiput.)
Nose: Large and wide and darkly pigmented, preferably black but any color conforming to the general coat color of the dog is acceptable. In dilute colors, the preferred nose is self-colored. Darkly pigmented cream Shar-Pei may have some light pigment either in the center of the nose or on the entire nose.
Bite: Teeth are strong, meeting in a scissors bite. Deviation from a scissors bite is a major fault. The lips and top of the muzzle are well padded and may cause a slight bulge above the nose. The tongue, roof of mouth, gums and flews are solid bluish-black is preferred in all coat colors except in dilute colors, which have a solid lavender pigmentation. A spotted pink tongue is a major fault. A solid pink tongue is a disqualification. (Tongue colors may lighten due to heat stress; care must be taken not to confuse dilute pigmentation with a pink tongue.)
The dog is usually larger and more square bodied than the bitch but both appear well proportioned. The height of the Shar-Pei from the ground to the withers is approximately equal to the length from the point of breastbone to the point of rump.
Texture: The extremely harsh coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. The coat is absolutely straight and off-standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies somewhat flatter on the limbs. The coat appears healthy without being shiny or lustrous. Acceptable coat lengths may range from the extremely short “horse coat” up to the “brush coat,” not to exceed one inch in length at the withers. A soft coat, a wavy coat, a coat in excess of one inch at the withers or a coat that has been trimmed is a major fault. The Shar-Pei is shown in its natural state.
Chinese Shar-Pei Markings:
Nothing is in the Breed Standard about markings as the breed is solid-colored, with potentially some shading.
Standard Colors
04/Consider
Interaction With Family
The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals.
Good With Other Dogs
The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed.
Good With Young Children
The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children.
Amount Of Shedding
How much hair a breed typically leaves behind on clothes, furniture and floors.
Frequency Of Grooming
How often a breed needs brushing, bathing or a professional trim to stay in condition.
Amount Of Drooling
How prone a breed is to drool — worth knowing before you keep a towel by the door.
Openness To Strangers
How openly a breed tends to greet new people, visitors and strangers.
Protective Nature
How likely a breed is to alert you to — and stand between you and — anything unfamiliar.
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic a breed stays about games and play well past puppyhood.
Trainability Level
How readily a breed takes direction and works with you rather than around you.
Barking Level
How much a breed uses its voice, and how readily.
Energy Level
How much get-up-and-go a breed brings to an average day.
Health
The most common health issues may be found on the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America website: https://cspca.com/most-common-heath-issues/ Lifespan: Like most breeds, life expectancy will vary; however, most Shar-Pei live 8-14 years.
Shar-Pei are smart, stubborn, funny, very easy to housebreak, independent, and devoted to their family.
Exercise Expectations
Grooming Expectations
Many people who own one Shar-Pei will own more, and many will always have one. The breed is easy to live with, and loving and funny!
05/Puppies
There is nothing specific about caring for a Shar-Pei puppy.
06/Activities
Of course, there is Conformation and Obedience, but Shar-Pei can and have competed in Scent Work, Tracking, Barn Hunt, Coursing, Trick Dog, Flyball, and nearly every other possible dog-related sport!
Gallery
07/Standards
The Chinese Shar-Pei is recognized by the world's leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:
The ideal Chinese Shar-Pei is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:
08/Clubs
09/Rescue
There are many rescue groups, and they are listed on the parent club website.
10/Facts
In 1978, the breed was listed as the rarest dog in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Often called “the wrinkle dogs,” those wrinkles are heaviest in puppies, and adults typically grow into most of them.
Shar-Pei have a unique look, from the scowling expression to the hippo head. They stand out in a crowd!
The Chinese Shar-Pei was very nearly extinct by the 1960s and has a great rescue and rebuild story.
11/FAQ
No, the wrinkles move and air can reach the skin!
Official Standard of the Chinese Shar-Pei
General Appearance: An alert, compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, close coupled; the well-proportioned head slightly but not overly large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the "hippopotamus" muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are superabundant in puppies but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in the adult.
Size, Proportion, Substance: The height is 18 to 20 inches at the withers. The weight is 45 to 60 pounds. The dog is usually larger and more square bodied than the bitch but both appear well proportioned. The height of the Shar-Pei from the ground to the withers is approximately equal to the length from the point of breastbone to the point of rump.
Head and Skull: The head is large, slightly, but not overly, proudly carried and covered with profuse wrinkles on the forehead continuing into side wrinkles framing the face. Eyes - Dark, small, almond-shaped and sunken, displaying a scowling expression. In the dilute colored dogs the eye color may be lighter. Ears - extremely small, rather thick, equilateral triangles in shape, slightly rounded at the tips; edges of the ear may curl. Ears lie flat against the head, are set high, wide apart and forward on the skull, pointing toward the eyes. The ears have the ability to move. A pricked ear is a disqualification. Skull - flat and broad, the stop moderately defined. Muzzle - one of the distinctive features of the breed. It is broad and full with no suggestion of snipiness. (The length from nose to stop is approximately the same as from stop to occiput.) Nose large and wide and darkly pigmented, preferably black but any color conforming to the general coat color of the dog is acceptable. In dilute colors, the preferred nose is self-colored. Darkly pigmented cream Shar-Pei may have some light pigment either in the center of the nose or on the entire nose. The lips and top of muzzle are well-padded and may cause a slight bulge above the nose. Tongue, roof of mouth, gums and flews - solid bluish-black is preferred in all coat colors except in dilute colors, which have a solid lavender pigmentation. A spotted pink tongue is a major fault. A solid pink tongue is a disqualification. (Tongue colors may lighten due to heat stress; care must be taken not to confuse dilute pigmentation with a pink tongue.) Teeth - strong, meeting in a scissors bite. Deviation from a scissors bite is a major fault.
Neck, Topline, Body: Neck - medium length, full and set well into the shoulders. There are moderate to heavy folds of loose skin and abundant dewlap about the neck and throat. The topline dips slightly behind the withers, slightly rising over the short, broad loin. A level, roach or swayed topline/backline shall be faulted. Chest - broad and deep with the brisket extending to the elbow and rising slightly under the loin. Back - short and close-coupled. Croup - flat, with the base of the tail set extremely high, clearly exposing an up-tilted anus. Tail - the high set tail is a characteristic feature of the Shar-Pei. A low set tail shall be faulted. The tail is thick and round at the base, tapering to a fine point and curling over or to either side of the back. The absence of a complete tail is a disqualification.
Forequarters: Shoulders - muscular, well laid back and sloping. Forelegs - when viewed from the front, straight moderately spaced, with elbows close to the body. When viewed from the side, the forelegs are straight, the pasterns are strong and flexible. The bone is substantial but never heavy and is of moderate length. Removal of front dewclaws is optional. Feet - moderate in size, compact and firmly set, not splayed.
Hindquarters: Muscular, strong, and moderately angulated. The metatarsi (hocks) are short, perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Hind dewclaws must be removed. Feet as in front.
Coat: The extremely harsh coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. The coat is absolutely straight and off standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies somewhat flatter on the limbs. The coat appears healthy without being shiny or lustrous. Acceptable coat lengths may range from extremely short "horse coat" up to the "brush coat," not to exceed 1 inch in length at the withers. A soft coat, a wavy coat, a coat in excess of one inch at the withers or a coat that has been trimmed is a major fault. The Shar-Pei is shown in its natural state.
Color: Only solid colors and sable are acceptable and are to be judged on an equal basis. A solid color dog may have shading, primarily darker, down the back and on the ears. The shading must be variations of the same body color and may include darker hairs throughout the coat. The following colors are disqualifications: Albino; not a solid color, i.e.: brindle; parti-colored; spotted; patterned in any combination of colors.
Gait: The movement of the Shar-Pei is to be judged at a trot. The gait is free and balanced with the feet tending to converge on a center line of gravity when the dog moves at a vigorous trot. The gait combines good forward reach and strong drive in the hindquarters. Proper movement is essential.
Temperament: Regal, alert, intelligent, dignified, lordly, scowling, sober and snobbish essentially independent and somewhat standoffish with strangers, but extreme in his devotion to his family. The Shar-Pei stands firmly on the ground with a calm, confident stature.
Major Faults: Deviation from a scissors bite. Spotted tongue. A soft coat, a wavy coat, a coat in excess of 1 inch in length at the withers or a coat that has been trimmed.
Disqualifications: Pricked ears. Solid pink tongue. Absence of a complete tail. Albino; not a solid color, i.e.: brindle; parti-colored; spotted; patterned in any combination of colors.
Approved January 12, 1998
Effective February 28, 1998
Meet the Breeders
Lisa Myers is the breeder behind Asia Chinese Shar-Pei. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, puppies, and much more!
All About Judging
Ann Cookson points out some peculiarities of the Chinese Shar-pei that may affect how the breed is judged in the AKC conformation show ring.
The Chinese Shar-Pei’s silhouette: topline dipping behind the withers and rising over a broad, short loin, high-set tail and up-tilted anus. The silhouette formed by the topline dipping slightly behind the withers then rising over a broad, short loin with flat croup, extremely high-set tail, and up-tilted anus is unique in the dog world.
The Chinese Shar-Pei has hippo-like muzzles and wrinkled features. A blue-black tongue and mouth pigment are hidden behind those padded lips.
Meet the Breeders
Interview with purebred Chinese Shar-pei Breeder Cyndi Skinner – Rumples Chinese Shar-pei, by Allan Reznik.
The high-set tail is a characteristic feature of the Shar-Pei. A low-set tail shall be faulted. The tail is thick and round at the base, tapering to a fine point and curling over or to either side of the back. The absence of a complete tail is a disqualification.
A Note About Color: Only solid colors and sable are acceptable and are to be judged on an equal basis. A solid color dog may have shading, primarily darker, down the back and on the ears. The shading must be variations of the same body color and may include darker hairs throughout the coat. The following colors are disqualifications: Albino; Not a solid color, i.e., Brindle; Parti-colored; Spotted; Patterned in any combination of colors.
Coat Type
Smooth
The structure of the coat this breed carries.
Coat Length
Short
How long the breed's coat grows when kept in condition.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed copes with changes in home, routine, noise and weather.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much a breed needs a job, a puzzle or training to stay content.
The owners/breeders of Shar-Pei feed quality commercial or raw diets, or a combination of those. It depends on the dog and the owner.
The breed has been trained in a wide range of areas, from simple Obedience to Therapy, to even things as far flung as Herding and Scent Trials. This is a very versatile breed!
