Shar Pei is one of those breeds that cannot be ignored. The unusual shape of the head and characteristic skin folds give this dog a unique appearance, and the blue and black tongue completes the unique whole. The Shar Pei was once a versatile working dog that served as a watchman, shepherd and pack protector, hunter and even a professional fighter. Today he is a great companion, faithful and caring family member.
The name "shar pei" comes from the Cantonese expression "sa pieh", which means "sand skin" and refers to the rough, bristly fur of the breed's representatives. Native to the southern provinces of China, the Shar Pei has a 2000-year history that dates back to the Han Dynasty. This hardy, intelligent dog was used by Chinese farmers to hunt, guard and protect livestock from predators and thieves. For most of its history, the Shar Pei was considered a fighting dog, fighting alongside Roman legionaries, among others, and carrying cauldrons of boiling tar during wars in the Middle Ages. Written records show that representatives of this breed were also used for dog fighting. There is reason to believe that then these animals were much larger and their weight reached up to 80 kilograms.
Strong jaws and prickly fur were an asset in battles, and the folds protected the most sensitive areas from damage. When the communist Chinese government imposed a huge tax on all dogs in the 40s, Shar-Pei breeding virtually disappeared. However, the persistent efforts of breeders from Hong Kong and the United States ensured the breed's survival. The first breed standard was approved in 1976. According to the FCI classification, Shar Peis belong to the second group: schnauzers, pinschers, Swiss mountain dogs, related breeds, and the second section: Molossians, Great Dane type.
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
The Shar Pei is a compact, stocky dog with a square shape. Its unique appearance is given by the skin folds on the head and withers, small ears and the so-called "Hippopotamus" of the muzzle. Males are taller and more muscular, about 50 cm tall at the withers and weigh 23-25 kg, while females grow to an average height of 45 cm and weigh 20-22 kg.
The Shar Pei is an intelligent, independent, moderately active "philosopher". Above all, he is the guardian and guardian of his family. He is extremely open and sociable towards his loved ones and likes spending time with them. He is distinguished by great kindness, cordiality and devotion. However, when it comes to strangers, he is generally withdrawn, uncommunicative and distrustful. Therefore, it will usually closely monitor the behavior of strangers and will immediately defend itself when threatened. To avoid aggression towards other animals and strangers, the Shar Pei is socialized from an early age and taught to respond calmly to various external stimuli.
The representative of this breed, despite obedience and devotion to the owner, is characterized by a strong character, proud and independent demeanor, therefore he needs an experienced and patient guardian who deserves the authority and recognition in the eyes of the animal. Shar Pei feels good in an apartment (even a small one), and when left alone, it does not show any tendency to destruction and mess in the house. Although his energy level is not very high, he does need walking and exercise (about an hour a day) to keep his muscles in good shape.
The diseases affecting this breed include:
The average life expectancy of Shar Pei dogs is 9-11 years.
Keeping your Shar Pei's short hair looking beautiful and healthy is not difficult. However, constant monitoring of skin folds is required, as they are particularly sensitive and prone to inflammation. Regular brushing and bathing with a neutral pH shampoo are enough to maintain a healthy coat. However, it should be emphasized that representatives of this breed generally do not like water treatments. It is worth getting them used to grooming from puppyhood. After bathing, dry the skin in the folds as thoroughly as possible, preferably with a hairdryer, you can also use talcum powder or a special powder for dogs.
You can use a rubber glove or a short-haired brush to clean the shar-pei's hair. During the moulting season (spring and fall), brush the coat more often than in other periods. Like all other dogs, a shar pei also requires regular eye, tooth, ear, and claw care. Be extremely careful when cleaning your ears as shar pei have thin ear canals that can be easily damaged. Therefore, it is worth taking advantage of the advice of a specialist who will show and explain how to properly care for your pet's ears.
When planning a trip with your beloved four-legged pet, it is worth considering every detail in advance. In order to fully enjoy a successful foreign leave, it is necessary to take care of, among other things, the correct document for the dog, i.e. the EU pet passport.
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Learning to command "leave" is at the forefront of any dog's education. It is one of the most important commands that is helpful in many situations, both at home and outside. It is used to learn self-control and can prevent unwanted behavior of your pet. With its help, we can, among other things, stop our four-legged friend from eating something that could harm him. How do I teach my dog to command me?
