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| By the Breed: The Chinese Shar-Pei |
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| Written by By Diane Donovan |
| Thursday, 28 January 2010 20:46 |
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Gus here, I am not a breed you see every day, but I have some unique characteristics in the dog world that make me one of the most recognizable breeds. My wrinkles are the first distinctive trait that draws people to me. I was a very cute, wrinkly puppy, but my personality is quite different as I mature. My wrinkles are mostly limited to my face and neck now that I am almost full grown. Our name Shar-Pei literally means “sand-skin” which translates to “rough, sandy coat” or “sandpaper–like coat”. This refers to the two qualities of my coat- the roughness and the shortness that are unique in the dog world. We are one of two dog breeds that have a blue-black tongue, the other being a Chow-Chow which indicates we could be related. The Chinese Shar-Pei has been traced back to the Han Dynasty in China (200 B.C.) When China was formed as a communist country, the dog population was reduced mostly to farms outside the cities. We were used in all tasks on the farm, as they could not have a different dog for each particular task. Our size and protective nature made these jobs easy for us to perform. We still retain many skills we used in those tasks such as herding, tracking, hunting and especially guarding, yet we are in the non-sporting group today because we have not been bred to do these tasks for many years. We were then bred throughout Hong Kong and Taiwan to keep an established line from our original ancestors. We were introduced to the U.S. through a Hong Kong kennel club that launched a successful “Save the Shar-Pei” campaign. Because of our rarity and unique traits, an enthusiastic interest developed and our breed flourished here in the United States. We are only acceptable in show standards in solid color; I am considered a Bella because of my blue tinted color on my face and ears. We have strict guidelines in reference to our high set curling tail, our broad muzzle and of course our coat. We should have the look of a hippopotamus, as far as muzzle, head, and overall structure. We are strong and muscular in stature. We are regal, alert, dignified and independent in personality. Due to our heritage on the farms, we are extremely devoted to our family, almost to a fault protective of them to outsiders. My masters are my property; it is my duty to be sure anyone who encounters them has only the best intentions with them. We stand our ground firmly with calmness and confidence. Our scowling look can be quite intimidating; don’t push us too far because we will protect what is ours. I love my family, but I am a little guarded and standoffish to outsiders. Because of these qualities we may require additional training time and more socialization than other breeds. We may need a family that has had dog experience in the past to be sure we grow up happy and can give us the attention we need. Our special coat requires little grooming, and we do not shed. I am very tidy and keep myself very clean. I need extra help in keeping my wrinkles and ears clean and my nails clipped. We are 18-20 inches tall and weigh 45-60 pounds as adults. I am a great companion for my family, I like to be active but do not need hours of continuous activity. I prefer to use my energy in spurts, I’ll play for a while and then I’ll have longer periods of rest. It’s probably a good idea for me to have my own bed. If we share, I warn you, I do hog my space in the bed (which you may think is your space). I am not easily moved during my rest time, it’s like trying to move a hippo. Again, I am protective of what I perceive as my property and I will not surrender easily! Smaller children sometimes are cautious near me because of my guarded nature and daunting look. As long as I am introduced to outsiders properly, I welcome them into our home. Diane Donovan is the owner of K-9 to 5 in Hanover. For more information visit K-9to5.net. |