It is easy to see why the Chinese Shar-Pei now has so many devoted followers. Not only is this an unusual-looking breed that, once seen, is rarely forgotten, but it also has many endearing characteristics. However, it must be stressed that the Shar-Pei is not a breed that suits everyone. The breed has had much publicity, largely due to its unique appearance, but publicity is not always a good thing and prospective owners should seriously do their “homework” before deciding that a Shar-Pei should share their lives.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Chinese Shar-Pei is best known for his loose skin and frowning expression, with his rather large head and unique, well-padded muzzle, bulging slightly at the base of the nose. There is also padding on the lower lip, but this should not be so excessive as to interfere with the bite.

This is a substantial, strong, squarely built dog, with dogs being more powerful than bitches. According to breed standards in both the US and UK, height should be between 18–20 inches at the withers, though certainly both taller and shorter Shar-Pei are to be found, particularly when one looks at the Shar-Pei population in the world as a whole.

Another important breed characteristic is the Shar-Pei’s bluish-black tongue. On closer investigation, you will find that the flews, roof of mouth and gums are also black, though lighter colors are permissible in dilute-colored dogs.

COLORS AND COAT

A litter of Shar-Pei can comprise puppies of several different colors. Those accepted within the breed standard are the solid colors and sable. There is a wide range of solid colors, including dilute forms. Frequently there is lighter shading on the tail and back of thighs, but a dog patched with white or spotted is undesirable. As solid colors are desired, the black and tan color combination that crops up from time to time is not a recognized color.

The coat is another highly distinctive feature of the breed and sets the Shar-Pei apart from all other breeds of dog. It is said that the name “Shar-Pei” means “sandy-coated dog,” a description relating to the texture of the coat, not to its color. It is short, bristly and harsh to the touch.

Indeed, some of the very short coats in the breed, known as “horse coats,” can sometimes irritate human skin, so one should be fully aware of this before deciding on a Shar-Pei puppy. Of course, not everyone is allergic to the coat, but this should be considered and reactions assessed before making a long-term commitment to the breed.

The coat has no undercoat, is straight and stands off from the body, but is generally flatter on the limbs. Coats over 1 inch long are undesirable.

The range of coat types are mentioned in the breed standard, and they do differ considerably. An authority in Hong Kong even suggested that there are as many as ten different coat types in Shar-Pei, and the subject has certainly been a controversial one in recent years.

Looking back to the Hong Kong Kennel Club standard, a clear description of why the Shar-Pei’s coat was to be harsh was explained as it is was to be “absolutely too uncomfortable to be held in any canine mouth.” Some coats, known as “brush coats,” are longer but still conform to the standard; others are called “bear coats.” The latter are much longer and softer and are uncharacteristic of the breed, resulting from throwbacks to other breeds that were used in redeveloping the breed as we know it today.

TAILS AND DEWCLAWS

The tail of the Chinese Shar-Pei is set extremely high and is never docked; even the breed standard states that a lack of a complete tail is a disqualifying fault. The tail itself is rounded and narrows to a fine point. It is carried in a curl and can fall over either side of the dog’s back.

Dewclaws on the front feet may or may not be removed, this being left to the discretion of the breeder. Removal of hind dewclaws, however, is mandatory. This should be done when the puppies are around three days old.

PERSONALITY

Active and alert, the breed has a calm, independent nature and is v