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Chinese Shar-Pei
Puppies for Sale
Chinese Shar-Pei
(Shar-Pei)

2 year old Shar-Pei Bero nuo Babrungo (Boomer) - Kaunas (Lithuania)
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Pronunciation |
Chinese
Shar-Pei |
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Description |
Both heavily wrinkled dogs with large
heads and smaller headed dogs with tighter looking skins occur in this breed.
There are three coat varieties: horse-coat and brush-coat and a rare bear-coat,
which is not recognized by the AKC. The bear-coat, does not
falling within AKC standard because this particular Shar-Pei has an undercoat
and a topcoat exceeding 1 inch. The popular theory about the bear-coat is
that it's a "throwback" to the chow-chow. They are actually
quite popular as pet quality Shar-Pei, albeit rare, and often confused with the
chow by unknowing owners as well as animal shelter workers. The
unusual horse-coat is rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing.
The brush-coated variety has longer hair and a smoother feel. The coat on either
variety can be up to one inch in length. Coat colors include all solid colors
and sables. There is also a lowered, spotted, and a parti colored Shar-Pei
coat, which is a disqualifying fault in the show ring according to AKC standard.
The small ears fall forward and the tail is carried in a curl. Like the Chow
Chow, these dogs have a blue-black tongue. It has a square profile with a broad,
full head and wide, padded muzzle. Puppies have more wrinkles than adults.
Shar-Pei slowly loose their wrinkles as they get older. |
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Temperament |
The Shar-Pei is very loyal to his
handler. It is an intelligent dog that does not always follow orders slavishly.
Playful, active, dominant, and brave. They bond with their family, but are not
unfriendly toward strangers. If the dog meets cats and children while it is
still young, it usually will not have a problem with them. The Chinese Shar-Pei
has a frowning expression, but is surprisingly easy-going, calm, independent,
and devoted. They make a delightful companion and good watchdogs. The Shar-Pei
needs a confident handler. If you are uncertain, inconsistent, too soft,
or mild, in the dog's eyes, it will take over as the boss. Shar-Pei need
a firm, but gentle, extremely consistent authority figure. The dog must be taught all humans are above him in the pecking order. They are stubborn and bold
and need firm obedience training to establish your leadership. They may refuse
commands from family members who have not established leadership over them. They
need an owner who as the ability to be "Top Dog".
These dogs are very clean and almost housebreak themselves. Shar-Pei generally
hate water and try as hard as they can to avoid it. Puppies grow very quickly
and must be fed accordingly. Mixing other dogs can sometimes be a problem if one of the dogs is displaying dominate behaviors. Socialization is important. However some
Shar-Pei are less dominant then others and show lines tend to be less
dog-aggressive, mixing well with other dogs. Some Shar-Pei tend to slobber,
especially when in pain. It is important to find a reputable breeder when
seeking a Shar-Pei. This breed was very popular in the 1980's. It was referred
to as one of the "Yuppie Puppies", meaning the breeds that were
carelessly over-bred. The dogs temperament depends on how the owner treats the dog. Dogs who are allowed to believe they are the boss over humans will developed behavior issues. Dogs who are not taken for daily pack walks will also begin to display a varying degree of issues. A lot of this breeds health issues depends on the lines it comes from. Good Shar-Pei lines will not have skin problems, which is a hereditary condition. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 18-20 inches (46-51cm.)
Weight: 40-55 pounds (18-25kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Fevers of unknown origin or swollen
hocks syndrome may be the early stages of amolydosis (kidney failure). One
misconception is that the Shar-Pei have skin problems due to their wrinkles. Yes
some Shar-Pei have skin problems, but it is not because the dog has wrinkles,
but rather a hereditary condition. Due to over popularity in the 1980's, some
Shar-Pei do have hereditary skin problems. However if you buy from a reputable
breeder, this conditions will not be a problem. Be sure to find a breeder who
strives for healthy dogs. |
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Living Conditions |
The Chinese Shar-Pei will do okay in
an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors
and will do okay without a yard. Because of their padded head, the Shar-Pei is
very sensitive to heat. Shade and water must always be available. Provided they
get enough exercise, they will be very peaceful indoors. |
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Exercise |
The Chinese Shar-Pei have a
considerable need for exercise, which include a daily
walk. Do not over exercise them in the heat, as they are
sensitive to it. |
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Life Expectancy |
Up to 10 years. |
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Grooming |
The Shar-Pei should be brushed
regularly. Their coat is never trimmed. This breed does not have an undercoat.
The "bush" coat sheds a little year round, but the "horse"
coat tends to shed only during molting periods. Molting may leave the dog
looking unkempt. Bathing about once a week and brushing the coat daily during
this period will remove the old dead hair and allow the new coat to grow in.
Some owners are allergic to the harsh coat. |
| Origin |
The ancestry of the Shar-Pei is
uncertain. It may be a descendant of the Chow Chow, however, the only clear link
between these are the purple tongue. However, pictures on pottery suggest the
breed was present even in the Han Dynasty (206bc). For many years the Shar-Pei
was kept as a general-purpose farm dog in the Chinese countryside, used for
hunting, protecting stock, and guarding the home and family. During that time
the Shar-Pei was breed for intelligence, strength and scowling face. Later, it
was used in dog fighting. The loose skin and extremely prickly coat were
developed to aid the dog in fighting, making the Shar-Pei difficult for the
opponent to grab and hold on to. During the Communist Revolution, dogs were
rescued by a Hong Kong business man named Matgo Law, who appealed to Americans
in 1973 though a dog magazine to save the breed. From those few specimens, the
Shar-Pei fancy has grown tremendously over the past decades. Now the Shar-Pei is
in the Non-Sporting Group of the AKC with over 70,000 dogs registered as
foundation stock. When first introduced, Shar-Pei were astronomically expensive.
Now they cost about the same as any other purebred dog. |
| Group |
Southern, AKC Non-Sporting |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC,
NZKC, APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |

Shar-Pei Posters and Prints!

Two year old Bailey T. He lives in
Mechanicsburg, PA. Bailey earned his Canine Good Citizen (CDC) and
Therapy Dog International Titles (TDI) in October of this year
This is 10 week old, Dobramil Fu Chou.
Owned by R. & M. Vance, c/- Chienparadis Dogue De Bordeaux.

,.Phoebe the Bear.
Phoebe is an example of a bear-coat Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei
Pictures 1
Chinese Shar-Pei
Pictures 2
Chinese Shar-Pei
Pictures 3
Chinese Shar-Pei
Pictures 4
Chinese
Shar-Pei Info
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