Shar-Pei

The Chinese origins of the Shar-pei are certain. The breed has been said to be over 2,000 years old: indeed, ancient statuettes from the Han dynasty (approximately 200 BC to 200 AD), found in excavations, depict Shar-pei. The Shar-pei has existed for several centuries in the coastal regions of southern China; it is believed to originate from the province of Guangdong (whose capital is Canton (Guangzhou)). It is particularly widespread in the city of Dah Let, in this same province of Guangdong. 'Shar-pei' in Chinese means 'wrinkled skin', which seems to correspond well to the definition of coat texture: dry and hard, almost irritating. The Shar-pei was never a luxury dog but rather a rustic dog, used by the peasant class for guarding and hunting. Its physical aptitude for fighting caused it to be used for this purpose, which earned it the previous name of 'Chinese fighting dog'. Indeed, dog fighting was a highly appreciated leisure activity in ancient China, both in the countryside and in the working-class neighborhoods of provincial cities. It was during this period that certain breed characteristics (loose skin, eyes sunken in facial folds, curved fangs) were selected to provide more defense to these dogs during fights. It is also reported that they were drugged and given wine to give them the aggression that naturally lacks them. In the 19th century, with the arrival of Westerners in China, new, much more powerful and combative breeds appeared, including bulldogs and mastiffs. Crossed with local breeds, these dogs were 'war machines' far too powerful for the Shar-pei. As the latter was no longer in demand, the breed began to decline, with the decline accelerated by heavy taxes on all dogs instituted by the communist regime around 1950. By the late 1960s, very few specimens survived in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan, or in certain remote provinces. It was then that local breeders passionate about the Shar-pei, such as Mr. Law (affix 'Down Homes') and Mr. Chung (affix 'Jones'), alerted Americans so that they would collect the dozen remaining dogs to save the breed from extinction. Following a press campaign, over two hundred adoption requests arrived. The first births of Shar-pei took place in the United States and caused considerable enthusiasm.

The Shar-pei is a medium-sized dog (44 to 51 cm at the shoulder), with a short and compact silhouette. Its 'hippopotamus head', with a fleshy muzzle, is wrinkled with sunken eyes and small ears carried high and pressed against the skull. Its body, also wrinkled, slopes slightly forward. All solid colors, except white, are accepted: black and its derivatives (brown, blue), fawn and its derivatives (sand, ivory). With its kindness and gentleness, it shows itself sociable with people and particularly with children. It makes us forget that it is an excellent guardian. The Shar-pei is of average intelligence but proves to be an exceptional guard dog. It has a highly developed sense of property; whether it is the house, the car or its master, it defends its surroundings with fervor and shows itself very sociable with other dog breeds. They know how to make themselves appreciated by their loyalty to their family; beware, the Shar-pei is a dog that will languish if its master abandons it. It is sensitive to reprimands, especially when it feels it does not deserve them; it can sulk for a while. On a first meeting, it is rare that the dog will allow the newcomer to pet it.