American Shar Pei

The American Shar Pei is a unique and lovable breed known for its distinctive wrinkled skin and calm demeanor. Originally from China, this breed has gained popularity in the United States for its loyal and affectionate nature. With a fascinating history and a charming personality, the Shar Pei is much more than just a pretty face.

Feature	Description
Breed Name	American Shar Pei
Origin	China
Temperament	Calm, loyal, and reserved
Coat	Short, bristly, and wrinkled
Size	Medium
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Grooming	Low maintenance
Good With Kids	Yes, but supervise interactions
Health Issues	Skin problems, hip dysplasia

Origin of the breed

One of the oldest breeds in China is the Shar Pei. It originated roughly two millennia ago, during the Han Dynasty. According to scientists, the breed originated from ancient smooth-haired Chow Chows and even older ancient Mastiffs. The original home of Shar Pei was close to Guangzhou, one of China’s biggest cities.

It was a folk dog, raised to hunt and protect homes and livestock. However, Shar Pei were also used for food and their skins were used to make clothing. Later on, Shar Pei took part in dog fights, which gained popularity in China.

China’s ancient dogs were nearly obliterated during Mao’s Cultural Revolution. After complete devastation, the people who survived were hidden in isolated areas of the nation. Their chastity was questioned. The American Shar Pei differs from the traditional Chinese dog because of this.

Description of the American Shar Pei breed

The American Shar Pei is referred to as "meat-mouth" (meat mouth), while the Chinese Shar Pei is known as "bone-mouth" (bone mouth) in their native country. The contrasts between the two types are aptly conveyed by these names. The American Shar Pei’s head is more rounded, and its muzzle has far more massive folds of skin. Furthermore, the Chinese Shar Pei has a higher stature than the American Shar Pei.

In 1979, the American Shar Pei Kennel Club adopted the first standard. The FCI approved the breed standard in 1999. The one with all three Sharpees varieties. He asserts that Sharpei needs to fit the following requirements:

1. Head Massive, big. The skull is rounded, somewhat flattened from above. The frontal part is wide, rolling. Stop is moderately expressed. The muzzle is wide, without signs of narrowing to the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight, a slight bulge at its base is allowed. The nose lobe is wide, fleshy with open wide nostrils. On the forehead, on the sides of the bridge of the nose, cheeks there are voluminous folds that turn into a dewlap.
2. The lips are fleshy, the upper one forms flews. The palate, gums and tongue are pigmented in a black-blue shade. Pink spotting of the tongue on a dark background is allowed. In dogs with weakened pigment of the coat, the tongue is a solid lilac color.
3. The jaws are strong, wide, with a perfect scissor bite. Puppies may have an undershot bite, which is corrected with age. The teeth are white, located perpendicular to the jaw.
4. Eyes small, oval-shaped, deeply set in the folds of the skin. The color of the iris is dark. A lighter color is allowed in delutno (weakly pigmented) colored dogs. The folds on the muzzle should not interfere with vision, and the coat should not injure cornea.
5. Ears small, triangular in shape, tightly pressed to the skull. The ear fabric is quite thick. The ears are set high and wide apart. The slightly rounded tip of the ear is directed towards the eyes. The tip may have a slight outward curve, which makes it look like a rose petal.
6. The neck is of medium length, with well-developed muscles, conical in shape. Smoothly merges into the withers and shoulders. The folds under the neck and at the base of the withers should not be too pronounced, full and abundant.
7. Back short, muscular, a slight arch between the withers and the loin is acceptable. The loin is shortened, wide, somewhat convex.
8. The chest is wide, the lower edge goes down to the elbow joints. The bottom line smoothly rises from the chest to the back of the abdomen.
9. Tail of medium length, set high, thick at the base, slightly tapering towards the tip. Correct tail position – curled into a tight or loose ring and pressed to any side of the croup. A saber-like position is acceptable.
10. Limbs strong, with strong bones, medium length, parallel. The thighs are muscular. Folding is unacceptable on the limbs.

Average in size. 44–51 cm is the withers’ height. Weight: 25–30 kg for men and 18–25 cm for girls.

Style of coat and potential hues

There are variations in the kind of wool.

• Brash – soft wool, 1 cm long. On the withers and tail it is longer – up to 2.5 cm;
• Hors-stiff wool, similar to horse hair, shorter (0.5-1 cm).

Because the "brush" coat originated from the restoration of the breed and was crossed with close "relatives" of the Shar Pei, the Chow Chow, it is more common in the American variety and is not recognized by Chinese cynologists.

The late 20th century standard permits any solid color, with the exception of white. Up until recently, the standard did not account for uncommon hues like:

• isabella and isabella-delute (lightened, without signs of black);
• lilac.

The frequently seen red and the deer color typical of ancient Shar Pei were included in the new registry of colors that was adopted at the end of 2005, earning the dogs the nickname "sand skin." However, this name might have also referred to the sensation of touching the dog’s rough, spineless coat.

Furthermore, the following hues are differentiated:

• black;
• red deer;
• cream;
• red delute;
• cream delute;
• sable;
• blue;
• apricot delute;
• chocolate delut.

Shapes with delutovo colors have a chocolate or smoky mask. Isabella Dlute is wearing a lilac mask.

The American Shar Pei is a rare and adored breed distinguished by its wrinkly skin and devoted nature. This article will examine the history, care needs, and personality traits of the breed to show why dog lovers find the Shar Pei to be such a special companion. We’ll explore everything from these endearing dogs’ playful side to their protective instincts and what it takes to give them the best possible home.

Character and disposition

Because the shar pei is a fighting dog, some people think it can be aggressive. But this is a false impression. A friendly dog in China used to be given a special herbal decoction to make her fight. However, the Shar Pei remained non-aggressive despite these tricks. The Shar Pei breed standard, which was approved in 1981, characterizes the breed as "noble, intelligent, arrogant, alert."

These days, the Shar Pei makes a wonderful companion because it is loving, compassionate, loyal, and non-aggressive. His nervous system is in balance, and he expresses his emotions in an oriental manner with restraint. The dog loves the house he will guard and is loyal to the family he lives with. Although the dog is not "talkative," it will definitely alert the owners to a visitor or someone who has arrived at the door by barking or growling.

The Shar Pei accepts affection with an imperturbable look, deftly concealing how pleasurable and necessary it is to him. The dog discerns the owner’s emotional expressions with subtlety. He can also discern strangers’ intentions with accuracy. If he determines that a stranger poses a threat, he can respond appropriately.

Shar Pei adore kids and take pleasure in playing with them. However, it is important to watch how they interact with kids because a dog that is powerful, muscular, and quick might unintentionally topple a child and cause injuries.

Confined areas are intolerable to Shar Pei. The Shar Pei’s narrow field of vision causes it to react tensely to loud noises, fast movements, and the sudden appearance of an object in its field of vision. As a result, if you don’t know how to pet a dog properly, you shouldn’t try.

Training and education

The American Shar Pei’s distrustful nature necessitates early socialization. The dog also wants to be the leader of the "pack," so the owner needs to build trust with the animal and assert his authority as soon as possible.

Shar Pei has a tendency to be obstinate and disregard instructions. However, this occurs as a result of the dog’s capacity for free will. Patience, consistency, and persistence are necessary for successful training.

The Shar Pei has a low pain threshold, similar to many other Eastern fighting dogs. Because it won’t feel the slaps, physical means of influence should not be applied to it. But even with its seeming "thick skin," Shar Pei has an excellent memory and a keen mind, and it discreetly senses emotional moods.

Acknowledgment and motivation enable you to attain the outcome that reprimand cannot. Sharpei aims to satisfy its devoted owner; this is an extra motivation that supports instruction and training.

Shar Pei is a naturally curious dog who can learn anything, even required commands. This breed is regarded as "healing" in China because of its gentle, calming biofield. As a result, older and sicker people ought to interact with adorable dogs more.

Shar Pei care

Just like any other breed with short hair, Shar Pei doesn’t need particular maintenance. Since the coat has no undercoat and is naturally clean, frequent combing is not necessary. The canine sheds twice a year. It is sufficient to use a specialized glove or brush to clean the Shar Pei’s skin in order to get rid of fallen dead hairs.

Washing the pet once every three months is sufficient. This maintains the skin’s normal microbiome and fatty lubrication. For washing short-haired dogs, use shampoo. Before the procedure, the ears should be sealed with cotton swabs to keep water and detergents out of them. The dog needs to be completely dried with a towel after washing, keeping drafts at bay.

Food particles can become lodged in the folds of the muzzle after eating, which can lead to skin irritation and an unpleasant stench. Cleaning the folds is a continuous requirement. You should have a specific napkin close to the feeding area for this.

The Shar Pei’s tiny, closely packed ears need to be inspected and cared for at least once or twice a week. The pet’s teeth and eyes need to be taken care of. Puppy teeth require extra care and attention. Their "tight" lips and improper bite can prevent them from developing a proper bite. A surgical excision is performed on a timely detected anomaly.

Skin folds in a healthy Shar Pei don’t need special attention. Get in touch with a veterinarian if you notice any unpleasant odors, diaper rash, or dermatological issues.

Claw cutters are specialized tools that should be used once a month to trim claws. Claws that are too long to move freely. Additionally, they obstruct the proper paw formation in puppies.

Timely vaccinations, routine preventive exams, and treatment for worms and skin parasites are examples of required care procedures.

Breed diseases

When the Shar Pei breed was recreated, genetic modifications introduced diseases unique to the breed to the dog. The following illnesses could afflict the American Shar Pei:

• skin – idiopathic mucinosis, atopic dermatitis, fungal infections, demodicosis, primary seborrhea, intertrigo;
• gastrointestinal tract – congenital idiopathic megaesophagus, lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis;
• musculoskeletal system – hip dysplasia;
• visual apparatus – entropion, cataract, glaucoma, prolapse of the third eyelid gland, primary lens dislocation;
• respiratory system – primary dyskinesia of the ciliated epithelium;
• urinary system – renal amyloidosis.

Malignant and benign neoplasms are present in Shar Pei dogs, just like in other breeds.

Feeding

Both ready-made industrial rations and natural feeding of Shar Pei are permitted. If the owner has opted for "drying," then fine food with all the ingredients should be bought. The animal companion should also be given enough water. Food can be alternated between wet and dry, but the brand must remain the same.

When feeding natural products to Shar Pei, the diet should be balanced with no more than 9–12% fat and 24% protein. The following should be a part of the diet:

• lean meat – poultry, rabbit, beef;
• offal – no more than 40% of the daily meat volume;
• boiled sea fish;
• porridge – buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• vegetables – depending on the season;
• fruits.

Hard cheese, legumes, corn grits, potatoes, cabbage, and fatty meats are not recommended for Shar Pei diets.

The broth from cooking meat is poured out, and the same is true for fish; too much protein can trigger allergies. To improve the coat and soften the skin, add a spoonful of vegetable oil to boiling or stewed veggies. Baked goods, sweets, and smoked foods are strictly forbidden. The dog’s age and level of activity determine how much food is served.

You will need to add vitamin and mineral complexes to your diet when eating natural food. A vet will assist you in selecting the best course of action. Adult pets are fed twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, regardless of the type of food; puppies are fed four to six times a day.

Shar Pei is a good pet to have in an apartment. It is the perfect "tenant" of a city apartment because of its small size, lack of severe shedding, and neatness. Furthermore, owners assert that Shar Peis do not have a tendency to chew furniture or objects. A bedroom furnished with an adult dog-sized bed and toys—everything a dog could possibly need.

Long walks and vigorous exercise are not necessary for the Shar Pei, but he has no problem strolling and playing for extended periods of time. You should only consider the Shar Pei’s sensitivity to overheating and direct sunlight when deciding when to go for a walk. Consequently, taking your pet for walks in the morning and evening is preferable. when the sun’s activity is lower.

Shar Pei dislike being in small areas. A country house’s yard is the ideal place for the dog to stroll around unhindered.

Puppy cost

The Shar Pei breed is not as uncommon as it once was. Numerous nurseries in our nation specialize in the professional breeding of Shar Pei puppies. The cost varies greatly. The pedigree, class, and color all affect the pricing policy. Puppies can cost anywhere from 17,000 to 35,000 rubles in Russia.

Prices are also high in Ukraine, particularly for rare blue-colored dogs. The price range is between 2,500 and 22,000 UAH.

Photo of an American Shar Pei

Video about an American Shar Pei

The American Shar Pei is a truly unique breed, distinguished by its serene disposition and unusually wrinkled skin. These dogs have a long history; in China, they were first bred for hunting and guard duties. They are treasured as devoted family pets and companions today. One of their cutest characteristics is their close relationship with their owners.

While they may look tough on the outside, Shar Peis are often gentle and loving. They thrive on companionship and are known to be quite affectionate with their families. Socialization is key, as it helps them develop a friendly disposition towards other pets and strangers. Early training can also foster their calm nature and ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.

Because of their folds, Shar Peis need special attention when grooming. Their general health is supported by a balanced diet, and regular cleaning helps prevent skin problems. They can live in a variety of environments because they don’t need a lot of exercise, but they do enjoy regular walks and playtime.

In conclusion, if you’re searching for a devoted and caring friend, the American Shar Pei is a fantastic option. They can fill any home with happiness and coziness if given the proper care and attention. If you’re thinking about bringing one into your home, you’re going to love spending time with this endearing breed!

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