שאר פיי

A Wrinkled Wonder of the Canine World

Shar Pei dogs have been valued by humans for their unique qualities and have served various purposes throughout history. Their trainability and temperament play important roles in determining their suitability for different tasks.
Throughout its history, the Shar Pei breed has endured various challenges and adaptations. From its origins as a versatile working dog in ancient China to its near-extinction and subsequent revival, the breed's resilience and unique characteristics have contributed to its enduring appeal. Today, the Shar Pei is celebrated as a beloved companion with a distinctive appearance and a fascinating history. 

History & Origin
The Shar Pei is an ancient and distinctive breed with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Originating in China, the breed has a unique and fascinating background.

The Shar Pei is believed to have originated in the southern provinces of China, particularly in the Guangdong province. The breed's roots can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting its existence as early as 206 BC during the Han Dynasty. Shar Peis were primarily used as versatile working dogs, fulfilling various roles within Chinese society.

Shar Peis were utilized in different capacities by the Chinese. They were employed as multipurpose working dogs on farms, where they excelled in tasks such as herding livestock, guarding properties, and protecting their owners' possessions. Their strong protective instincts and loyalty made them valuable assets.

Shar Peis were also historically involved in dog fighting in China. They were bred for their strength, tenacity, and fighting abilities. However, as societal values shifted and dog fighting became prohibited, the breed's purpose evolved, and efforts were made to preserve the breed's unique qualities.

The Shar Pei faced a decline in numbers in the mid-20th century, and it was on the brink of extinction. Political and social upheavals in China, including the Chinese Communist Revolution, had a significant impact on the breed's population. Many factors, including changing cultural preferences, limited resources, and restrictive regulations, led to a sharp decrease in the number of Shar Peis.

In the 1970s, Matgo Law, a Hong Kong dog enthusiast, played a crucial role in preserving and revitalizing the Shar Pei breed. He recognized the breed's unique characteristics and worked to save the remaining dogs. Law's efforts led to the exportation of Shar Peis to other parts of the world, primarily the United States, where they gained popularity and attracted attention.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Shar Pei in 1991, which was an important milestone for the breed's global recognition. Breed standards were established, detailing the desired physical and temperamental traits of the Shar Pei. Today, the breed is recognized by major kennel clubs and is enjoyed as a companion, show dog, and working dog in various countries worldwide.

General Structure & Appearance
Shar Peis are medium-sized dogs. It's important to note that while these descriptions capture the general structure and characteristics of Shar Peis, individual dogs may vary in their appearance and conformations. These variations can be influenced by factors such as genetics, lineage, and adherence to breed standards.

Size: On average, Shar Peis stand between 46-51 cm at the shoulder. The weight of a Shar Pei typically ranges between 18-25 kg for males and 16-23 kg for females. Again, there can be some variation within these ranges based on factors such as genetics and overall health.

Body: Shar Peis have a square-shaped body with a compact and sturdy build. They have broad and deep chests, giving them a strong and balanced appearance. Their bodies are well-muscled, reflecting their athletic abilities.

Wrinkled Skin: One of the most recognizable features of the Shar Pei is its wrinkled skin, particularly around the head, neck, and shoulders. The loose, wrinkled skin is a distinctive trait of the breed and gives them their unique appearance. However, it's important to note that as puppies, Shar Peis tend to have more wrinkles, which may smooth out as they grow into adulthood.

Head: Shar Peis have a large and slightly flat head. The skull is wide and features a distinct stop (defined indentation between the forehead and muzzle). The muzzle is moderately broad and full, tapering slightly towards the nose. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart and convey an alert and intelligent expression.

Ears:  Shar Peis have small, triangular ears that are set high on the head. The ears are slightly rounded at the tips and can either stand erect or slightly fold forward. In some countries, cropping of the ears may be done for cosmetic purposes, although it is less common in recent times.

Tail: Shar Peis have a thick and round tail that is set high. Traditionally, the tail is carried curled over the back, although some Shar Peis may have a straight or slightly curved tail. In some regions, the tail may be docked for cultural or historical reasons, but it is generally left natural.
 

  Uses By Humans

Guardian and Protection Dogs: Shar Peis have the instinct to protect their families and property. Their strong and independent nature, coupled with their loyalty and territorial instincts, makes them excellent guard dogs. They are naturally wary of strangers and can be protective when they perceive a threat. Their physical strength and protective nature contribute to their effectiveness as guardian dogs.

Companion Dogs: Shar Peis are also cherished as companion dogs. Despite their protective nature, they form strong bonds with their owners and can be loyal and affectionate family members. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities. Shar Peis can provide companionship, comfort, and love to their owners, making them wonderful companions for individuals and families alike.

Therapy Dogs: With their calm and gentle temperament, some Shar Peis excel as therapy dogs. They can provide emotional support and comfort to people in need, such as those in hospitals, nursing homes, or individuals with emotional or psychological challenges. Their presence can have a soothing effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Obedience and Agility: While Shar Peis may have an independent streak, they are trainable and can participate in obedience training and dog sports like agility. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods work well with this breed. Shar Peis can learn commands and perform tasks with patience, consistency, and appropriate motivation.

Hunting Dogs: Historically, Shar Peis were used as hunting dogs in their native China. Their strong sense of smell, determination, and agile nature made them effective in tracking and capturing the game. Although their hunting role has diminished over time, their innate instincts may still manifest in certain individuals.

Trainability
Shar Peis have a reputation for being independent-minded and stubborn at times. They require a firm and consistent training approach, along with positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they develop appropriate behavior around people, animals, and different environments.

Temperament
Shar Peis are typically calm, confident, and reserved. They can be aloof with strangers but are generally devoted and loyal to their families. They tend to be protective and will not hesitate to alert their owners to potential threats. Proper socialization from an early age helps them develop a well-rounded and stable temperament.

In conclusion, Shar Pei dogs have been utilized as guard dogs, companions, therapy dogs, and even in hunting roles. Their trainability requires a firm but positive training approach, and their temperament is typically calm, reserved, and protective. Share Peis' unique qualities and versatile abilities make them well-suited for various tasks and cherished companions for those who appreciate their distinct personalities.