10 Surprising Shar Pei Facts You May Not Know
By Hanh Duong
Updated on
Shar Peis are truly unique-looking dogs originally from China. They have adorable wrinkly faces and a confident demeanor, and they’re great at watching over and protecting their family and home. Undoubtedly, these pups are loyal and intelligent, but they can also be stubborn and stand-offish with strangers. They have loads of personality, which if trained early and well will steal your heart! But if you’re considering getting a Shar Pei, having some experience with the breed is crucial.
Want to learn more about them? Here are 10 interesting facts about these gorgeous pooches.
The Top 10 Shar Pei Facts
1. The Shar Pei Is an Ancient Breed
Did you know that the Shar Pei breed has existed for over 2,000 years? The Chinese originally bred them during the Han Dynasty to help herd, hunt, and guard livestock. As loyal protectors, they were even used to fend off predators and thieves. However, their history is not without a dark side, as they were also commonly used as fighting dogs, which explains their tendency to be aggressive towards other canines.
2. In 1992, the AKC Officially Recognized the Breed
The AKC officially recognized the Shar Pei in 1992. While their popularity has waned a bit since then, these canines still have a devoted following of fans who can’t get enough of their cute wrinkles and distinctive personalities.
3. They Were Once the Rarest Breed in the World
The Shar Pei dog breed was almost extinct at one point. It started when China became a communist nation in the 1940s. The government slapped a hefty tax on all dog owners, and as a result, the Shar-Pei population plummeted. It was so bad that it was even named the rarest dog breed in the world by “The Guinness Book of World Records” in the late 60s and 70s.
Since the late 20th century, the Shar Pei has made a comeback, and their numbers have grown significantly.
4. Life Magazine Prevented the Breed’s Extinction
In 1973, Dogs Magazine printed a plea from a Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law to save the Shar Pei from going extinct. Then, in 1979, Life Magazine put a Shar Pei on its cover, along with Law’s original appeal, and after that, the demand for Shar Pei puppies went through the roof in the US.
5. These Dogs Have Blue-Black Tongues
Shar Peis are almost unique among dogs, thanks to their blue-black tongues. The ideal tongue color for an adult dog is a rich, dark hue—not quite black, but not quite blue. Some Shar Peis with lighter coats may have lavender tongues. Interestingly, puppies are born with pink tongues and darken as they grow older. By the time these pups reach the age of 2 to 2.5 months, their tongues should have turned a solid, deep shade of black.
6. Their Name Means “Sand-Skin”
The name “Shar Pei” means “sand skin” in Chinese. It’s an accurate description of their unique coat, which is both rough and short. This combination gives the breed an unmistakable appearance that sets them apart from other dogs.
7. Shar Peis Are Relatively Low Energy
If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t require huge amounts of exercise, a Shar Pei might be the perfect fit for you! These adorable pups are well-suited for apartment life since they aren’t high-energy dogs. However, it’s essential to take them out for short walks regularly to ensure they get some exercise and keep their legs stretched.
Keep in mind that Shar Peis are known to be a bit stubborn, which means they require consistent training and socialization. It is also important to remember that low energy does not mean low effort; the Shar-pei wrinkles can cause many issues and require constant management and cleaning. Their personality also can make them more difficult to train than other breeds, so think carefully before committing to a Shar-pei.
8. Their Wrinkles Can Provide Protection
Shar Pei dogs were bred to have wrinkles for a reason—they can actually protect them from other animals’ attacks. And just like human babies, Shar Pei puppies will have an excess of rolls when they are young. But as they age, they will eventually (somewhat) grow into their skin, and the number of wrinkles will likely decrease. Over the years of breeding, the Shar-pei wrinkles have become more exaggerated, and in many cases now cause health issues including skin infections and eye problems.
9. Shar Peis Are Available in Many Colors
The American Kennel Club recognizes a variety of colors for Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. These colors include black, brown, blue, cream, fawn, red fawn, red sable, red, cream cable, apricot dilute, fawn sable, blue dilute, chocolate dilute, cream dilute, five-point red dilute, lilac dilute, and isabella dilute. However, blue sable, white, and brown sable are not considered standard colors for Chinese Shar Peis.
10. They’re Not Ideal for New Owners
Thinking of getting a Shar Pei as your first dog? While they’re super cute and can make great companions, they’re not always the best pick for new dog owners. If you’re unfamiliar with the breed, doing your homework first is vital and spending some time with a Shar-pei and its owner is a very good idea. They can be stubborn at times and somewhat difficult to train and maintain, and unfortunately have a number of health conditions that often require treatment (or surgery in the worst cases).
Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a New Shar Pei
If you’re considering a Shar Pei, here are some aspects to consider to keep your pup healthy and happy.
They Need Regular Grooming
Shar Pei have beautiful, dense coats that require regular maintenance to keep them looking and feeling their best. Regular grooming is crucial to maintain their overall health and hygiene. Remember to clean their wrinkles, too and look out for any signs of infection.
Prepare for a Stubborn Streak
Shar Pei are known for their independence, which can sometimes translate to stubbornness during training. Establishing yourself as reliable and unwavering early on while using positive reinforcement methods can help your dog understand what they should expect. Puppy classes and a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods and has an understanding of the breed are highly recommended.
Socialization
Shar Pei are protective, which means they might be wary of strangers. Proper socialization is critical to ensuring your Shar Pei understands how to behave around new people and animals.
Keep an Eye on Their Health
Shar Pei are such adorable creatures but are prone to many health issues including ear infections, skin allergies and infections, and most seriously, an eye condition called entropion where the eyelids fold inward, causing extreme irritation and damage to the cornea of the eye. All in all, they need a little extra care and an owner who is quick to notice changes. With regular check-ups and proper care, you can help prevent and manage these issues. It is a good idea to consider investing in pet insurance to help cover unexpected health expenses, as sadly, this breed can be prone to health issues.
They Do Not Need Intensive Exercise
These dogs are not high-energy, so they don’t need a lot of exercise. A leisurely walk and daily playtime should be enough to keep your furry companion in good spirits.
Mental Stimulation Goes a Long Way
Shar Pei are intelligent and curious creatures who thrive on mental stimulation. If you want to keep your furry friend from getting bored and engaging in destructive behaviors, incorporating fun puzzle toys and training sessions into their routine can make all the difference.
Conclusion
The Shar Pei is a really interesting dog breed that comes with its own set of challenges. They’re super loyal to their family but can be wary around strangers. As cute as they are, Shar Pei are fairly difficult to train and socialize, and they often suffer with a range of health issues. They have a short coat that doesn’t need too much grooming, but their folds make up for that by requiring daily cleaning and checking. They’re also intelligent and independent, although they can be stubborn at times.
Featured Image Credit: Marcelino Pozo Ruiz, Shutterstock
