Sher Pei does not refer to the extra, loose skin on the puppies of this dog breed. It does not refer to the blue or black tongue, either. It refers to the texture of the coat of this old Chinese breed of dog.
As puppies, these dogs have lots of wrinkles, but as they mature, the wrinkles disappear as they "grow into their skin". The American Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 1991.
The Shar Pei breed come in many colors but have the same characteristic blue-black tongue of the Chow Chow. Superabundant loose skin and wrinkles cover the neck, head, and body of puppies, but adult Shar Pei dog should grow into their skin so that these features are limited to the head, neck and withers. Improper breeding (detrimental to the health of the Shar Pei) produces adult dogs with wrinkles all over the body. Small ears, a muzzle shaped like that of a hippopotamus, and a high set tail also give the Shar Pei a unique look.
Shar Pei is a strong, agile and compact-bodied dog. This coarse coat is a heritage from the Shar pei's dog fighting ancestry that was purposely selected to offer greater resistance to its opponents during fights.
The Shar-Pei is dignified, calm, and confident, aloof with strangers, and a bit arrogant. He can also be a clown with his family.
These characteristics can make the Shar-Pei difficult to train unless he is well-socialized as a pup and taught early that the human word is law in the household. Once convinced of your superiority, the Shar-Pei will accept his place in the order and be a dependable, devoted companion and child's playmate.
Although he is considered a consummate watchdog, the Shar-Pei should never be aggressive to people or other dogs.
This is a people-oriented breed, so when looking for a pup, make sure the breeder gives her dogs plenty of human contact.
A book about Shar Pei: click below
The Complete Chinese Shar-Pei
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