The Shar Pei dog, originating from China, is an intelligent and independent breed that has captured the interest of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve deeper into the unique characteristics of this ancient breed.
1 All About the Shar Pei Dog Breed
Origin of the Shar Pei Dog
The Shar Pei dog (also known as the Sa Bi dog) has its roots in the southern provinces of China, sharing a common ancestor with the Chow Chow breed. In ancient China, Shar Pei dogs were bred as guard dogs, herding dogs, and to drive away wild animals from farms and villages.
In 1949, with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Shar Pei breed nearly faced extinction on the Chinese mainland. However, their survival was ensured by a Hong Kong dog breeder named Matgo Law. In 1973, a small number of Shar Pei dogs from Hong Kong were brought to the United States, immediately capturing the attention of American dog lovers. As a result, the population of Shar Pei dogs multiplied rapidly.
In 1991, the Shar Pei breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Today, Shar Pei dogs are beloved pets in many countries around the world.
Shar Pei dogs have gained worldwide popularity as beloved companion animals.
Types of Shar Pei Dogs
The Shar Pei breed consists of two types: the traditional Shar Pei (bone mouth) and the mixed meat Shar Pei (meat mouth). The traditional Shar Pei of China exhibits a graceful and agile physique. Their mouths are relatively flat, firm, and devoid of excess flesh. In contrast, the meat mouth variety displays a wrinkled head, a drooping mouth, and a heavier build, resembling a small hippopotamus.
The Shar Pei breed encompasses two distinct types: the traditional Shar Pei and the mixed meat Shar Pei.
Common Coat Colors of Shar Pei Dogs
The Shar Pei’s coat is characteristically short, but remarkably dense and smooth. While their coat colors can vary, including brown, black, gray, yellow, and cream, the most prevalent colors are yellow and cream.
The most common coat colors for Shar Pei dogs are yellow and cream.
Physical Characteristics of the Shar Pei Dog
The Shar Pei dog stands out with its unusual physical traits, notably a wrinkled body and a black-blue tongue, resembling that of the Chow Chow.
Typically, a Shar Pei dog weighs between 25 and 30 kilograms, standing at a height of 45 to 51 centimeters. They possess a broad muzzle that droops, reminiscent of a hippopotamus’s mouth.
A Shar Pei dog typically weighs between 25 and 30 kilograms and stands at a height of 45 to 51 centimeters.
Temperament of the Shar Pei Dog
The Shar Pei dog is known for its gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature towards its owner. However, they are not overly friendly with strangers and tend to be cautious and wary of unfamiliar people. They rarely accept food from strangers.
Shar Pei dogs do not appreciate being teased, especially by strangers. They may display aggressive behavior and even attack if provoked persistently.
Shar Pei dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature towards their owners.
Reasons to Consider Owning a Shar Pei Dog
The Shar Pei dog is endearingly cute and makes an excellent guard dog. Despite their average hearing and eyesight, they possess a keen sense of vigilance and fearless courage in protecting their owners.
2 Caring for Your Shar Pei Dog
Feeding Your Shar Pei Dog
Shar Pei dogs are voracious eaters and relatively easy to feed. They can consume whatever their owner provides. However, the ideal diet for a Shar Pei dog consists of dry food, fresh meat, and vegetables.
The ideal diet for a Shar Pei dog includes dry food, fresh meat, and vegetables.
Nutritional Requirements at Different Life Stages
1-2 months old: Minced meat porridge, 3-4 times a day.
3-6 months old: Introduce a diverse range of nutrients, especially protein, vitamins, and calcium. Additionally, incorporate green vegetables into their diet for better digestion.
From 6 months onwards: Increase the amount of food per meal and reduce the number of meals during the day. Feed them 2-3 times a day, including cereals and eggs in their diet.
It is important to adjust the Shar Pei’s diet according to their life stage.
Grooming and Hygiene for Your Shar Pei Dog
The Shar Pei dog is intelligent and easy to care for. It is advisable to train them from a young age to ensure obedience and responsiveness to their owner’s commands.
As mentioned earlier, Shar Pei dogs are prone to overeating and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to monitor their food intake and incorporate regular walks into their routine.
Regarding hygiene, bathing your Shar Pei dog regularly is crucial to maintain cleanliness and prevent issues like mange and itching. Aim for a weekly bath, or twice a week during hot summer months. After bathing, ensure you thoroughly dry their coat with a towel and a hairdryer before releasing them.
It is important to train your Shar Pei dog from a young age and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Common Health Issues in Shar Pei Dogs
Shar Pei dogs are susceptible to various health conditions, including allergies, skin inflammation, bone degeneration, kidney failure, jaw dysfunction, and lung inflammation.
Additionally, eye problems are prevalent in this breed due to their heavy and wrinkled facial skin. The excess skin can cause the eyelids to droop and irritate the eyes, affecting their vision.
Important Considerations When Owning a Shar Pei Dog
When caring for a Shar Pei dog, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet and regular grooming routine. Moreover, regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor their health and address any potential issues promptly.
Pay close attention to their vaccination schedule to ensure they remain in optimal health.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial for the well-being of your Shar Pei dog.
3 Buying a Shar Pei Dog
Price Range of Shar Pei Dogs
Currently, the price of a Shar Pei dog ranges from 10 to 16 million VND (Vietnamese Dong) (approximately $426 to $674 USD). This price varies based on factors such as purity of breed, weight, and origin.
What to Look for When Buying a Shar Pei Dog
To acquire a purebred, intelligent, and healthy Shar Pei dog, consider the following physical characteristics:
- Dark, melancholy eyes, and thin, triangular ears.
- A neck of moderate length, without excessive wrinkles.
- Straight front legs of appropriate length, with minimal wrinkles around the legs.
- A rounded tail that tapers towards the end, ideally held in a high position.
Consider these physical traits when selecting a healthy and purebred Shar Pei dog.
This concludes our comprehensive guide to the Shar Pei dog breed. We hope you found this information valuable. Thank you for reading!
