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All About the Chinese Shar-Pei

  • 24/11/2010

The Chinese Shar-Pei dog is a sturdy large sized dog with wrinkly skin. These dogs look as though they're wearing oversized skin and the effect is rather amusing. Shar-Pei have blue black tongues just like Chow Chows and they have almond shaped, dark colored eyes. Lighter colored individuals have light colored eyes. Variations in the breed include heavily wrinkled dogs with big heads and dogs with fewer wrinkles and smaller heads.

Adults range in weight from 40 to 55 pounds and reach a height of 20 inches on average. Shar-Pei dogs lose their wrinkles as they grow older; puppies are more wrinkled than adult dogs. The breed was only recently recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1992 and although there are three coat variations, the AKC only recognizes two: the brush coat and horse coat. The rarer bear coat is not recognized by the AKC as it doesn't fall within their standard because of topcoat and undercoat length.

Shar-Pei are very intelligent, courageous dogs that are prone to dominance. Owners of these dogs need to establish their leadership from the very beginning to avoid potential problems. This makes these dogs unsuitable for households with children. Shar-Pei try to dominate individuals they perceive as weak and this can lead to them displaying aggression. Shar-Pei can sometimes challenge for position within a family and may become stubborn with family members they consider to be weak.

It is highly advisable to enroll these dogs in obedience classes to ensure the dog is properly socialized and manageable. These dogs require a firm leader as they have strong personalities. Shar-Pei are very loyal, protective dogs and strongly bond with their master. They make good guards and will protect their household and family. Mild or unassertive people don't make good owners for these dogs as they require a gentle yet assertive authority figure.

Shar-Peis are very clean dogs and are some of the easiest dogs to housetrain. They need regular brushing and shedding depends on the coat variation of the breed. Weekly bathing during the molting period is required to keep the dog looking reasonably well kempt. These dogs don't make good pets for people with allergies.

Despite their stocky build Shar-Pei need a lot of exercise. Daily walks in which the dog is kept at heel position are crucial so the dog learns to respect his human handler. If these dogs aren't given sufficient daily exercise they tend to develop behavioral issues. Shar-Pei are very heat sensitive and shouldn't be over exercised in hot weather.

These dogs are prone to renal failure which causes swollen hocks syndrome and fever. A popular misconception is that Shar-Pei suffer from skin problems because of their wrinkles. While Shar-Pei are prone to skin problems, it is because of a hereditary condition. Because of the fact that they were very popular in the 80's, these dogs were over bred by amateurs and greedy breeders so it is important to buy one of these dogs from a reputable breeder who has been consistently breeding healthy lines.

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