# Shar Pei

Also known as: Chinese Shar-Pei, Sand Skin
- **Group:** Mastiff & Mountain (FCI group 2)
- **Size:** Medium
- **Origin:** China
- **Height:** 44–51 cm
- **Weight:** 16–20 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 9–11 years
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Independent, Calm, Reserved, Dignified
- **FCI standard:** No. 309

A medium-sized Chinese guard dog famous for its deep wrinkles, blue-black tongue and prickly short coat. Once nearly extinct, the Shar Pei is a loyal but reserved companion.

## Overview

The Shar Pei comes from southern China, where it was kept as a property guardian. Its name means sand skin, referring to its harsh, short coat.

It is a dignified, independent and quiet dog, devoted to its family and wary of strangers. Wrinkles make it distinctive but also bring care needs.

## History

The breed's exact origin is unknown, but it resembles guard dogs shown in Han dynasty effigies and is considered an ancient type related to the Chow Chow. Political turmoil in the twentieth century left it close to extinction.

In 1973 a Hong Kong breeder appealed for help, and by 1978 it was named the world's rarest breed. American breeders built up the population, and the AKC recognised it in 1992. Some Hong Kong breeders keep the traditional bone-mouth type.

## Appearance

The Shar Pei stands about 44 to 51 cm and weighs roughly 16 to 20 kg. It has deeply wrinkled skin, a large head with a padded muzzle, small triangular ears and deep-set eyes. The tongue is blue-black and the tail curls over the back.

## Temperament

Shar Peis are calm, proud and independent. They are loyal to their family but aloof with strangers and can be dominant with other dogs.

They need early socialisation and patient, consistent training. They are usually clean and quiet.

## Care and exercise

Exercise needs are moderate, with daily walks and play. The short coat is easy to brush, but wrinkles and ears should be kept clean and dry to avoid infection.

They do best with an owner who understands independent breeds.

## Health

The breed is prone to skin problems, entropion, ear infections, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia and familial Shar Pei fever, which can lead to amyloidosis. Choose breeders who screen for these conditions.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 2
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 2
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/shar-pei
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shar_Pei · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38972
Photo: Yan Mis/&Den Rakov (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Adult_sharpei.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.