How Long Have Sharpei Dogs Been Around For?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

An ancient breed, the Chinese shar-pei is believed to have originated in China

about 200 bc

. Originally used for hunting and guarding, it became a popular fighting dog but fell out of favour after the introduction of larger breeds from the West.

Why did Shar-Peis almost go extinct?

When China became a communist nation in the 1940s,

the government initiated a hefty tax on all dogs

, causing the Shar-Pei to go nearly extinct. “The Guinness Book of World Records” named the Shar-Pei the rarest dog breed in the world in the late 60s and late 70s.

How rare is a Shar-Pei?

‘Guinness Book of World Records” as the world`s rarest dog breed. After a phenomenal comeback, there are

an estimated 70,000 shar-peis in the United States today

.

Are Sharpeis smart dogs?


Shar-Peis are intelligent dogs needing little training

. Although they are somewhat aloof, snobbish and reserved in the presence of strangers, they are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. Essentially they are an independent, regal, alert and dignified animal with a calm and confident stature.

How much is a Shar-Pei?

While Chine Shar-Peis puppies can fetch

as low as $750

, champion bloodlines can go for up to $3,000 because of their show quality. If the puppy also has parents who have won contests, the price goes up because of the desirable genetics. For typical non-show quality dogs, several factors could raise the market price.

Is Shar-Pei aggressive?

They tend to be aloof with strangers, but are fiercely loyal and affectionate with their own people and love to spend time in the company of their families. While

shar-peis can be aggressive toward other dogs

, says Dogtime, early socialization can help them learn to get along with other pets.

Are Shar-Pei still alive?

Although only eight were alive in the United States in 1973, their ranks have grown, and

about 13,000 are now registered with the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America

, says White, who is president of the Golden State Chinese Shar-Pei Club.

How do you take care of a Shar-Pei?

  1. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. …
  2. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly.
  3. Chinese Shar-Peis generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
  4. Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy.

Are black Shar-Peis rare?

Common Shar-Pei Colors Rare Shar-Pei Colors Red Five-point red dilute Cream / Black / Blue sable /

What is a meat mouth Shar-Pei?

The results of the crossings led to

a dog with a much fleshier mouth than the original breed

, these dogs became known as “meat-mouth” Shar Peis, whilst the original dogs are called “bone-mouth” Shar Peis.

Why are Shar-Pei tongues blue?

Just like with Chow Chows, Chinese Shar-Peis, and a few other breeds, solid blue-black tongues are caused by the same thing as spotted tongues:

heavy pigmentation

, according to the American Kennel Club. Pigmented spots on your dog’s tongue are usually nothing to worry about.

Are bear coat shar-peis rare?

Bear Coat Shar Pei dogs are

exceedingly rare

, and most breeders do not purposefully breed them to have these coats.

Do Shar Pei bark a lot?

They make good watchdogs and

rarely bark

, so neighbours will love them too. Shar-Peis are good with older children and pets if socialised well and early (even cats).

How big will a Shar Pei get?

Weight

Do Shar Pei dogs have health problems?


The Chinese Shar-Pei has some health problems that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t careful whom you buy from

. They include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, eye problems such as entropion, retinal dysplasia, glaucoma and cataracts, and skin fold infections.

Are Shar-Pei good pets?

The Shar Pei is

great family dog that is devoted to and very protective of its family, but they can be a bit wary of strangers

. The Shar Pei is also a good dog for families where children are just that bit older. This dog also needs consistent training to ensure that the dog knows its place in the family pecking order.

Which dog breed kills the most humans?

The following infographic shows that the

Pit Bull

is still responsible for the most fatal attacks in the U.S. by far, killing 284 people over that 13-year period – 66 percent of total fatalities. That’s despite the breed accounting for just 6.5% of the total U.S. dog population.

Why is a Shar-Pei wrinkly?

In a Shar-Pei,

the HAS2 gene goes into overdrive creating way too much hyaluronan

and that causes the trademark wrinkles, which are especially visible in Shar-Pei puppies. By the time a Shar-Pei is full grown, its wrinkles have settled down and are typically just in the face, head and neck.

Can Shar-Pei live with cats?

Many Chinese Shar Peis are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs, especially of the same sex.

Many have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures

. This is not a good breed to keep with livestock.

Can Shar-Peis swim?


No. Shar-Peis are terrible swimmers because their bodies are not ideal for swimming

. Their facial structure and anatomy prevent them from effectively keeping afloat. In addition, their wrinkly skin traps moisture, and unlike other dog breeds, their tiny ears pose a problem.

What dog has the longest lifespan?


Australian Cattle Dog

An Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey holds the record for the longest-lived dog – reaching an incredible 29 years of age. The breed normally lives for around 15 years.

Do all Shar-Pei have blue tongues?


Chow Chows, as well as Chinese Shar-Peis, actually require a blue-black tongue in its breed standard

. And, believe it or not, these breeds aren’t the only ones who may display a tongue color other than pink.

Is a Shar-Pei a snub nose?

The Shar-Pei is classified as a

short-nosed

, or brachycephalic breed, similar to the Bulldog, Boxer, Pug. Their short noses make them highly sensitive to heat, which means they make lousy jogging companions. To prevent heat stroke, these dogs should be kept inside with fans or air conditioning in hot weather.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.