A Han dynasty pottery fragment shows a wrinkly dog that may be a Shar Pei. Although the origins are unclear, the Shar Pei seems to have descended from Chow Chows. Shar Peis became the "must have" dog of the 1980's because of their looks. However, their history shows they are bred to be aggressive attack dogs (being mostly aggressive to other dogs). A Hong Kong businessman rescued many Shar Peis and exported them to Western countries. However, due to health problems and a small gene pool, perhaps this breed should be left to history.
The name Shar Pei roughly translates into English as sand-skin. The Shar Pei does have a rough skin and tough coat. Everything about this breed is tough ? its personality, its physical strength and especially its history. For centuries Shar Peis were strictly Chinese. They were not allowed outside of the borders. The first Shar Pei did not reach Western shores until 1966.
There is no consensus among Shar Pei information sources where in China the breed originated. Tradition indicates the small village of Tai Lai in Southern China as the home of the Shar Pei breed. They are most likely mutations from Chow Chow crosses that were line bred or inbred in order to emphasis their mutations, most notably of the loose skin and the abundance of wrinkles. Pottery and statues of wrinkled dogs from the Han dynasty (ca 200 BCE) have been discovered. The first written reference to a wrinkled dog was in a 13th century Chinese manuscript.
Many Westerners were entranced by the Shar Pei's incredibly wrinkled look. They were so ugly, they were cute, was the general consensus. But the history of the Shar Pei clearly shows that these are not dogs to sit placidly at the feet of yuppie owners. These are strong dogs in all respects ? strong in body and strong in their wills. First they protected livestock and the farmer's family from human and animal predators, and then they became the dog of Chinese dog fighting pits.
Although it was great for China to outlaw dog fighting during the Cultural Revolution, they also outlawed the dogs. It is estimated that most of the genetic pool of Shar Peis were slaughtered. China has recently changed its mind about the necessity of the Cultural Revolution and now allows many Chinese practices once outlawed. Sadly, it is thought that dog fighting has since resumed in China.
Today, the Shar Pei is bred to be a companion and show dog, although they do often work as guard dogs and sometimes farm dogs. It is now known that they need special consistent training from puppyhood in order to be socially acceptable canines. It is harder, but training a Shar Pei is possible. However, only those experienced in training and living with large, active dogs like Rottweilers or Boxers should attempt to take on a Shar Pei.
Shar Peis were bred to be independent ? not to be team players. The life of a fighting dog is especially harsh, so a certain stoic fortitude has had to keep the Shar Pei alive to this time where it can now socialize with others. Getting and keeping a dog's attention is crucial for training, and with a Shar Pei, this is an uphill battle. But some Shar Peis have won the American Kennel Club's Good Canine Citizen certificate, which is hard to get.
There are many cross breeds with the Shar Pei and the Ori Pei is one of the most common. The breed was created in North America in the 1970's. A breeder called Aaron Silver was a fan of the Chinese Shar Pei breed. But the dog was associated with innumerable health problems like eye tacking, skin problems and hip dysphasia. In order to have a smaller version of the Shar Pei without all the health problems the breeder used the Shar Pei and the Pug to create the Ori Pei.
The Ori Pei is now recognized by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) and has a pedigree history up to six generations. The Ori Pei pups are often mistaken for Shar Pei pups, because they normally stay small. They are devoted to their families and have a great rapport with children.
Another common Shar Pei mix is with the Basset Hound, which gives birth to the Ba-Shar (Sharp Asset). The best way to check out the temperament of a mixed breed is to check all breeds of the cross. Only then is it possible to know any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized the Ba-Shar as a hybrid dog. Many of the dogs that are being bred are only fifty percent purebred. So the result could actually be a multi-generation cross.
The Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix could be considered for cross breeding with the Shar Pei. In the new Shar Pei mix the characteristics of the Shar Pei stand out more than the characteristics of the other parent breed. The extra skin and wrinkles are enough to show that the dog is a Shar Pei Mix. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also another option for cross breeding with the Shar Pei. The new breed has many positive features like being friendly and loving, but is also shy.
But the Shar Pei mix with other dogs like the Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix is definitely an advantage. The Shar Pei features are always more prominent when it is cross bred with these dogs, and you can see the extra skin and wrinkles and immediately identify the hybrid dog as a Shar Pei mix. It is generally shy, but once it gets familiar with you, it is very loving and gentle.
The kennel clubs today have introduced some strict rules regarding breeding. This discourages people to take in new genetic materials from the original stock. The kennel clubs insist that by isolating genes the purity of the breed is preserved, and not by preserving genes in population.
Only a knowledgeable breeder can select two breeds to cross breed, because his goal is hybrid vigor. This implies that when he pairs two breeds together to add genetic diversity, the health problems inherent in one or both breeds can actually be bred out. The result is a healthy, long-lived dog. Buy a Shar Pei mix from a responsible and reputable breeder, who will take care to breed popular, intelligently crossbred designer puppies.
The Chinese Shar Pei and the Shar Pei cross breeds are eligible for accident coverage with insurance companies. Only if the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes the mixed breed is it accepted and popularized by all.
Both Melissa A Coleman & Melissa Coleman are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Melissa A Coleman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Pets and Pets Puppies for Sale. Melissa Coleman has published hundreds of articles on dogs, including Shar Peis. You can find information about the history of the at the library or on the Int. Melissa A Coleman's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Melissa Coleman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Puppies Dogs, Puppies Dogs and Pets. Melissa Coleman is an avid lover of the Shar Pei and owns a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved . Among. Melissa Coleman's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.