Chinese Shar Pei: Ancient Breed

By: Melissa Coleman

Shar Peis have fascinating looks and their wrinkled faces and hippo-like appearance is unique in the world of canines. And but for the efforts of a few Hong Kong breeders, the Chinese Shar Pei would at one time have been destroyed by the Chinese Communists. It is an ancient breed that comes from an ancient land and is related to Tibetan Mastiff as well as to the Chow Chow.

In appearance, the Chinese Shar Pei is compact as well as square and quite muscular and with a blocky head reminds one of a hippopotamus, and as adults they can weigh as much as forty to fifty-five pounds. The Shar Pei also possesses a strong and well-balanced gait and has good rear-end drive as well. It derives its name mainly from its coarse as well as bristly coat that could be of three main types that are horse, bear and brush coats.

The Chinese Shar Pei is a breed that is well liked and also well known for its calm and confident look. It is very dignified as well, though not so well disposed to showing friendliness to strangers, as it can often also be quite arrogant.

The Shar Pei also has a clownish temperament and such characteristics make Shar Pei training a bit of a chore though it must be trained to socialize and to understand that the master is the law and superior to him.

The Chinese Shar Pei is also an excellent watchdog, though care must be taken by its owner to not allow it to get too aggressive to other dogs and even to other humans. However, it is a breed that likes to be around people and it is always a good idea before selecting a pup, to ensure that its breeder has allowed it a lot of opportunity to be around people so that it is already used to human company.

The Shar Pei needs to understand who is boss because after that he will learn how to behave and will in fact, make a devoted as well as dependable companion and also is believed to be a good playmate for children as well.

The Chinese Shar Pei can easily be recognized from the wrinkles on its face and because many people find its hippopotamus-like looks very appealing, is a much sought after breed in spite of the fact that it was once on the list of rare breeds and despite the best efforts of the Chinese Communists to drive it to extinction. However, because some good breeders did not give up on this breed, it is now a very popular breed that has survived those hard times and is being carefully bred even in America.

However, the Shar Pei can give its owners a few headaches because of its tendency to suffer from health problems that will require giving it timely protective care. Thus, as a prospective owner, you need to be aware of such issues and be prepared to deal with them. However, the Chinese Shar Pei is well loved and is also a very possessive animal that can prove to be a great family pet dog. In addition, you need to ensure that you have obtained your Shar Pei from reputable breeders if you don't want to end up with a pet that has many faults.

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