Chinese Shar-Pei Facts

Most often known for its wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei also has a blue-black tongue and a very unique temperament. But that’s just the start; here are some of the most interesting Chinese Shar-Pei facts that help set this amazing breed apart!

A Breed From Ancient Times

This is an ancient dog breed that has its origins in China. While there are statues and vases depicting the Shar-Pei that have been dated to around 200 B.C., the breed is believed by many to be even older. During its long history, the breed was used for herding, guarding, hunting, and fighting.

Three Different Coats

The Chinese Shar-Pei comes in three distinct coat types known as the horse, brush, and bear. The horse coat is short, harsh, and prickly to the touch. The brush coat is a bit longer and smoother. The bear coat is the longest in length and is incredibly fluffy and dense.

Different Coat Different Personality

The three different Shar-Pei coat varieties each generally have distinct personality types as well. The horse coat tends to be snobbish while the brush coat is usually known for its laid-back attitude. And the bear coat is normally affectionate and loving.

Grows Into Its Wrinkles

While Chinese Shar-Pei puppies are covered in wrinkles from head to toe, the same is actually not true with adults. When fully grown they usually only have wrinkles on their head, neck, and shoulders. This is often one of the most surprising Shar-Pei facts to prospective owners. Of course, most people make this assumption after looking at photos of adorable and extra wrinkly pups.

Special Skin For Defense

The wrinkles of the Shar-Pei are actually a physical trait that helped the dog when it was used long ago in the fighting pit. The loose and flexible folds of skin gave the Shar-Pei the ability to maneuver and fight even when their opponent already had a biting hold on them.

Because the skin is thick and spongy it also helped to protect the tissue underneath from damage. The Sharpei’s unique skin actually excretes mucin, a thick jelly-like substance when it’s cut in order to both seal and heal the wound.

Sand Skin

The breed’s name comes from the coarse texture of its coat. In fact, the translation of “Shar-Pei,” from Chinese is actually, “sand skin.” It’s so bristly that it can often irritate those with sensitive skin.

A Uniquely-Colored Tongue

Different from almost all other breeds the Sharpei has a blue-black tongue. The Chow Chow shares this feature as well, and it’s one of the reasons that the two breeds are believed to be related. In fact in both breeds, the gums and roof of the mouth are also blue-black as well.

Shar-Pei Fever

One of the health issues which can affect the breed is known as Shar-Pei fever. This is a painful disorder that vets don’t yet fully understand. It’s believed to be an inflammatory response and it causes high fevers, swelling of the hock joints, lethargy, and vomiting.

Stenotic Ear Canals

This is a breed that is known to have very narrow (stenotic) ear canals. Because of this, they need to be cleaned regularly to help prevent yeast. Doing so will also clear out any debris which could potentially cause an obstruction, infection, or inflammation.

Famous Owners

There are many celebrities who have an affection for the Shar-Pei. Well-known owners of the breed include the King of Morocco, Wayne Newton, and the late Burt Reynolds. William Shatner, David Beckham, and Ray Liotta also own this wrinkly breed.

Stubborn Attitude

While intelligence and loyalty are hallmarks of the Chinese Shar-Pei temperament so is excessive stubbornness. When this breed doesn’t want to do something, it simply won’t. The Shar-Pei can also be dominant and is therefore not considered a breed that is suitable for a first-time dog owner. They require an owner with experience.

A Clean Pet

This is a breed that is naturally clean.  Its short coat is one of the easiest of all to groom and only needs an occasional fast brushing. (The ears should be cleaned and wiped every few weeks, however.) Unlike many other types of dogs, frequent baths are not required.

And luckily for owners, the breed typically doesn’t have the dreaded “dog smell.” With the Chinese Shar-Pei, shedding is also very minimal for the majority of the time. That is except for when they blow their coat twice annually.

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