Shar Pei Puppies for Sale

Country of Origin:

China

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Breed Characteristics

Average Size: Medium

Average Lifespan: 8-12 years

Kid/Pet Friendly: Sometimes

Registry: aca,akc

Activity Level: moderate

Shedding Level: moderate

Grooming Level: low

Trainability: high

Good For Novice Owners: moderate

Adaptability: high

Prey Drive: low

Watchdog: aware

Breed Information

Overview

Shoulder height: 18-20 inches. Weight: 40-55 pounds.

The Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed that originated in China and dates back to the Han Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. They were native to China’s southern provinces. Unlike the Pug, they were not known as a noble companion. Instead, the Shar-Pei was considered a commoner’s dog.

In particular, they were primarily used by Chinese farmers as all-around farm dogs. These wrinkly, unique dogs were prized for their intelligence, rugged versatility, and fierce loyalty. Shar-Pei could often be found working simultaneously as herders and protectors on the farm, as hunting dogs, and as family companions.

In 1949, the People’s Republic of China was established. Because dog ownership was frowned upon under this regime, many dogs were systematically slaughtered. As a result, many of the mainland’s purebred dogs were almost wiped out of existence. Thankfully, a few good Shar-Pei breeding pairs were preserved in Taiwan and Hong Kong. And so, the breed was able to survive and then thrive.

Although the first documented appearance of the Shar-Pei in the United States occurred in the mid-1960s, they did not start to gain popularity until 1973. This was the year that Matgo Law, a breeder in Hong Kong, appealed to breeders and dog fans in the United States to help save the Shar-Pei from extinction.

Dog lovers in the U.S. fell in love with the Shar-Pei’s unique looks and the story pulled at their heartstrings. From there, the Shar-Pei truly made it to the United States and the population began to increase. This outreach and ensuing intervention are credited for ensuring the breed’s survival. The American Kennel Club recognized the Chinese Shar-Pei as a member of the Non-Sporting Group in 1992.

Temperament

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog that is devoted and fiercely loyal to their families. They may have an independent nature, but they do bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. They tend to have a calm and gentle demeanor at home and also tend to do well with older children. Due to their guardian instincts, they can be wary and standoffish with strangers. Socialization and training early and often are important for any dog breed. But, as a breed with a protective instinct, they are particularly important for the Shar-Pei. A poorly socialized or poorly trained Shar-Pei can become territorial and their natural suspicion towards strangers can turn into aggression if they perceive them as a threat.

Did You Know?

There are ancient Chinese statues that resemble the Shar-Pei and Chinese manuscripts dating back to ancient times reference “wrinkled dogs”. Also, the Shar-Pei tends to have a dark tongue like the Chow Chow.