Dogs 101 - CHINESE SHAR-PEI - Top Dog Facts About the CHINESE SHAR-PEI

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Dogs 101 - CHINESE SHAR-PEI - Top Dog Facts About the CHINESE SHAR-PEI

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed known for its distinctive wrinkles, and is originally from the southern provinces of China. Genetic markings show it to be an ancient dog breed, and it is commonly believed to have been around even at the time of the Han Dynasty in 200 BC. Some writings from the 13th century also describe a wrinkled dog. Exact history is difficult to trace because of most records lost when China turned communist. The dog’s loose skin and prickly coat are likely to have made it a good companion for hunting boar. The dogs were also being bred for fighting as well as guarding by peasant farmers till the 1949 Communist Revolution, after which a sharp decline in its numbers occurred on the Chinese mainland. A few Shar-Pei were bred in British Hong Kong and Taiwan, from where it reached the US in the late 1960s. Portrayal in the media as one of the most rare breeds in the world saved it from extinction and its standout looks have helped growth in its popularity.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
- Apart from the Chinese Shar-Pei, which is the only other dog breed to have blue-black tongues?
o A: Shih Tzu
o B: Pekingese
o C: Chow Chow
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

The adult Shar-Pei typically has a height between 18 and 20 inches, and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. The medium-sized body of the dog has a compact build and is well proportioned, except for a slightly large head. Small, triangular ears; a ‘hippopotamus’ muzzle; wide, powerful jaws; a scowling expression; and a high set tail are some other characteristic features. Wrinkles cover the entire body in puppies, but are generally limited to the head, neck and base of the tail in adults. Coat is prickly and can be either ‘brush’, which doesn’t exceed 1 inch, or ‘horse’, which is very short. The AKC recognizes over sixteen colors for the Shar-Pei’s coat, but all should be solid and not spotted.

Grooming:Caring for the coat is very easy for a Chinese Shar-Pei and requires brushing once a week and an occasional bath to keep it clean. The dog sheds twice a year, when the brushing would have to be more frequent. The wrinkles do need regular checking for buildup of dirt that might cause infection. Trimming of nails, cleaning of ears and brushing of teeth have to be regular.

Temperament:The Shar-Pei is a confident, independent and brave dog that has retained its strong guarding instincts. It is aloof, and even suspicious, with strangers and rather aggressive with other dogs and animals. On the other hand, it gets along very well with its own human family, and should not be left to spend long stretches in the yard alone. Socialization training in a house with kids is recommended.

Training:Early socialization and obedience training is generally necessary for the Shar-Pei because of its stubborn, territorial and potentially aggressive nature. Training should be firm, but never harsh. It is an intelligent breed that can take easily to consistent training. Its daily physical exercise needs can be met with a good walk or a play session in the yard. The breed is recommended for experienced owners, who can provide a fenced in area for the dog to spend some time in everyday.

Health:Life expectancy for the Shar-Pei is 8 to 10 years. The sudden spurt in the Shar-Pei’s popularity in the 1970s is believed to have led to much inexperienced breeding. So, owners are advised to conduct proper checks for inheritable disorders. Familial Shar-Pei Fever is one such disorder that leads eventually to kidney failure. Some other issues seen commonly in the breed are entropion, skin infections, yeast infection, congenital heart disorder, elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation.

With some of the most unique features in the canine world, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a fascinating dog. If you are mindful of the responsibility that comes with bringing the Shar-Pei into your home, it will reward you with utmost devotion, protection and companionship.

Find out if the Chinese Shar-Peiwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.
Music by Kevin McLeod - Royalty Free

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