Dog Breeds :: Chinese Shar-pei

Characteristics
An alert, compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, close coupled; the well-proportioned head slightly, but not overly large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the ''hippopotamus'' muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are superabundant in puppies but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in the adult.

Did you know?
Date entered into Regular Classes: August 1, 1992 The name ''Shar-Pei'' literally means ''sand-skin''. The Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient and unique breed, thought to have been in existence since the Han dynasty in China around 200 B.C. The Chinese Shar-Pei was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the ''hippopotamus'' muzzle shape and the high set tail give the Shar-Pei a unique look all of its' own. The first Chinese Shar-Pei to be registered with the CSPCA was Down-Homes China Souel, owned by Ernest and Madeline Albright of California, as was the first registered litter. The now famous appeal by Matgo Law of Down-Homes Kennels, Hong Kong, appeared in Dogs Magazine in April 1973. In this article, Law begged the canine fancy in the United States to help save the Chinese Shar-Pei who, listed as the ''rarest dog in the world'' by The Guinness Book of Records, would otherwise become extinct.

AKC Recommends
The American Kennel Club recommends that anyone interested in a breed should take the time to thoroughly learn about that breed, talk to responsible and knowledgeable breeders and seek out the resources of the AKC national club formed by individuals devoted to preserving and protecting their breed for future generations. The AKC offers links to the official national Club of this breed - the club's officers, breeder referral, and breed rescue contact persons.