Name: Sharpay
Official name: Shar Pei
FCI Number: 309
It is a compact, square-shaped dog with a broad and deep chest. The head is large, with a flat skull and a broad frontal slope. Its ears are small, triangular and forward-facing. The legs are straight, strong and muscular. And the tail is high set, tapering to a point, and is carried over the back or raised and curled. This dog, especially in puppyhood, is typical in that he has a lot of overhanging skin and looks like he has the coat of a dog a size too big.
Character of the Shar-Pei
This is an independent, sweet, affectionate, clean, kind and active dog. He is also very devoted and loves children.
Height of the Shar-Pei breed
Ranges between 22 to 25 kg.
Coat of the Shar-Pei breed
Short to bristly, stiff and protruding except for the limbs.
Coat colour
Monochrome namely black, red, light brownish yellow, chocolate, cream.
History of the Shar-Pei breed
The ancestors of this breed appeared as early as around 200 BC in China. These dogs were first used in China as service dogs and later as fighting dogs, with great success, as their oversized skin prevented a firm grip by another dog.
Advantages - why get a Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is known for its loyalty and devotion and this makes it an excellent family companion. His calm and independent nature makes him a suitable dog for people looking for a less demanding pet. The Shar-Pei is also an excellent watchdog due to his strong protective instinct and natural alertness to strangers. Its medium size makes it suitable for living in apartments and houses. Its short coat does not require too much care and this is beneficial for owners who do not have time for regular coat maintenance. The Shar-Pei is also known for its low energy levels and does not require long hours of exercise - making it suitable for less active individuals or families.
Disadvantages - why not get a Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is prone to a number of health problems, particularly skin diseases, due to its characteristic wrinkles - this can lead to high veterinary costs and the need for frequent coat and skin care. His independent and sometimes stubborn nature can make training difficult - especially for inexperienced owners and requires a consistent and firm approach. The Shar-Pei tends to be territorial and aloof with strangers, and this can lead to aggression problems if not properly socialized from an early age. Because of its strong protective instincts, it can be difficult to integrate into a household with other dogs or animals. In addition, his low energy levels can lead to obesity problems if his diet is not properly monitored and enough exercise is provided.