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An Amazing Statistic
No Symptoms but Trouble on the Horizon I was reading a book the other day about hip dysplasia in dogs. Before going further, I should add that this applies to cats as well. The article was written by a veterinarian and it had something very...
Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters! If you're like most dog owners, you probably assume that commerical dog foods with brand names that are easily identifiable - Purina, Iams, Pedigree, etc. - must be good for your pets, right? After all,...
English Setter Complete Profile
Key Facts: Size: Large Height: 61 - 68 cm (24 - 27 inches) Weight: 25 - 30 kg (56 - 66 lb) Life Span: 11 years Grooming: Demanding Exercise: Demanding Feeding: Reasonable Temperament: Friendly & quiet-natured Country of Origin: England AKC Group:...
Scottish Terrier Rescue - For the Love of Scotties
Purebred dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters, and volunteers can be found in every state to seek them out. Scottish Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, and even breeds considered rare, all pass through shelters every year. Those who...
Shih Tzu - Training The Shy Or Fearful Shih Tzu
With shih tzu as with people, some shih tzu and shih tzu puppies
are naturally more bold and daring than others. When you watch a
group of shih tzu puppies play, it will quickly become apparent
which ones are bold and which ones are shy. Some of...
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Shar Pei Complete Profile
Key Facts:
Size: Medium
Height: 46 - 51 cm (18 - 20 inches)
Weight: 16 - 25 kg (35 - 55 lb)
Life Span: 10 years
Grooming: Medium
Exercise: Medium
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Independent but friendly
Country of Origin: China
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Other Names: Chinese Shar Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog
Physical Characteristics:
General Appearance: Squarely-built, wrinkled and bold.
Colour: Black, fawn, red, cream, dark brown and smoky. White markings are undesirable.
Coat: Short, bristly and harsh.
Tail: Set high and carried in a curl over the back.
Ears: Small, triangular, thick and lying flat against the head.
Body: The body is compact and muscular with relatively loose skin. The chest is broad and deep with a short, strong back.
Temperament:
Friendly, independent, quiet and affectionate. Shar Pei's need confident handlers that are consistent and firm or these dogs will perceive themselves as the boss and become overly dominant. Because Shar Pei's have natural fighting instincts they may not accept other dogs, but this can depend on their social upbringing. They get along with children and strangers but do need early socialization with other household pets to prevent any problems. This breed bonds closely with it's family and makes an excellent guard dog.
Grooming:
The coat can be brushed with a soft brush and the folds of skin need to be checked regularly and kept clean and dry. Some Shar Pei's have tails lying very close to the body and these also need to be inspected and cleaned to
prevent infection. The folds of skin are more prominent when these dogs are young and therefore more attention is necessary during this period.
Exercise:
Shar Pei's need an average amount of exercise and if their exercise needs are met, they will be calm when indoors.
History:
It is presumed that the Shar Pei evolved from the same Asian Mastiff family as the Chow Chow, as they have similar blue/black tongues. They were used by the Chinese for protection against wild animals and bandits. In the 14th century, Marco Polo found them to be excellent hunters and later they became known as the Chinese Fighting Dogs and also as a source of food. It was in 1947 when the Communist regime came into power, and many dogs were destroyed as they were a drain on food resources. A dog lover in Hong Kong made appeals to kennel clubs around the world, which fortunately for this breed prevented them from becoming extinct.
Additional Comments:
Shar Pei's have become well known with their unusual appearance of wrinkly skin and a frowning expression.
These dogs are prone to hereditary eye problems that are caused by inturned eyelids (entropion), causing irritation and tear stains. Skin problems can also arise with their wrinkly skin. It is very important with this breed that puppies are bought from reputable breeders, especially in countries where there is a small pool of breeding stock.
About the Author
This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/shar_pei/
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