The Chinese Shar-Pei was bred in China as a fighting dog. While his loose skinned appearance makes him seem sad and frowning, he is actually very friendly and easy going, but only with his family. To outsiders he is independent and aloof. The name Shar-Pei roughly translates to "draping sand paper like skin."

He is suited for both urban and city living, but he does not kennel well.

This is an average size dog at 18 - 20 inches. His weight is from 35 to 45 pounds. Colors can be black, red, light fawn, dark fawn or cream. The coat is short, straight, bristly. There is no undercoat.

The Shar-Pei's temperament makes him both a good watch-dog and a good guard-dog. As with all dogs, he needs regular exercise and grooming. Even short coats need to be brushed.

The Shar-Pei has a blue black tongue similar to the Chow Chow and the Thai Ridgeback suggesting a common ancestry.

The Kennel Index

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