Breed Profile: Shar-Pei

The shar-pei existed for centuries in the provinces near the South China Sea, and his history dates back as far as 200 BCE. The lineage of the breed is unknown for certain, but it is believed that it may have resulted when chow-type dogs were crossed with Western mastiffs brought to China on early trade routes. The shar-pei served as a hunter, herder, and guard dog, but also provided a source of entertainment by participating in dog fighting. The loose skin of the shar-pei allowed him to turn on his opponent even when grasped firmly in its teeth, while his smaller ears and deep-set eyes prevented injury to those sensitive areas. However, the shar-pei was too small to be an effective fighting dog, and his temperament was not naturally aggressive. As a result, the breed fell out of favor as a fighting dog and faced a sharp decline in numbers over time.

With the onset of Communist China, the breed was nearly destroyed; by 1950, the shar-pei faced extinction. Some shar-pei had been imported to the United States in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until 1973, when Hong Kong breeder Matgo Law wrote an article appealing to American dog lovers to rescue the dying breed—at the time considered the rarest dog in the world—that their numbers began to rebound. The American Kennel Club recognized the shar-pei in 1991.

The following description is of an “ideal” shar-pei. Not all shar-pei will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The shar-pei is alert and intelligent. He expresses a calm and dignified air outside of his own family but is a devoted, friendly, and sometimes clownish companion to his loved ones.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a shar-pei is going to fit in with you and your family.

Shar-pei tend to be “whole family” dogs who do not choose just one family member to bond with. They quickly learn the likes and dislikes of each family member and may sleep on one person’s bed yet stay out of a bedroom where they have not been invited. They are very in tune with the mood of a household and respond accordingly. Shar-pei adapt easily to the lifestyle of their owners, whether that lifestyle is highly active or relatively sedentary. Shar-pei also get along well with children as long as the children are taught the proper way to interact with a dog.

Shar-pei can live as happily in an apartment as they can on a farm, either with single owners or families with small children. However, they do not handle extreme temperatures well and therefore should be supervised when playing outdoors in very hot or cold weather. The shar-pei’s fighting dog lineage makes them less tolerant of other dogs, so they might not be well suited for multiple-pet homes.

Shar-pei are not overly active unless their owners are active, in which case they will happily join in on any activity. Their normal exercise requirements can be met with daily walks and some exuberant play in a fenced yard or other enclosed space. Even if you need to skip exercise once in a while, your shar-pei won’t become destructive and will be just as happy relaxing at your feet on occasion as he will be accompanying you on a run.

Shar-pei are very intelligent, but their mastiff heritage results in a strong, dominant temperament that can sometimes impede obedience training. Establish your position as “pack leader” early with your shar-pei, and keep training sessions short, interesting, and positive so that he will be more amenable to the training process. Socialization is particularly important with this breed because they can have some difficulty mixing with other dogs.