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The compact, medium-sized Chinese lion-pei is an amalgam of strange physical traits: a broad “”hippopotamus”” muzzle; A blue-black tongue; Small, sunken eyes with a hoarse expression; Small triangular ear; Abundant folding of loose skin about head, neck and shoulders; Slender high set tail – all blanketed by a stiff, sandpainted coat. (Shara-pei’s literal translation: “”sand skin.””)
Shar-pei is strong, regal, intelligent and a renowned patron for loyalty. They suspect strangers and other dogs. Shar-pei are quiet dogs, but they will meet a perceived threat with tenacity and perseverance. Early training and socialization is necessary – a major adult problem is a serious problem without them.
For its long history, vast and impenetrable China was a closed society immune to external influences. Like, China developed a culture for itself. This eccentricity is clearly seen in Chinese dog breeds. From clown pugs to dignified chow chow, Chinese dogs are distinguished with their own look and feel. In this ancient canine clan, there is probably none as much sugar as shar-pei.
Native to China’s southern provinces, Shar-pe goes back to more than 2,000 years of the Han dynasty. It is believed that it was a farmer’s dog, and in all times and places in the manner of the farmer’s dogs, the shar-pe was expected to be versatile. Chinese farmers employed these rugged, intelligent dogs as hunters, shepherds and protectors of livestock against hunters and protectors.
The People’s Republic of China was established in 1949. Communist rule was based on dog ownership and the mainland’s purebred dog population was systematically slaughtered. However, some good specimens of shar-pe were preserved in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The documented American history of the breed began in the mid-1960s, but American interest in the breed actually began in 1973. In that year, a Hong Kong breeder named Mattago Law called on the U.S. to save the endangered shar-pe from extinction. Appealed to the fans. The enthusiastic response from American dog lovers ensured the survival of the breed. The AKC recognized Chinese sher-pei in 1992.
A cautious, compact dog of medium size and substance; Square in profile, close coupled; Not a little big for the body but a little head. The short, stiff coat, loose skin covering the head and body, small ears, the “hippopotamus” muzzle shape and high set tail give Shar-Pei a unique look that makes him appear alone. Loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck, and body are redundant in puppies, but these characteristics may be limited to the head, neck, and shoulders in an adult.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time’
Chinese lion-pei require only minimal grooming. They need a bath every month. Ideally the nail should be trimmed once a week, using the grinder. Ears should be cleaned weekly, but do not overdo the products. The puppy should be accustomed to clean his ears regularly at an early age. Do not use cotton swab, and do not use hydrogen peroxide. The best way to clean the ear canal is to eject “float” debris from the canal using a solution for ear cleaning. A variety of good solutions are available on the market and from a veterinarian.
A breed expert says, “Start jumping on basic obedience, and don’t let the dog become the owner!” Shar-pe is smart and willing, but sometimes he is stubborn and a little too smart, thinking of new ways of doing things that you might not be thrilled about. If you teach them with love and continuity, however, they are a joy. Initial socialization and puppy training classes are recommended and help ensure that shar-pei grows into a well-adjusted, well-run companion.
Different dogs vary in their exercise needs. It is a very adaptable breed. They can do well with a very active owner, walking every day, or living in a few walking apartments. The breed also practices mind and body by participating in obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and other activities that can be enjoyed by dogs and owners.
High quality dog food suitable for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior) will contain all the nutrients that sugar shar-pei needs. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet.
The Chinese Shar-pe breed has some unusual and specific health concerns. One of the major problem areas is eyes; Eye disorders that include entropion, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and SARDS are found in the breed. Other conditions may include respiratory, cardiac, musculoskeletal, immune-mediated, skin and gastrointestinal disorders, and some cancers. The breed’s national parent club’s website, the Chinese Shar-Pay America Club, provides detailed breed-health information for owners.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: