|
The Shar-Pei is a beautiful and unique breed of dog whose ancestry is unknown, although it is often assumed that they are related in some way to the Chow-Chow. Shar-Peis are very unusual-looking animals, and their coat comes in one of three varieties: horse-coat, brush-coat, and bear-coat. Bear-coat is the least common of the three styles. Horse-coat is course and rough, even prickly-feeling, whereas the brush-coat is slightly longer and smoother to the touch. The bear-coat differs from the other two because it is the only one with an undercoat, so it is noticeably fuller. The most defining characteristic of a Shar-Pei is its wrinkled skin, although some are certainly more wrinkled than others. Shar-Peis are at their most-wrinkled as puppies, and slowly over time, their wrinkles become less pronounced. The coat colors can be either solid or multi-colored varieties. Their ears are small and folded forward, they have blue-black tongues (like Chow-Chows), and their eyes are small, dark, and round. Shar-Peis are a boxy breed with sturdy bodies, large brick-like heads and wide, padded muzzles that end in large, round, short noses.
Shar-Peis have charming and affectionate personalities. They have gentle and laid-back dispositions, and they bond very quickly and closely to their owner and family. Some are a little shy and reserved around strangers, while others are perfectly comfortable. Shar-Peis are very intelligent dogs, and therefore, they respond very quickly and favorably to training and they are fast-learners when it comes to housebreaking. They have a strong innate desire to please and impress their owners, so they are happy to learn tricks and play games. If a Shar-Pei is raised alongside other dogs, cats, and smaller animals, then the pets are likely to get along just fine. However, it is important that Shar-Peis are socialized with other animals at an early age or else they will probably be aggressive towards dogs (especially of the same sex), cats, and smaller animals due to their hunting instincts. Shar-Peis are good with kids, but make sure that young children don’t hurt the dog by playing too rough (sometimes young kids are fascinated by the wrinkled skin, and they can’t resist the urge to tug on it).
The Shar-Pei needs to get daily exercise. They should be walked at least once a day on a leash, and multiple walks are preferable. They also like to run free – in a safe space or enclosed backyard – however, the area must be enclosed because Shar-Peis are likely to fight with other dogs if they come into contact with them. Shar-Peis are quite sensitive to heat, so it is crucial that they are not over-exercised in the heat or overexposed to direct sunlight. Grooming a Shar-Pei is very easy because of their short coat – they should be brushed daily and shampooed regularly, especially when shedding.
While Shar-Peis are a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some concerns to consider. This breed was exceptionally popular in the 1980s, and therefore they were carelessly and irresponsibly over-bred. Make sure that you only purchase or adopt a Shar-Pei from a reputable, credible breeder who is able to provide detailed generational information about their puppies. Some of the more prevalent health problems experienced by dogs of this breed include kidney failure and skin problems. Hip and joint problems can also come into play particularly if a Shar-Pei receives inadequate exercise or is overweight. An adult should weigh between forty and fifty-five pounds based on an average height between eighteen and twenty inches. Their diet should consist of a nutritionally complete and balanced dry dog food in conjunction with a canned wet dog food. The life expectancy for a Shar-Pei is between eight and ten years, and not many exceed the ten year mark.
|
| |
