Shar Pei Breed History: The Highlights

Article Title: Shar Pei Breed History: The Highlights
Author: Melissa A Coleman

A Han dynasty pottery fragment shows a wrinkly dog that may be
a Shar Pei. Although the origins are unclear, the Shar Pei seems
to have descended from Chow Chows. Shar Peis became the "must
have" dog of the 1980's because of their looks. However, their
history shows they are bred to be aggressive attack dogs (being
mostly aggressive to other dogs). A Hong Kong businessman
rescued many Shar Peis and exported them to Western countries.
However, due to health problems and a small gene pool, perhaps
this breed should be left to history.

The name Shar Pei roughly translates into English as sand-skin.
The Shar Pei does have a rough skin and tough coat. Everything
about this breed is tough – its personality, its physical
strength and especially its history. For centuries Shar Peis
were strictly Chinese. They were not allowed outside of the
borders. The first Shar Pei did not reach Western shores until
1966.

There is no consensus among Shar Pei information sources where
in China the breed originated. Tradition indicates the small
village of Tai Lai in Southern China as the home of the Shar Pei
breed. They are most likely mutations from Chow Chow crosses
that were line bred or inbred in order to emphasis their
mutations, most notably of the loose skin and the abundance of
wrinkles. Pottery and statues of wrinkled dogs from the Han
dynasty (ca 200 BCE) have been discovered. The first written
reference to a wrinkled dog was in a 13th century Chinese
manuscript.

Many Westerners were entranced by the Shar Pei's incredibly
wrinkled look. They were so ugly, they were cute, was the
general consensus. But the history of the Shar Pei clearly shows
that these are not dogs to sit placidly at the feet of yuppie
owners. These are strong dogs in all respects – strong in body
and strong in their wills. First they protected livestock and
the farmer's family from human and animal predators, and then
they became the dog of Chinese dog fighting pits.

Although it was great for China to outlaw dog fighting during
the Cultural Revolution, they also outlawed the dogs. It is
estimated that most of the genetic pool of Shar Peis were
slaughtered. China has recently changed its mind about the
necessity of the Cultural Revolution and now allows many Chinese
practices once outlawed. Sadly, it is thought that dog fighting
has since resumed in China.

Today, the Shar Pei is bred to be a companion and show dog,
although they do often work as guard dogs and sometimes farm
dogs. It is now known that they need special consistent training
from puppyhood in order to be socially acceptable canines. It is
harder, but training a Shar Pei is possible. However, only those
experienced in training and living with large, active dogs like
Rottweilers or Boxers should attempt to take on a Shar Pei.

Shar Peis were bred to be independent – not to be team players.
The life of a fighting dog is especially harsh, so a certain
stoic fortitude has had to keep the Shar Pei alive to this time
where it can now socialize with others. Getting and keeping a
dog's attention is crucial for training, and with a Shar Pei,
this is an uphill battle. But some Shar Peis have won the
American Kennel Club's Good Canine Citizen certificate, which is
hard to get.

About The Author: Melissa Coleman has published hundreds of
articles on dogs, including Shar Peis. You can find information
about the history of the http://www.sharpeiguide.com/ Shar Pei
at the library or on the Internet. You can find lots of articles
about http://www.sharpeiguide.com/Shar_pei.php Shar Pei
information in dog history books.

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