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Dudley is a Shar Pei Mix!
Pictures on ancient pottery suggest that the Shar-Pei existed in 206 B.C. The name Shar-Pei stands for sandy skin; because the coat has a prickly texture and when rubbed against the grain, it produces an itching, burning sensation. It's possible that the Shar-Pei is descended from the Chow Chow because both breeds have a purple tongue. Other possibilities are Great Pyrenees, because of the double dew claws and the Tibetan Mastif.
In ancient times, they were used as working farm dogs in China. Other uses were as ratters, tracking, hunting, herding and stock guards. Unfortunately, they were also used in dog fighting events. The loose skin and prickly coat were considered to be a big advantage in the ring. Chinese superstition believed that the wrinkles & black tongue & mouth would scare away evil spirits. Although the ancient Chinese attempted to use the Shar-Pei as a fighting dog, the dogs didn't have the heart for the fighting ring and were soon replaced by other breeds. This is an intelligent dog that does well in the obedience, agility, herding and tracking venue.
This is a large dog. It will stand 18 - 20 inches tall and weighs 40 - 55 pounds. The skin is wrinkled and it has a square profile with a flat, broad head with a wide, padded muzzle. The dark, almond-shaped eyes are typically sunken into the folds of the skin and the small, triangular ears are high set on the head. It is not unusual for a Shar-Pei to have a smaller head and tighter looking skin. The puppies slowly lose their wrinkles as they age.
The coat can be any of 3 varieties. A bear-coat that has an undercoat and a longer topcoat that exceeds 1". This coat is considered a throw back to the Chow-Chow in the blood line. Even though it is not AKC approved, many pet owners consider this coat to be more appealing. This was the coat that the wealthy Chinese considered to be the "elite" of the breed; so these were mostly exterminated during the cultural revolution as being too "bourgeois". Fortunately, this coat is caused by a recessive gene that is present in all examples of the breed.
Then we have the horse-coat that is prickly, stands out and is rough to the touch. It can be up to an inch long. This coat is closer the the traditional Shar-Pei coat in coat type and appearance.
Finally, we have the brush-coat. This coat is longer and smoother. Superstition attributes temperament qualities to the different coat textures, but it's never been proven.
Shar-Pei come in over 16 AKC recognized solid colors: sand, black, fawn, chocolate, red, lilac and blue; to name a few. Spotted or multi-colored coats are considered wrong in the show ring. Regular brushing is recommended, although there is very little shedding.
All Shar-Pei need early socialization around children, other animals and strangers. They can be strong-willed, territorial and stubborn; but, if they receive proper treatment and training will become a devoted family dog. Without proper socialization, d training, and a confident handler, this dog will decide that it needs to be boss and it can become especially territorial and dominant. It needs to be taught as a puppy that all humans are above it. Their early breeding was directed toward providing guard dogs for the palaces and wealthy homes. If kept with other dogs, it will attempt to become the dominant dog.
The Shar-Pei does not need the excessive amount of exercise that many other breeds do and will be okay in an apartment if regularly walked. They are very sensitive to warm weather and need to have shade and water constantly provided.
We are pleased to welcome Dudley to our practice!
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