Shar Pei Breed Information
This Chinese breed probably shares some of the ancestry of the Chow Chow, descending from the ancient Han Dog, a guard dog in China 2000 years ago. The Shar Pei was developed as a fighting dog and as a hunter.
The loose wrinkled skin was useful for a fighting dog as it prevented a rival from obtaining a strong grip and the characteristic bristly coat was uncomfortable to the mouth (Shar Pei translates as 'harsh sandy coat' or 'sand paper skin'). The 20th Century saw the breed almost wiped out when the communist regime destroyed thousands of domestic dogs but there has been a revival and modern breeders have addressed the problem of excessive wrinkle and eye problems in the breed.
Breed Group: Utility
Vulnerable Native Breed: No
Size: Medium
How much exercise?: Up to 1 hour per day
Length of coat: Short
How much grooming?: Once a week
Supposedly sheds?: * Yes
Town or Country: Either
Type of home: Small House
Minimum Garden Size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
* If you are asthmatic or have an allergy, you should consult your medical adviser before considering obtaining a dog. More information can also be found on the Kennel Club website.
The Utility Breed Group
This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin, including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle.
The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.
Note: The above information has been obtained online from the UK Kennel Club (KC) website.
