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Shar Peis are the really wrinkly dogs from China that were all the rage in the 1980's. They'd been around for centuries in China, but the Western world didn't get their own Shar Peis until then. It has been suspected that the Shar Peis that were sold to North Americans were of far inferior stock than their kin in China. The gene pool in North America is very small, so finding a healthy puppy is rare.

It's the wrinkles that are the claim to fame for the Shar Pei. Unlike most other breeds of dog, this one is quite distinctive! The puppies are far more wrinkled than the adults. The Shar Pei breed standard calls for the adult to have loose skin, if not wrinkly skin, but wrinkles are still expected around the face. Because of the heavily wrinkled face, it is normal for these dogs to slobber a lot.

Only solid colored Shar Peis are permissible for showing in sanctioned American Kennel Club shows. But there are many part-colored and even spotted Shar Peis running about. Heads that look too big for the body are preferred, but it is common for Shar Peis to have heads in proportion to their large, blocky bodies. All Shar Pei information will tell you that they naturally come in three coat lengths, but for some reason only the two shortest coats are allowed.

The Shar Pei is thought to be descended from the Chow Chow, and, like the Chow Cow, has a blue-black colored tongue (the only breeds of dog to have this quirk). They are incredibly wrinkly when born (as puppies are kind of wrinkly anyway) and they tend to loose most of their body wrinkles as they mature. They usually retain a lot of wrinkles around the head. Their skin is usually loose.

The breed standard for the Shar Pei is not conducive to everybody's idea of a family pet. Their temperament is very much like a Rottweiler's, only they are even more aggressive with other dogs. They usually are good with kids, but wary of adults. If you need a guard dog or a dog to round up livestock, they are ideal.

The breed standard lists Shar Peis as having a "regal, standoffish" nature. They are not as eager to please as other breeds.

They have very strong wills coupled with very strong bodies. If you have never lived with a dog before, the Shar Pei is not for you.

They are fearless dogs that feel superior to the rest of the world that need few excuses to ignore you. These are not the dogs for first time dog owners.

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About the author: Melissa Coleman is an avid lover of the Shar Pei and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shar Pei. Among other topics there, you can also learn all about Shar Pei FAQ plus a whole lot more.

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