In 1973, a Hong Kong breeder of Chinese Shar-Peis (whose name translates from Chinese roughly as “sandpaper coat”) appealed to dog lovers in an American magazine. He asked them to help save this exotic and ancient breed, which was in danger of dying out after the Chinese government nearly eliminated the country’s dog population after World War II. A handful of the breed, whose history is not fully known, was exported to the United States in a successful effort to save them from extinction.

While very loving toward his family, the Shar-Pei has an independent nature. He may seem uninterested in other people around him and cautious with other animals. Because he is able to think for himself, obedience training requires a strong and patient person. This is a serious and dignified dog.

The Shar-Pei coat can be any solid color, and comes in two lengths: a short “horse” coat or a longer “brush” coat. He may share some ancestry with the Chow Chow; both dogs have blue tongues. His tail curls around. The puppy’s face is much more wrinkled than the adult’s.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Active, dignified, alert, medium-sized.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height—18 to 20 inches at the withers. Weight—40 to 55 pounds.

Fun Facts

Here in the United States, the Shar-Pei’s face is described as having a “hippopotamus muzzle.” In China, the descriptions of many of the dog’s features are poetical: melon head, clamshell ear, butterfly nose, mother frog mouth, grandma face, water buffalo neck, shrimp back, dragon leg, garlic feet, and iron toenail.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.