Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is an intelligent, devoted companion with a confident yet quiet demeanor. He needs owners who are both experienced and assertive to keep him from getting bored during training sessions. This loyal watchdog easily learns house rules and rarely barks unless it’s out of worry or when playing. The Shar-Pei stands apart with his unique wrinkles that make him look like he’s wearing clothes too large for his body along with the distinguishable blue-black tongue shared by only one other breed, the Chow Chow!

Originally bred in southern China to guard property and hunt, the Shar-Pei was also used as a fighting dog. By the 1970s, thanks to an intensive breeding program initiated by American rescuers which involved breeding from imported dogs, this long-established Chinese breed of canine narrowly escaped extinction. This special effort included exaggerating their iconic skin folds that define them today!

The Shar-Pei is a medium breed, weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. Its most distinguishing characteristic is its broad muzzle which some describe as resembling that of a hippopotamus, along with the small triangular ears which lie flat against the head. The coat feels like sandpaper due to excessive wrinkles in the skin – in fact; many puppies require early surgical intervention if discomfort arises around structures such as their eyes or other areas on their body.

As a Shar Pei owner, you should be aware that these beloved dogs are prone to numerous health issues, and they don’t typically have long lifespans with an average life expectancy of 9-11 years. Despite their potential ailments, the Chinese Shar-Pei has moderate activity requirements which mean it can thrive in any home – even apartments or condos! Providing your pup with just 20 minutes of walking each day will fulfill its daily exercise needs.

Of all the adorable animals in existence, Shar-Pei puppies are perhaps one of the cutest. Yet beneath their adorableness lies a fiercely independent spirit – they make loyal and protective companions to only one person, though will defend your entire family with enthusiasm! As this breed was originally bred for guard duty and dog fighting purposes centuries ago, Shar-Peis retain those same traits today: highly territorial, cautiousness around strangers, and aggressiveness toward other dogs. The loyal Shar-Pei looks out for the safety of its owner and will sternly issue warnings in the form of a deep growl to anyone who is not approved.

If trained and socialized correctly from a young age, Shar-Peis can be wonderful family dogs; however, they are not well suited for homes with other pets or small children. For older kids who know how to treat these dogs respectfully, the Shar-Pei may make an ideal pet – just keep in mind that these pooches don’t particularly enjoy cuddles or hugs! Make sure to obtain one from a reliable breeder who raises puppies in their home and introduces them early on to various people, sounds, and experiences. This way your puppy will be more comfortable adapting to its new environment when arriving at its forever home!

Training an intelligent yet determined Chinese Shar-Pei can require considerable effort and patience. Clicker training combined with play, praise, and rewards tends to be the most effective way of teaching your pup; however, you may need to experiment with a variety of approaches in order to find what works best for him. Seek out an experienced trainer familiar with spitz breeds who has plenty of tricks up their sleeve! Keep in mind that short but enjoyable sessions are paramount – boredom is not something you want during any educational process!