The Shar-Pei is one of the most mysterious breeds, primarily due to the numerous beliefs surrounding its origins. According to scientists' knowledge of this breed, its first representatives were discovered in the coastal areas of the South China Sea and in southern China.
Experts have long been convinced that this breed was very popular in China. Further confirmation of this comes from archaeological excavations of tombs adorned with images of a dog with folds of skin on its neck and a square muzzle. For centuries, Shar-Pei dogs were kept by many Chinese dynasties, who promoted their fighting qualities and strength.
Content
Shar Pei Dog Breed: Description and Characteristics
Despite the fact that the Shar Pei is an ancient breed, it hasn't lost its appeal throughout its existence. That's why it's so beloved for its appearance. The Shar Pei is generally classified as a medium-sized dog. Their main distinguishing features are a short, compact body and a large, square head. There are numerous deep folds on the body, particularly on the head and withers. Small ears and a distinctive muzzle give the dog a unique appearance, often leading to comparisons with a hippopotamus.
An equally interesting part of the body is the tail. It is located quite high on the flat croup, has a thickening near the base, and begins to taper as it approaches the tip, forming a spiral at the end. the chest is powerful and wide, which reaches down to the elbows. The slightly arched, short loin gives the dog a strong, fighting stance.
The Shar-Pei's strong, muscular body and wide-set hind legs are essential, allowing it to run at breakneck speed without losing its balance. Translated from Chinese, "Shar-Pei" sounds quite interesting, meaning "mad dog." Other striking characteristics include its coat. Its characteristic color is a bright red, reminiscent of the Pomeranian.
Depending on the type of wool, it is accepted There are several types of Shar Pei dogs:
Horse. The coat is short, not exceeding 10 cm. Puppies with this coat typically have numerous folds, but as they mature, their number decreases;- Brush. Dogs of this breed have fur no longer than 2.5 cm. They also have numerous folds on their body. As they grow, the number of folds decreases on all areas of the body except the neck and muzzle;
- "Bear Hair." This type of hair is longer than 2.5 cm. Adult animals with this type of hair more closely resemble the Chow Chow breed. Dogs with this type of hair have not yet been officially recognized as a show breed.
Horse. The coat is short, not exceeding 10 cm. Puppies with this coat typically have numerous folds, but as they mature, their number decreases;Shar Pei dogs can be classified into two groups depending on the coat color:
- The primary coloration is formed by black pigment, giving the muzzle a mask-like appearance, complemented by a strap on the back;
- The second color type. It excludes black speckles on the coat.
Regardless of their coat, all Shar Peis are extremely loyal and sensitive creatures. They begin to demonstrate these qualities with proper training, which should be done from puppyhood.
Shar Pei: Character and Training
The main distinguishing feature of the Shar Pei breed of dogs, which deserves special attention, is high intelligence, which distinguishes them from other well-known breeds. These animals are very calm and independent, distinguished by a high degree of nobility. This quality is emphasized by their somewhat stern appearance. From day one, Shar Pei dogs become devoted friends to their owners and family members. However, even this doesn't guarantee that the animal will not behave aggressively. Therefore, to avoid unwanted situations, it is recommended to begin training the dog from a very early age.
The owner will achieve better results if he does this in cooperation with a dog breeder. The Shar Pei is extremely does not tolerate water procedures wellBut if he's so inclined, he'll easily enter any body of water and swim in it. To ensure that his owner doesn't have to worry about this, he should be trained from puppyhood to obey his owner's commands without question. The Shar Pei, whether black or other shades, is a clean animal, so bathing him rarely is necessary.
A distinctive feature of this breed is their lack of odor, even when wet. When choosing a puppy, you should first look for character traits common to all members of the breed. Be prepared for some aggression toward dogs of other breeds. This trait is genetically inherited, as they were originally bred to guard, protect, and repel strangers. You'll make your choice easier if you review the puppy's pedigree before making your decision.
Health characteristics of the Shar Pei
Shar Pei - quite a powerful dog, who has a strong immune system and therefore rarely gets sick. However, this still doesn't guarantee that an infection won't enter her body at some point.
Selection rules
To know how to choose a healthy black puppy, you need to consider the following features:
- no doggy smell;
- skin folds should be dry and clean;
- shining eyes;
- wet nose;
- clean ears.
In order for all these signs of a healthy Shar Pei puppy to be present in your dog, you should choose a balanced diet for herIf your puppy's diet is inappropriate, you can tell by the following unusual symptoms:
- inflammation of the eyes and ears;
- intestinal disorders;
- increased secretion of saliva and tears;
- formation of eczema on the skin;
- hair loss.
An additional clue that the animal is sick is fever and lethargyIf the skin's surface isn't properly cared for, harmful fungi and microorganisms can soon develop. According to veterinarians, a rather dangerous condition for dogs of this breed is the inversion of the eyelid. If this occurs, the only cure is surgery.
Shar Pei dog diseases
Among the known diseases that can affect even black Shar Pei dogs, the most The following are common:
- Low levels of a hormone that ensures normal metabolic processes in the body. Characteristic signs include skin conditions and weight gain;
- Swollen Hock. This disease affects the tendons of the knee joints, causing vomiting and diarrhea, along with abdominal dysfunction. An additional symptom is swelling of the face;
- Cancerous tumors that can greatly weaken the body.
Shar Pei: training and obedience
You can start training dogs of this breed already upon reaching the age of 3-4 monthsHowever, training a Shar Pei can be started at an earlier stage. At this stage, they are taught behavioral commands, such as staying put and stopping. After mastering a standard set of commands, if the owner doesn't have specialized training knowledge, it's best to entrust this task to a professional. When bringing a Shar Pei puppy home, the owner should remember that this is a social dog, so to avoid causing trouble, it requires proper training.
The first thing a dog must learn is the status of leader belongs to the ownerHowever, if this dog becomes stubborn, physical force should not be used against it. This can make the animal very aggressive, and nothing will be possible to change it. Proper care for a Shar-Pei involves frequent long walks and outdoor play. It is essential to provide it with a personal space, including not only a place to rest and sleep, but also a food and water dish.
Conclusion
Keeping a Shar-Pei in an apartment isn't all that difficult, as it's one of the oldest breeds, successfully bred for centuries in domestic settings. However, prospective owners should be sure to evaluate their abilities before deciding to bring this dog into their home. They should be prepared to train the pet from the very first day of its arrival.
Regarding the Shar Pei it is unacceptable to use brute forceOtherwise, the puppy will grow up to be an aggressive dog, causing numerous problems for its owner. Therefore, the owner must teach the puppy to obey their every command, so that it will remain trouble-free throughout its life.
