A warrior, a defender, a guardian of temples and land was what the Shar- Pei was in ancient China. Figurines as well as manuscripts from China immortalize this loyal dog.
Devotion and dedication are two words that can apply to the breed. They were great hunters and huntsmen used them to hunt mongoose. The dogs were bred for strength, alertness, intelligence, and the world famous “warrior scowl.” It was the scowl that lent a menacing appearance and helped ward off marauders and barbarians from the valuable land owned by the landlords.

The Shar-Pei is unique—with a sandy coat that appears gritty and a wizened face that captures the attention and devotion of the most discerning soul. The bristly coat and loose skin made it difficult for opponents to get a grip on the Shar-Pei, enabling the dog to twist free during combat.
It is a dog that traces its beginnings to ancient China and has been saved from extinction by the devotion of a few breeders and Shar-Pei lovers in Hong Kong and the US.
Distinctive in appearance, the Shar-Pei is a muscular dog whose wrinkles lend it the appearance of a sage or thinker. The coat too is notable and the dog derives its name from “shar” meaning sandy and “pei” meaning dog.

The breed is medium sized, alert, extremely agile, and has “substance.” In China, where the Shar-Pei’s roots lie, the dog is said to have: “clamshell ears, a butterfly nose, a grandmotherly face, a water-buffalo’s neck and dragon legs.”
The Shar-pei will enrapture you and bring to the fore all your protective instincts. It is as if the dog has descended straight down from “gnome” land. All he needs is a conical cap and pointed ears.
There could be innumerable reasons why you may want a Shar-pei – because he is:

- Very devoted.
- A good guard dog.
- Has a sharp sense of sight and smell.
- Is clean.
- Has an expressive face.
- Has many wrinkles– leading to be nicknamed Mr. Wrinkles.
- Is active, intelligent, strong, and sturdy.

The enchantment belies the steel beneath — to raise a Shar-Pei, you will need a great storehouse of patience, unflinching commitment, and a dedicated approach to his training schedule. In case you are considering a Shar-pei as a first pet –pause and think again you will have to draw on all your inner steel to raise the dog. With experience, and the right Shar Pei Information you will find the task easier.
What you can expect for sure is: unconditional love – there are no two ways about it.

For more information, read the Shar Pei Manual.