A BRIEF HISTORY.
The Shar-Pei originated in China many centuries ago. They were used for herding, hunting, guarding and as combatants. When the Chinese Communists came into control they became nearly extinct. During the 1960’s there were very few left and they became the rarest dog in the world. In 1970 a man called Matgo Law began a rescue operation of his native breed. A few specimens found their way to interested parties in the United States. Thanks to this man the breed is no longer an endangered species.

APPEARANCE
An alert, active, compact dog of medium size and substance, short coupled and square in profile. Preferred height 46-51cm (18-20") at the withers. Dogs are larger and more powerful than bitches. The Shar-Pei has a number of unique characteristics. The breed has a head which can best be described as "hippopotamus like", very small ears flat to the forehead, loose folds of skin about the head neck and shoulders and a short harsh coat. The Shar-Pei has a blue black tongue, a characteristic shared only with one canine breed, the Chow Chow. The loose skin and wrinkles are abundant in puppies, but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in adults.

TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER
Calm, independent, very affectionate, alert and devoted to people. The Shar-Pei is a wonderful companion and family dog. He is equally adaptable to indoors and outdoors, protective but not vicous, quick to learn, good with children when properly introduced, obedient and eager to please his family. He is very loyal to his family and loves them unconditionally. He is standoffish with strangers and does not like to be rushed by them, especially in his own territory. He will generally bark when somebody visits and prefers to take his own time to approach the visitor, to be petted. This is because of his protective instinct.

TRAINING
The Shar-Pei is very intlligent and learns easily. He can do extremely well at obedience training. It is very important that early socialising be carried out, with humans and other dogs.

EXCERISE
The Shar-Pei does not need a large amount of exercise, most will exercise themselves if room permits. But they do love to go for a walk, on a lead and if you only have a suburban block, this should be done as regularly as possible.

LIFE SPAN
If well cared for upto 12 years.

HEALTH
Some of the problems Shar-Pei can suffer from are Hip Dysplasia, Luxating Patellas, Entropian, Skin problems and Allergies. The breed club is working on introducing control schemes for hereditary diseases. Responsible breeders make every effort to control these disorders in their stock. Shar-Pei bitches can drop their coat after whelping, also both sexes can look a little moth eaten when moulting. Do not mistake these as skin problems as this is quite normal for this breed.

THE IDEAL SHAR-PEI OWNER
A responsible person who is willing to share their life and home with their Shar-Pei. A person well versed in canine behavior or willing to learn. A person willing to train and socialise their Shar-Pei. Shar-Pei crave human companionship and are not a dog that should be left in the backyard and forgotten about.

WHAT TO ASK YOURSELF IF CONSIDERING PURCHASING A PUPPY
First examine your lifestyle and ask yourself – Have I the time, the space and the long term commitment to consider owning a Shar-Pei? This breed does not adapt easily to change of ownership once it becomes an adult.

BUYING A SHAR-PEI
If intending to purchase a Shar-Pei puppy, do some homework. Visit shows, talk to owners and breeders. Purchase books on the breed, study the breed standard, visit as many litters as possible. Enquire about the grand parents as well as the parents of the puppies. Call the breed club and ask for more information on the breed, learn as much as you can before making a final decision.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE BREEDER

• How long has the breeder been involved with Shar-Pei?
  
• Does the breeder belong to a Shar-Pei Club?
  
• Can you see the puppies?
  
• Will the sire and dam be there and can you view them?
  
• Have both parents been x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia? Are the hip scores available and can you see them?
• Does the breeder offer a written guarantee against inherited faults?
  
• Will the breeder or you select the puppy?
  
• How much will the puppy cost?
  
• Ask about worming and vaccination?
  
• Has the breeder registered the litter?
  
• Ask to see the registration papers of the parents.

Many clubs have a designated puppy officer who can inform you which members have puppies available.