The Sharpei

Having a pet is one that would take a major decision. This is because there are a whole variety of pets to choose from. You can go exotic by choosing snakes or you can go boring by choosing a fish in fish bowl. The best option for an animal lover is to go for the most viable option of just choosing a dog. A dog will provide you with great companionship and sweet experiences that can be memorable. Believe me, the experiences I used to have with my dogs where very great before it eventually died.

There are lots of dogs to choose from. You can either go big and tough by choosing those Dobermans, German shepherds or St. Bernard. You could also go for a tough small dog by getting pit bulls. But if you’re just looking for small adorable dogs that will provide great companionship, there are lots of dogs to choose from. One of those small adorable dogs is the Chinese Shar-pei.

This dog is very popular because of its adorable wrinkles. I wonder why old wrinkly people are not adorable but dogs are? This dog is very unique and has existed for centuries in the southern province of China called Kwan-tung. Originally this dog was considered to be a fighting dog that has also been used for hunting, protection and herding. It is called shar-pei because it translates to harsh sandy coat.

These dogs were almost driven to extinction by the communist; because these dogs were though about for wealthy individuals. However thanks to Mt. Latgo Law he imported a few sharpeis to Hong Kong and Taiwan and started breeding them there again.

These dogs are very recognizable because of their wrinkly face especially when they are still puppies. The wrinkles are still retained by some sharpeis when they grow into adults. The lose skin was really designed for fighting, so that when one dog bit its skin, it can still turn around.

Sharpeis could be distinguished by their hair length. Those with longer coat about an inch in length are called the “brush”, while the shorter coated ones are called “horse”. The most common colors of sharpeis coats are black, cream, fawn, chocolate or silver. This dog becomes more distinct because of its rare blue black tongue. The sharpei’s ears are very small drooping close to the head.

A sharpie will measure 18 to 20 inches in height when standing. The adult sharpie weighs 45 to 55 pounds.

Sharpei’s have a very strong personality. They are very active and would need lot of exercise to. However these dogs are somewhat snobbish. This dog can be very independent and devoted to protecting his or her family member. Because they want to be independent they prefer to be in a one dog family. These dogs are however not recommended for families with little children. This is because they can not be able to handle the antics of children.

These breed of dog is easy to house train. Before they were very untamable but hanks to breeders things have changed. This dog does not need a firm hand to train and early socialization.

The owner should be able to establish early on in a sharpei’s life that he is the king or queen. Because if not the sharpei will tend to be dominant. Despite it’s flaws the sharpei can still be a great companion and watch dog.