|
Written by Melissa Coleman
|
|
Sunday, 13 July 2008 |
|
The Shar Pei is an ancient breed from the ancient land of China and it is famous for its wrinkles, hippopotamus-like looks and a tongue that is a blue-black color. In addition, it has a rough and coarse coat that comes in three different types.
by MelissaColeman
The Shar Pei is an ancient breed from the ancient land of China and it is famous for its wrinkles, hippopotamus-like looks and a tongue that is a blue-black color. In addition, it has a rough and coarse coat that comes in three different types.
Because of this coarseness it got its name, which in Chinese translates to sand skin, which is a close approximation of its body skin. As puppies, they are sure to have plenty of wrinkles, though as they grow in age, these will slowly lessen and are not so pronounced.
The Shar Pei can have more than one color and among the ones that are common to this breed you will find colors such as red like a rose, blue, sand, black and even cream, and it also shares the blue-black colored tongue with its relative the Chow Chow.
The skin is certainly very wrinkled and is seen mostly in the large folds on its head, though some varieties of Shar Peis are also known to have tight skin with not much wrinkling.
Normally, the Shar Pei has coats that can either be brush coats, bear coats or even horse coats. It is also a breed that is prone to not staying very healthy, which can be attributed in part to irresponsible breeding. Among other ailments that it suffers from, is the one known as entropion that is something that will irritate a Shar Pei's eyes. However, you can prevent your pet from developing skin allergies and also sores by feeding it specially manufactured dry dog foods that will act to prevent such conditions.
The Shar Pei also has an independent mind, while also being very aloof and reserved, and not given to easily making friends with strangers. This could be attributed to the fact that the breed was originally bred to serve as watchdogs. However, the Shar Pei will show much devotion to its master and is generally affectionate and also loyal to its family members. However, despite socialization, it will still keep its watchdog proclivities, and it is also very territorial and possessive.
For prospective Shar Pei owners, it is important to bear in mind that even though it has many characteristics common to watchdogs, and despite being somewhat aggressive, it is nevertheless a good learner and thus takes well to being trained, though it will show its boredom if something is repeated too often. The bottom line is that your Shar Pei will show you a lot of love and is possessive and a good guard dog, though certainly an independent creature as well.
The breed originates from China's Guangdong province and was well known from that time for being a fighting dog that also made an excellent watchdog. That is why originally, the Chinese Shar Pei served as a watchdog for the royal family of China, and thus is well suited for defending. And despite being in danger of extinction and being termed a rare breed, it is now thriving in some parts of the world and makes an outstanding family pet, and is often affectionately known as "Golden Lion".
About the Author:
Melissa Coleman is an avid lover of the Shar Pei and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shar Pei. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Shar Pei Characteristics plus a whole lot more. |
