Facts about Shar Pei
- 09
Familial Shar Pei fever, a hereditary inflammatory condition causing recurring fever episodes, is uniquely prevalent in the breed and can lead to kidney failure if untreated.
- 08
Shar Pei ears are extremely small and triangular, positioned high on the head, which historically helped protect them from injury during fighting competitions in ancient China.
- 07
Excessive wrinkles on Shar Peis can cause entropion, a condition where eyelids fold inward, affecting approximately 20-30% of the breed and sometimes requiring surgical correction.
- 06
Originally bred for fighting in ancient China, Shar Peis were trained to wear their loose skin as a defensive advantage, allowing attackers' bites to slip off without penetrating vital organs.
- 05
Shar Pei hip dysplasia affects approximately 16% of the breed according to Orthopedic Foundation for Animals data, making it one of the most common genetic health issues in the breed.
- 04
Shar Pei puppies are born with their eyes nearly closed due to facial wrinkles, requiring careful monitoring during their first weeks to ensure proper vision development and eye health.
- 03
A Shar Pei's tongue is distinctly blue or blue-black in color, a rare trait shared with only a few other breeds like the Chow Chow and Chinese Crested.
- 02
Wrinkled skin folds on Shar Peis require daily cleaning to prevent bacterial and yeast infections in the creases, making grooming more intensive than most dog breeds.
- 01
The Shar Pei breed originated in China during the Han Dynasty around 200 BCE and nearly went extinct in the 1970s before American fanciers revived the breed.