The following excerpt is from the book The Chinese Shar-Pei by Paul Strand and Eve C. Olsen.
"During the Han Dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220), artistic
fired-clay statues and statuettes depicting the life of the era were very popular, and the dog was a favorite subject. Fortunately, many of these Han statuettes have survived to this day and may be seen in such places as the Louvre and the British Museum. One such statuette is on display in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, Avery Brundage Collection, as the "Chinese Tomb Dog." And there are others in private collections. Anyone who harbors a tendency to doubt the antiquity of the Shar-Pei has but to examine the Han dog figurines. These dogs portray, unmistakably, the same breed we know today. Although then not quite so wrinkled as now, the rugged, foursquare look, the tail wheeled over the back, and the celebrated warrior scowl are
lifelike to an amazing degree.
It is interesting to note that the time of the Han Dynasty in China corresponds rather closely to the time of the Roman Empire in Europe. Under the Romans, European dogs were often trained as fighters, matched either against others of their kind or against bears and lions. But in China there is no record of the dogs of the Han Dynasty ever being used in such fashion.
Jean Yu, Orientalist of Washington, D. C., has researched ancient Chinese manuscripts and insists that the Sharp-Pei's original purpose was for use as hunting dogs and that their principal quarry was the mongoose. Nevertheless, because of their strength and appearance, these dogs were introduced to a combat role at a later time in history. The village of Dah Let, in Southern China's Kwangtung Province near Canton, was at one time known as a gambler's haven. Betting on dog fights was a popular pastime and the Han dog became a favorite contestant. Dah Let dog breeders, anxious to improve the breed's ability and its chances in the ring, set out to perfect some of the main characteristics we know today. The bristly coat was developed to make it distasteful in an opponent's mouth; the very loose skin to enable a dog to turn and twist in the grasp of hisopponent, making it difficult for the enemy to get to the Sharp-Pei's flesh; and the re curved canine teeth to provide a hook-like hold on the antagonist. He possessed stamina and determination, but before a battle, the canine contender was given wine and stimulating drugs to heighten his aggressiveness.
But while these developments were taking place in our breed, other fight promoters and gamblers were proceeding along a different line. Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and other breeds were brought to China from the West, crossbred, and selected for vicious temperament. The native fighting Han dog of Dah Let proved to be no match for these bigger, stronger, more ferocious dogs. No longer in demand, their breeding was neglected and the numbers of the Dah Let fighting dogs rapidly decreased. But what was to be the near fatal blow to the breed occurred when the Chinese Communists came to power. One of their first moves was to impose such a heavy tax on dogs that only the extremely wealthy could afford the luxury of canine companionship. And then a further edict declared dogs a "decadent bourgeois luxury" and banned dog breeding. In 1947 the tax on dogs that still survived was sharply increased. As a result of all this Communist Party pressure, by 1950 only scattered specimens of the noble dog of the Han Dynasty were left. From isolated South China villages, fanciers in Macao (Portuguese China) and Hong Kong were able to secure an occasional specimen, but the breed was on the brink of being lost forever."The Strang and Olsen book was copyrighted in 1980 and published by William W. Denlinger.
Recent History In the early years of the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America,secretary of the club Shirley Rafferty sent out the following text on the Shar-Pei, "A few years ago these dogs were listed in the Guinnes Book of World Records as the world's rarest breed, and in 1975 there were less than forty in the United States. The Hong Kong Kennel Club, affiliated with the London Kennel Club, registered Shar-Pei as late as 1966. The Shar-Pei is certainly the world's most extraordinary dog, the press has dubbed him Mr. Wrinkles. The head is deeply furrowed, and the back and sides are more or less pleated with loose skin which often extends down the legs, giving a droopy-drawers effect on the hindquarters, or that of oversize pantyhose. Puppies are more wrinkled than adults. The skin tightens up over the lower half of the body as a pup matures, with full size being reached at six to eight months. The Shar-Pei is strongly built, the body is short-coupled and well-balanced, with a broad, deep chest giving the dog a strong solid, square appearance. Colors range from light to dark fawn, red fawn, cream,black, chocolate and sable. The coat is not slick or glossy and should have a gritty feel because of its stiff and bristly texture. Coat types are the very short bristly harsh coat and the brush coat which is not over one inch in length and stands off from the skin at 90 degrees over the wrinkle. The name Shar-Pei means sandy coat.
The tongue has the distinction of being either all blue-black or flowered, meaning one with spots of various sizes. Also many have black flews and roof of mouth. Because of the profuse skin above the eyes, eyes have to be watched closely for any turning or rolling in of eyelashes which can irritate the cornea. This condition is treatable with little effort on the part of the owner. The distinctive head displays a blunt muzzle, even more so in the males, a description which accurately applies to no other breed. The ears, small and triangular, lay tight to the head and point toward the eyes.
The average size is 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder with weight from 40 to 55 pounds. Shar-Pei puppies housebreak themselves at a very early age, which adds to their list of desirable qualities as house companions. They are devoted to the owner who really loves them, and they want to please and to be close to their master whenever possible. As watchdogs they are outstanding, as their sense of smell and sight are superior to most breeds. Grooming is no chore either, for they are very clean dogs. Their average life-span in China is 12 to 14 years, with the oldest known Shar-Pei living to be 18. They have not been in our Country long enough for owners to see if better foods and medical attention will lengthen the life-span.
Being sturdy, compact, active and intelligent the Shar-Pei is perfectly suited to city, suburban or country living. The dog is outgoing by nature and happy indoors or out. The Shar-Pei loves to ride in cars, and is not a barker. They are homebodys and do not like to stray. Because of his stay-at-home nature and his deep loyalty to family and friends, the Shar-Pei makes a natural watchdog. Being both calm and obedient, he does not tend to overreact. The Shar-Pei is an enchanting creature, possessing so many qualities sought after in an all-around dog for security as well as companionship."
All the text that follows is provided by Chinaman Chinese Shar-Pei Kennel.
Care and Training
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a low maintenance dog. If they are provided a clean environment they will take little upkeep to maintain. An occasional bath, perhaps every 8 to 12 weeks (or per your veterinarian's instructions if there is a problem), routine coat brushing, ear cleaning, nail clipping and cleaning of the face and eyes with a damp cloth will keep them looking good. Their exercise
requirements are usually provided for by following family members around in the daily activities of the household, but a fenced yard or turnout area is essential for good health if regular daily walks are not scheduled. Any dog
needs time to attend to his toilet needs and some dogs also like a little time on their own. All dogs, including Shar-Pei, need good nutrition and preventive health care by a qualified veterinarian, with regular check-ups to insure that no problems go undiagnosed.
Crate training is important for safe travel and can keep your Shar-Pei out of harms way when some event or activity in the home might interrupt his regular routine or access to the run of the house. Properly done, crate training produces a personal space for the dog that he will seek out to get some peace and quiet.
The Shar-Pei, just like any other dog, should receive basic obedience training that will make him an good companion for the whole family and a joy to have in your home. Shar-Pei learn quickly and are easy to train, but they often do not appreciate being drilled on a task that they already are proficient at. Attendance in dog training classes with your Shar-Pei is an excellent way to get help with training problems and to continue the socialization of your Shar-Pei to include new dogs and people outside your home.
Shar-Pei Health The Shar-Pei can fall prey to all the health problems that are found in dogs of all breeds. Many other breeds of dogs have some of the health concerns that have unfairly been labeled "Shar-Pei Problems." An example is entropion of the eyelid, which does occur in the Shar-Pei, but is also found in other breeds. Entropion, which is the turning in of the eyelid, should be diagnosed and treated by your veterinarian. Skin fold dermatitis is just what it sounds like, the wrinkles overlap and create an environment that can cause irritation of the skin. See your veterinarian for any suspected problems. For the Shar-Pei, choosing your veterinarian can be especially important. Look for a veterinarian that has a number of years experience with the Shar-Pei and treats your breed with the same concern as all other breeds, without blaming the breed for every problem that your Shar-Pei might have.
Living With Your Shar-Pei Shar-Pei are focused on their owners. Their life revolves around you, not hunting or retrieving. They are finely tuned to your moods and adjust themselves to your needs, but they are individuals and some are more laid back, while others are more outgoing and active. Getting started with a Shar-Pei that suits your personality and lifestyle will make the best foundation for your future. If you are considering the purchase of a Shar-Pei, consult breeders about their bloodlines and tell them honestly what you would like in a dog. Reputable breeders will give you sound advice and are able to help you select a dog from their breeding program that will suit you. Buying from a pet shop, puppy mill, or backyard breeder does not offer the advantage of experience and advice that the knowledgeable breeder can provide. Many breeders advertise in breed publications, such as The Barker, which is published by the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America.
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