All you need to know about the breed

No discussion of the delightful Chinese Shar-Pei would be complete without bringing up the breed’s famed deep wrinkles, folds, and suit-two-sizes-too-big loose skin. Chinese Shar-Pei puppies are one of the most adorable sights on Earth, though they do outgrow – or grow into – their skin as they get bigger. Let’s not forget their remarkable dark, blue-black tongue, either.

In an amazing feat of adjectives, the Chinese breed standard states the Chinese Shar-Pei has clam-shell ears, butterfly nose, melon-shaped head, grandmotherly face, water buffalo neck, horse's buttocks and dragon's legs. Far be it for us to contradict such an extraordinary description of a most wonderful dog.

Chinese Shar-Peis are a very old breed (though that’s not the reason for the wrinkles), initially bred to hunt, guard and herd. As such, they are renowned protectors of home and loved ones. However, while they can be tolerant of children, it is important to discern when a Chinese Shar-Pei is being playful and when they are showing their more dominant side, a distinction a younger child can’t necessarily make.

Kind and loyal, Chinese Shar-Peis also have very strong characters, a bit of a stubborn streak, and definitely require experienced owners who are familiar with the breed and training of this type of dog. You will need to establish leadership early on; the Chinese Shar-Pei might not respect the owner who doesn't do so.

However, for the right owner, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a delight, an affectionate, independent dog with a one-of-a-kind personality.

While the Chinese Shar-Pei’s evolution spurs much debate among historians, the breed resembles statuettes of dogs found in China dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD). Some believe the modern breed descends from these ancient dogs, along with the Chow Chow (the Chinese Shar-Pei’s closest canine relative).

Fast forward to the 19th century, when Western voyagers witnessed the Chinese Shar-Pei being used by locals for dog fighting, unimaginatively dubbing them Chinese Fighting Dogs. At that time, they had less wrinkles and folds than the breed we know now.

In any case, by the 20th century, China’s political situation led to the near-extinction of the Chinese Shar-Pei by the 1970s. In 1978, the Guiness Book of World Records named the Chinese Shar-Pei as the world’s rarest breed, with only 60 remaining. Chinese Shar-Pei lovers owe a huge debt of gratitude to Hong Kong businessman and breeder, Matgo Law. It is thanks to him that the modern-day Chinese Shar-Pei was saved. He made noise, insisting the rest of the world step in, even enlisting the American Kennel Club (AKC). The resulting attention led to increased demand for the Chinese Shar-Pei from overseas. By 1985, around 350 Chinese Shar-Peis were registered with the UK Kennel Club, with AKC recognition coming in 1992.

In addition, Matgo Law’s Chinese Shar-Pei, “Down-Homes Sweet-Pea”, is an ancestor of practically every Chinese Shar-Pei that exists today.