Cute, cuddly,
wrinkly and adorable; the words commonly used to describe a Shar Pei. Many people
get Shar Peis for nothing more than their looks, because they are almost too cute
to pass up. Those who are swayed easily into making a decision that is hasty and
thoughtless should stay away from looking at Shar Pei dogs and puppies, as they
seem to have a face that draws in anyone who has a problem saying no. Their sweet
faces and unbelievably wrinkled, floppy coat are hard to turn away from, and that
is a large part of what makes this breed of dog so cute and irresistible.
The
Shar Pei Coat of Many Colors
The Chinese Shar Pei has three coat varieties
in various colors; the brush coat, the horse coat, and the extremely rare bear
coat. The bear coat does not fall within the AKC (American Kennel Club) standards
because they have a topcoat and an undercoat exceeding one inch, suggesting that
they are somehow related to the chow chow. The horse coated Shar Pei is prickly
and rough, and unpleasant to touch.
Many say this type of Shar Pei feels
like a pig, as the prickly coat is reminiscent of the fur on a pig’s skin. The
brush coat is softer and longer, making this type of Shar Pei easier to cuddle
with. The brush coat Shar Peis are more common, as they are softer and more pleasing
to pet, and they hold the same characteristics that make these dogs such lovable
pets and family members. Regardless of the coat, these dogs are known for their
wrinkles and loving faces, making them irresistible for dog lovers.
Shar
Pei Physical Characteristics
While Shar Pei puppies’ faces look innocent
and sweet, their body type would suggest otherwise. They are broad shouldered
and square headed, dating back to their ancestry where they were guard dogs to
the Chinese royal families. This body type allows them to defend their loved ones,
thought they are not naturally aggressive. Shar Peis have small ears that point
forward and watchful eyes, though they are sometimes difficult to see beneath
the wrinkles, especially puppies.
Their tails are curled upwards in a snail
shell-like pattern; another comparison to the Chow Chow. The wrinkles of a Shar
Pei are that which makes the Shar Pei unique from other breeds. They are born
with a lot of skin and an unbelievable amount of wrinkles, losing them as they
age, though they never fully grow out of them.
Size Matters: Shar Pei
Height and Weight
Shar Peis typically range from 18 to 20 inches tall,
and 40-55 pounds, depending on the sex and diet. Males are typically larger than
the females by nature, though an overfed female can surpass a male quickly. These
puppies make great pets, and have an average life span of about ten years. Their
life expectancy changes of course with their health, diet, and companionship,
positively correlated with one another. If you are considering a Shar Pei based
on looks alone, you should also strongly consider looking at the personality
of the Shar Pei, to make sure that your personalities mesh well, as this will
be a permanent situation.
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