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Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei boasts a colorful appearance and history. Shar-Peis and Chow Chows both have unusual black tongues, and may share a common ancestor. Known in Southern China since the Han dynasty (around 200 BCE), they may have once served as fighting dogs; other canines supposedly struggled to grasp the loose coat and unscrupulous owners used drugs to increase their stamina.

Political upheaval during the communist revolution threatened the breed's existence, but breeders in Hong Kong and Taiwan preserved them. Their adorable, wrinkly faces and well-behaved, loving temperaments make them excellent pets.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males and Females 18 to 20 inches (at the withers).

Appearance: Square, balanced body with flexible, compact motion.

Coat and Color: Straight, harsh, short coat with loose skin, especially on the head and neck. Any solid color permitted with or without darker shading on the back and ears.

Head: Large, flat skull with a broad, square muzzle; small, dark, almond shaped eyes; small, thick, triangular, rounded ears.

Tail: High-set, thick, tapered, curled and resting on the back.