Lets find out all about the Shar Pei, that funny wrinkled dog with its blue-black tongue thats famous all over the world! Known also as the sharkskin dog, the Chinese Fighting Dog and the Chinese Shar Pei, this dog was developed in China. Because of its harsh, prickly coat, the name Shar Pei literally translates to sand paper skin.

With ancestors dating back at least 2,000 years, the Shar Pei are definitely an ancient breed! Because the chow-chow has a bluish tongue much the same as the Shar Pei, and this trait is exclusive only to these two breeds, they are believed to be related. Due to its appearance, and its close ties to the chow-chow, the Shar Pei has links to the giant Mastiff breeds!

The Shar Pei have the distinctive hippopotamus head, are medium sized and squarish in profile, and wear a sad expression that seems almost irresistibly comical. They were used for a long time as general-purpose farm dogs in countrysides in China, for jobs like guarding stock, hunting, and protecting the family and home. It was raised for its cleverness, strength, and frowning expression (which the Chinese believed helped ward off evil spirits).

The loose skin and prickly coat were developed in the Shar Pei to aid it in fighting, as these traits would make it difficult for its opponent to grab and hold on to it. While they should be brushed regularly, their coat does not need to be trimmed, and they do not have an undercoat. Puppies have more wrinkles than adults, and the Shar Pei slowly lose their wrinkles as they get older.

This spunky breed has three coat varieties which are the horse-coat, brush-coat, and the rare bear-coat. The uncommon horse-coat is rough and harsh to the touch, and the brush-coat has longer hair and a smoother feel. Their hides come in all colors, as well as sables.

The loyal Shar Pei connects well with his family and is outstandingly devoted to his master. They are fearless, bright, playful, dominant and full of character. They are recognized by their melancholy expression, but they are surprisingly calm, self-reliant, loyal and friendly dogs.

The Shar Pei needs a firm, gentle, and consistent figure of authority to treat as alpha dog, as they are very clever and will end up dominating a weak trainer. They have a tendency to be stubborn, due to their instincts as fighters, but early training, socialization and exercise will easily remedy this. The Shar Pei have had myriad roles in history, including catching vermin, herding, and tracking, but if you know how to handle them, there is no reason they could not make perfectly desirable house companions for you.