WHAT exactly is a CHINESE SHAR-PEI?

Commonly referred to as "the wrinkled dog", the CHINESE SHAR-PEI is a loyal and wonderful companion. They are excellent with children, when raised around them. Shar-Pei are regal, dignified and extremely intelligent. They can be almost human like in their personalities and moods, aloof one moment to a silly clown the next. This breed thrives on love and attention and should NOT be thrown in the backyard and forgotten. Shar-Pei are a pack or "family" animal and thrive on human companionship. Being the intelligent breed they are, they can and will test you to see how far they can get. Therefore you should make it evident who the boss is! A firm but loving hand will help your Shar-Pei reach it's full potential. It's never too early to start training! SOCIALIZATION IS ESSENTIAL! This includes interaction with strangers, puppy kindergarten, obedience, fun matches, frequent walks*....anything and everything will do! Your efforts will certainly be rewarded and your Pei will love you for it!
*make sure puppies are fully vaccinated before exposing them to potential harmful situations!

APPEARANCE

Shar-Pei pups are commonly dripping in wrinkles but should lose most of their wrinkling as they mature.  Adult wrinkling should be limited to the area between the head, neck and withers.  An overdone (dog having excess wrinkling) as an adult is incorrect to the STANDARD.
Shar-Pei can be found in three different coats, only two being correct to the STANDARD:
HORSECOAT:  Short and harsh; stands off from body
BRUSHCOAT:  Longer than the HORSECOAT; should be just as harsh.
BEARCOAT:  long and wavy in excess of one inch; this coat is INCORRECT to the STANDARD
*a soft or wavy coat in INCORRECT in any length*
*Did you know Shar is a type of gritty sand and pei means dog in Chinese?  This emphasizes the importance of a correct coat in the Chinese Shar-Pei!*

Shar-Pei come in a Rainbow of Colors. Fawn/Red Fawn/Mahogany/Black/Chocolate/Apricot/Five Point Red/Lilac/Blue/Isabella/Cream/Sable. Many of these colors can be found in Dilute (no black pigmentation).

Shar-Pei can be found in the flowered pattern, pointed, brindle and black and tan. (incorrect to the STANDARD).