Where did CHINESE SHAR-PEI come from?

The Chinese Shar-Pei, is an ancient and unique breed that has existed for centuries in the Southern Provinces of China, apparently since the Han Dynasty (c. 200 BC). Statues bearing a strong resemblance to the Shar-Pei have been discovered and dated to this period. There they were used for herding, guarding, hunting, and even fighting for a time. The loose skin and prickly coats made it difficult for an opponent to grip vital parts while allowing the defending dog to maneuver within its own elastic hide. Shar-pei translates into "sand skin".

Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China as a communist nation, the dog population of China was essentially eliminated. During this period a few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong, BC and in the Republic of China (Taiwan). The breed was not recognized by the Hong Kong Kennel Club until about 1968. Subsequently the Hong Kong and Kowloon Kennel Association established a dog registry and registered the Shar-Pei. In the US a few were imported in 1966 from stock registered with the Hong Kong Kennel Club. At this time it was considered the "rarest" dog breed in the World. Interest increased and the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc., held its first organizational meeting in 1974. On May 4, 1988 the breed was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class. Acceptance into the Non Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club (AKC) came on August 1, 1992. Today there are 50,000 + world wide, and the Chinese Shar-Pei ranks about 40th in breed popularity.
 (Picture taken from Hong Kong CSP Club web site, click picture for more information)

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date last modified 6/16/06