Shar Pei

L es racines du Shar Pei plongent dans la nuit des temps chinois, remontant à plus de 2000 ans dans les provinces côtières du sud de la Chine, particulièrement celle du Guangdong dont la capitale est Canton. Des statuettes en terre cuite découvertes lors de fouilles archéologiques et datant de la dynastie des Han (206 avant J.-C. à 220 après J.-C.) témoignent déjà de l'existence de chiens présentant ces plis caractéristiques. Contrairement à d'autres races chinoises qui ornaient les palais impériaux, le Shar Pei vivait aux côtés des paysans, des pêcheurs et des fermiers pauvres du littoral méridional.

A versatile and hardy dog, the breed excelled at farm and livestock guarding, hunting small game and rats, before being diverted to dog fighting, which was popular in rural areas and working-class neighborhoods of provincial towns alike. Its distinctive physical features—loose skin difficult to grip, deep-set eyes protected by wrinkles, and curved fangs—were selectively bred to give it an advantage in the pit. In the 19th century, the massive influx of Western breeds such as Bulldogs and Mastiffs, far more powerful fighting machines, gradually condemned the Shar Pei to obscurity.

The situation became critical with the establishment of the Communist regime around 1950, which imposed a heavy tax on dogs, dramatically accelerating the breed's decline. By the late 1960s, only a handful of specimens survived in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Salvation came from passionate local breeders such as Mr. Law and Mr. Chung, who issued a desperate appeal to Americans in 1973.

A groundbreaking article in a specialty magazine presenting the Shar Pei as the world's rarest dog sparked a spectacular surge of interest, generating over two hundred adoption requests. The first Shar Pei arrived in the United States in the 1970s, then in Europe around 1980, and in France in 1981, with the first French-bred litters in 1983. The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1981, saved from total extinction just in time.

The FBKC officially recognizes the Shar Pei and offers professional breeders the opportunity to register the breed with our club. Take advantage of modern online breeding management tools and obtain four-generation pedigrees.

Description

I nstantly recognizable with its countless skin folds that give it the appearance of a wrinkled plush toy, the Shar Pei fascinates as much as it intrigues. This medium-sized dog with a compact, stocky body displays a unique silhouette, short and cobby, where each fold tells its ancient history. Its massive head, proportionally imposing compared to the rest of the body, is covered with deep wrinkles that give it that perpetually worried, almost melancholic expression that makes up all its charm.

Its broad, flat muzzle, often compared to that of a hippopotamus, extends into thick flews and a remarkable characteristic: a blue to bluish-black tongue that it shares only with its cousin the Chow Chow. Its small triangular ears, thick and lying flat against the head, appear tiny against the breadth of its skull. The short, harsh, bristly coat fully justifies its Chinese name, which literally means "sand skin," a rough texture to the touch, almost prickly, that leaves no one indifferent.

Two coat varieties exist: the horse coat, very short and not exceeding 1.5 cm, and the brush coat, slightly longer at around 2 cm. All solid colors are permitted, from deep black to delicate cream, including fawn, beige, red, or blue-gray; only white remains excluded from the standard.

Its tail, thick at the base and tapering to the tip, is carried proudly curled over the back in a characteristic corkscrew fashion. Beneath this distinctive appearance that never fails to attract attention and comments lies a calm and composed temperament, a natural guardian endowed with unwavering loyalty to its family.

Personality

T he Shar-Pei displays a calm and composed temperament that distinguishes it from many other breeds. Naturally reserved, it shows unconditional loyalty to its family, forming deep and lasting bonds with its owners. Its attachment proves particularly strong, often following its humans from room to room while maintaining a certain independence typical of its character.

An excellent watchdog, it possesses a keen sense of property and is naturally wary of strangers, alerting to any suspicious presence without becoming aggressive. With children in the family, it demonstrates remarkable patience and surprising gentleness, tolerating their play with good nature.

Sometimes described as a "cat-dog" for its unique temperament, it appreciates moments of tranquility as much as play sessions, knowing how to alternate between protective vigilance and affectionate tenderness toward its family.