Know The Shar Pei's History Before You Get One

Because of China's zoophobia, the Western World would never have heard about Shar Peis if not for the diligent efforts of Hong Kong businessman Matgo Law. Shar Peis became victims of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Along with many other Chinese traditions and art forms, Shar Peis were outlawed and mostly destroyed. Matgo Law managed to rescue some and get them spirited away to Western countries. He started exporting Shar Peis in 1973. By the 1980's, there was a craze for Shar Peis, which led to much indiscriminate breeding.

Many reliable Shar Pei information sources have come to the conclusion that the dogs sent to America were particularly inferior. These dogs are thought to have inherited several health problems (such as skin disorders and inverted eyelids) and had some nasty tempers to boot. But they are the only gene pool of Shar Peis available. They will always be a rare breed and need experienced, confident, physically strong owners.

It is thought that Shar Peis were bred to be strong all purpose farm dogs. They were to have a fierce appearance, could work all day and guard both master and property from man or beast. It is unknown when the emphasis on wrinkles developed. This was most likely when Shar Peis became star performers in another field – the dog-fighting pit. Wrinkles and loose skin meant another dog couldn't get a good grip and, even if they did, the loose skin could help protect vital organs. Even today, Shar Peis are not great around other dogs.

Sadly, the dog-fighting pit is responsible for the development of many breeds especially bulldog types being developed in England about the same time Shar Peis were being honed to their current look in China. Unlike Shar Peis, the bully breeds in England (including the Old English Bulldog and the much-maligned Staffordshire Bull Terrier) were selected to be aggressive with other dogs but be eager to please any person.

A Hong Kong businessman, Matgo Law, managed to rescue many Shar Pei dogs and get them exported to Western countries through the Hong Kong Kennel Club. In the 1980's, the cost of a pure bred Shar Pei puppy in America was astronomical. The lure of easy money made for poor breeding choices. The Shar Pei fell out of favor with the American public in the 1990's. However, they did manage to become a recognized breed in the American Kennel Club in 1988.

Although there are an estimated 70,000 Shar Peis today, that still is not considered a diverse enough gene pool to ensure the breed's survival. They are prone to many health problems, including inverted eyelids. Sometimes their wrinkles become so deep, the dog is effectively blind and needs cosmetic surgery in order to see. Perhaps it is best if this breed was left to history, since they do not have much of a promising future.

Melissa Coleman loves everything that has to do with dogs, including Shar Pei history. You can find information about the history of the Shar Pei at the library or on the Internet. You can find lots of articles about Shar Pei information in dog history books.