The Blue Shar Pei

The Shar Pei breed was made to be general farm dog with a wide range of purposes. They were not limited to just simple farming dogs. As this type of dog, breeders found the dogs' fighting and protective skills to come out also as they would grow exceedingly protective of property and the family, loyal to those around when raised. Prized as agile hunters, the Shar Pei were soon known in the fighting rings not just because of their built, but also for their hunting qualities.

The blue Shar Pei especially was the mark showing long lines of breeding, not to mention tedious planning to come about their rare blue color. To obtain the blue Shar Pei, which also comes from China, where their strength and intelligence were purposely bred into the breed as much as the wrinkled face and large excess of skin and prickly fur. It is an exceedingly hard thing to accomplish with great results.

Because of the breeds overwhelming popularity, it now has a registered foundation stock of over 70,000 animals. It is also recognized by the following organizations as a registered pure breed by the AKC, FCI, KCGB, CKC, UKC, NKC, ANKC, APRO, ACR and the NZKC. Each of these organizations has it's own standards for the breed. However; all of them recognize the blue Shar Pei as a legitimate breed and color.

As with any pure bred animal there are a few things to look out for when it comes to the Shar Pei's health. A good, reputable breeder will breed for health so these concerns should not pose a problem with your new pet. They are however, things to look out for. Some of the things to look out for are fevers. Shar Pei's are prone to unexplained fevers as well as swollen hocks, which can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Some Shar Pei's have issues with their skin due to hereditary weaknesses caused but excessive and unregulated breeding.

Even though breeders created them to be a work dog, whether as a fighter or guard dog, the blue Shar Pei has proven to be a beautiful all around dog that is perfect for adding to any family structure. Even as the blue Shar Pei are also becoming close to extinction. in the last few years before aggressive breeding and expansion measures of the breed was initiated in hopes to save the magnificent breed. Its popularity has expanded and registered in many of the known dog associations around the world, more than seventy thousand dogs in this foundation stock alone.

Dog owners around the world bring them out to compete in many of the more celebrated dog shows. When choosing this bred, make sure to check the source and the lineage of the dog in question. It will save you many problems in the future from skin allergies to other defects that are common in the breed itself.

Being a dog owner to medium sized dogs, Melissa Coleman has become an avid student of the breeds within this size class. Shar Pei types have been bred over the years to expound on intelligence, strength and the unique wrinkly skin. Check out your local library for Shar Pei information if you are looking into medium sized dogs for your family.