Originally from China, the Shar Pei can easily be distinguished because of its wrinkles and a tongue that is blue-black.
This particular breed has a very rough and coarse coat and that is how it got its name, which in the Chinese language means sand skin.
When you first get your Shar Pei puppy, you will notice that it has a lot of wrinkles, though once your puppy begins to grow older and matures, many of these wrinkles will have faded away, and its coat will have become smoother.
This breed only got to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in the year 1991, before which it even figured on the list of rare breeds.
The Shar Pei can have more than one color and among the ones that are common to this breed you will find colors such as red like a rose, blue, sand, black and even cream, and it also shares the blue-black colored tongue with its relative the Chow Chow.
It also stands out because of its loose skin and a head that is very wrinkled, though not all varieties of the Shar Pei have wrinkled appearances because some even have tight skins and few wrinkles.
Normally, the Shar Pei has coats that can either be brush coats, bear coats or even horse coats.
It is also a breed that is prone to not staying very healthy, which can be attributed in part to irresponsible breeding.
Among other ailments that it suffers from, is the one known as entropion that is something that will irritate a Shar Pei's eyes.
However, you can prevent your pet from developing skin allergies and also sores by feeding it specially manufactured dry dog foods that will act to prevent such conditions.
One thing that all owners of Shar Peis notice is the independent nature and also that they are quite reserved in their behavior, often staying aloof and not easily making friends with people they do not know or recognize.
Part of the reason for such characteristics could be that it was originally bred to be a watchdog.
Nevertheless, it is very devoted to its master and will show affection and also loyalty to other members of the owner's family.
The Shar Pei, which no doubt is a strong creature, will still suffer from health-related issues and so it does require careful selection before being purchased so that you don't end up with a pet that is not well suited for your home.
It would be in your best interest for you to obtain a Shar Pei only from a reputable and responsible breeder, which will ensure a healthy and well-bred puppy.
Nevertheless, it has many endearing qualities such as being loving and though possessive, is a great guard dog and also excellent family dog as well and very independent too.
Hailing from the ancient land of China and more particularly from Guangdong province in that country, it is easily a wonderful fighter and even better watchdog, which was its main calling in the early years when it lived in China and served the Royal family as a watchdog.
It is also fondly referred to as the "Golden Lion" and has even survived attempts at stopping its breeding altogether.