The Chinese Shar Pei is a breed of dog in the Non-Sporting Group. The Shar Pei is usually immediately recognized by its wrinkled suit of skin and large facial wrinkles, and they are the only other dog breed, besides the Chow-Chow, that has a blue-black colored tongue.
Shar Pei come in many colors and they have the same characteristic blue-black tongue as the Chow Chow. Shar-Pei usually come in two varieties. One is covered in large folds of wrinkles, even into adulthood, and the other variation's skin seems tighter on its body, with wrinkles just on the face and at the shoulders.
The Shar Pei is known for being a naturally independent and reserved breed. Shar Pei are often suspicious of strangers, probably held over from their origin as a guard dog. Nevertheless, the Shar Pei is extremely devoted, loyal and affectionate to its family.
The average lifespan of the Chinese Shar-Pei is between 8 and 10 years, and they are at increased risks for an excessive number of health conditions which pet owners should be aware of. These include entropion, allergy induced skin infections, and Shar-Pei fever.