Chinese Shar Pei - Appearance & Grooming
Dog Breeds
Introduction
Appearance & Grooming of the Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed: The average Shar-Pei stands just over 2 feet tall and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. Their short thick coat should be brushed regularly, and the folds of their skin need to be cleaned and checked often to prevent serious skin infections.
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Appearance
There is no dog with a look quite like that of the Chinese Shar-Pei. They have broad heads with wide, padded muzzles and very loose, wrinkled skin. They have small, triangular ears that lie flat agrainst the head and a blue-black tongue. They have high-set tails that taper to a point and curl over the back or off to the side. Shar-Peis have a distinctive coat that stands straight up in the air and is prickly to the touch, though not rough. Some have a longer “brush” coat that is softer and smoother to the touch. Shar-Peis come in all colors of the canine rainbow and all colors are allowed for showing.
Size and Weight
The ideal size for a Shar-Pei is anywhere from 18 to 20 inches at the withers and weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. Males are usually larger than females, but both should be well-proportioned if they are to be shown.
Coat and Color
Shar-Peis sport a bristly coat that stands straight up in the air. It can vary in length from short, like a horse (hence the term “horse coat”), to a slightly longer, softer brush coat. Shar-Peis come in all colors of the canine rainbow including black, fawn, cream, red, blue or sable.
Grooming Needs
Chinese Shar-Peis are naturally clean animals who do not emit an order and only require minimal brushing once a week to remove dead hair from his minimally-shedding body. They don't require frequent bathing; every 12 weeks is about the average. Over-bathing a Shar-Pei can cause skin ingratiation.
The most essential part of grooming a Shar-Pei is the maintenance of his wrinkles. After a bath, the wrinkles must be dried quickly and thoroughly to prevent yeast or fungal infections.
Check a Shar-Pei's ears regularly for signs of infections, but when caring for the ears, never use a swab. This breed has short ear canals that can easily be damaged. A veterinarian can teach the proper technique for cleaning a Shar-Pei's ears. Additionally, regular tooth brushing should be part of the Shar-Pei's grooming regimen. It keeps teeth and gums healthy, and wards off dreaded doggie breath.
Pictures
Temperament & Personality