Shar Pei ... A breed whose true origin is hidden in the mists of time, is fanned by mysticism and mystery. Several times, the Chinese shar pei, which practically disappeared from the face of the earth , was revived again and again thanks to the incredible efforts of dog handlers, breeders, ordinary amateurs, who by chance united into a single team.
It is interesting and surprising not only because of the history of origin and appearance of the breed of Chinese sharpei. Photos , breed standards, character, nuances of caring for puppies, features of keeping adult dogs - this will be discussed later.
The mystery of the "Han dog": the origin of the breed
The origin of the breed dates back to ancient times, in the depth of three millennia. The name of the breed is of Chinese origin. This is no coincidence. Images on household items and figurines found during archaeological excavations eloquently indicate that sharpei was already known during the reign of the Chinese Han Dynasty. The Golden Age of China's economic and cultural development is a major milestone in the life of the Han Dog.
The exact place of her appearance is not documented. Researchers suggest that the Chinese sharpei can lead its origin both from the south and from the north of China:
- South coast: Kwong Tung province (Dag Let village) or Guangdong (Taili).
- North China, Tibet.
In ancient times, sharpei was used as a universal dog that guarded the home, guarded cattle on the pasture, protected peasant farms from mongooses, hunted in the mountains and on the plains.
Often, by the will of the owner, the sharpei became a fighting dog. Strong jaws tightly pressed into the opponent’s flesh, small ears firmly pressed to the head did not allow the enemy to cling to them, a strong skeleton adequately withstood any shake-up, an abundance of folds, prickly hair and a stubborn disposition gave an additional advantage in battle. To turn him into an exclusively fighting dog did not give only one quality of character - peace. The good-natured Shar Pei , longing for peace and harmony - the Chinese fighting dog - did not become a real fighter. However, participation in dog battles pushed open the doors of noble houses, temples and even the imperial palace towards him. Sharpei became a luxury item, a source of income, a favorite of the nobility, gradually becoming inaccessible to ordinary people.
On the brink of extinction
During the Ming Empire (1368-1644), China reached the maximum level of cultural and economic development, but could not resist the onslaught of the Manchu troops that came from the north. The country plunged into a series of wars, a crushing wave of devastation and famine swept through it. This situation caused a loss of interest in the Chinese sharpe , the number of dogs began to decline rapidly.
The threat of complete extinction of the breed in the state was led by the policy of the Chinese Communists. All the forces of the working people were cast into the building of socialism. Under such conditions, dogs began to be considered an inadmissible luxury, taking away the last food from workers.
Huge taxes were imposed on the keeping of animals, and the "Han dogs" were severely banned due to the participation of this breed in battles. Millions of dogs were thrown out into the street and were systematically destroyed.
The famous fellow countrymen of the Sharpeis - the Pekingese and Chow Chows - had firmly established themselves in Europe by this time, so their fate was not so tragic. Sharpei, not having time to get wide distribution, began to disappear at an alarming rate, and by 1970 the breed had become truly unique.
Chinese Phoenix, or Dog Feat
Dog breeders from different countries, joining forces, for five years searched for surviving sharpei throughout China. Rescued dogs were taken first to Hong Kong, then to America.
The breed standard was regulated in 1976. After only two years, the American (or Chinese) sharpei took its rightful place in the Guinness Book of Records as the rarest and exotic breed. This served as a wonderful advertisement and played a big role in the revival of the Chinese dog.
In the 80s of the XX century, sharpei were brought to Europe, in the 90s - to Russia. Only 4 years later, exotic dog puppies were sold on the bird market for prices starting at $ 1,000, and a year later the cost increased to $ 3.5-4 thousand.
The task of restoring and further improving pedigree traits was complicated by the fact that most of the documents related to the dog’s origin and breeding were destroyed at the direction of Emperor Qin Shihuandi, further breeding was kept secret, and Chinese sharpei puppies were sold at an incredible price.
Meet: sharpei. First impression
Some external features of sharpei make scientists think that the ancestors of the Chinese dog were molosses (ancient mastiffs) and Chow Chows. From Moloss, Sharpei took a fortress, solidity, a certain monumentality. He has a similar physique and blue tongue, which, according to legend, is a talisman that protects the dog’s owner from evil spirits.
The very name of the breed (sa-pei - “sand skin”) is of interest and speaks of another exotic feature of the breed. The adjective “sand” in this case does not relate to the color of the animal, but to the structure of the coat, which is similar to grainy, prickly sand to the touch. On the back and sides, the hair is straight, short, raised, like bristles, on the limbs - smoothed.
If the subject of discussion is the Chinese sharpei, the characteristic of the breed first of all begins with a description of the amazing folded skin. In puppies, freely hanging skin creates abundant folds in the head and neck and covers the entire body. As they mature, the folds can remain only on the neck, withers and head.
When you look at sharpei, you get the feeling that a small dog was put on a coat not of size. The presence of folds may presumably indicate that the freely dangling skin was formed as a result of the removal from dogs of an impressive size of significantly smaller individuals. This statement is to some extent based on historical evidence of the large size of the ancestors of sharpei, weighing up to 80 kg.
Chinese sharpei: breed description and international standard
In ancient mentions of sa-pei that have come down to our time, the exotic breed is described figuratively:
- the head is like a pear, the ear is like a thick and small sea mollusk;
- the wrinkled face looks like the face of an old man;
- a wide and blunt nose resembles a moth in shape, and eyes - a sad almond;
- a strong neck has a small underbelly, like a buffalo withers;
- a powerful chest is emphasized by widely spread front legs, like a dragon;
- the hard and thick metacarpus resembles the head of garlic, and the claws resemble mites;
- the back is flexible and elastic, like a shrimp;
- the tail looks like a hard and thin wire, high twisted above the back.
As a result of selection, the sharpei genetic fund is mixed with the blood of a chow-chow, a bulldog, a boxer, a bull terrier. This allowed not only to preserve the historical features of the exotic dog, but also to get an unusual color of the original red sa-pei. Chocolate, black, cream and even blue color of wool gives a special charm to an amazing dog and is no longer a rarity.
The Chinese sharpei received a characteristic according to the modern official standard in accordance with the features of an ancient dog:
- Medium height and sturdy physique of square format.
- The loin is strong.
- The chest is wide, down.
- The neck is short.
- Folds on the head and withers.
- The head is large.
- The ears are small, thick, rounded, tight to the skull.
- The muzzle is wide over the entire length, filled like a hippo.
- The eyes are dark, deep-set, resembling almonds; frowning eyes expression.
- The tail is twisted in a ring.
- A firmly built dog is compact and active.
- Classification: Molossian group.
- The purpose of the dog in accordance with the classification: hunting and guard.
Character Features
Majestic and royally restrained, he arrogantly treats strangers, accepts compliments and affection with a sense of self-worth.
He is friendly towards others to the Italian shar pei, the character is calm and independent. He does not like conflicts. He doesn’t seek to dominate relations, but he treats the other four-legs with arrogance and condescension.
In sharpei, such feelings as loyalty to the family, love for all its members are accumulated. The master for him is the center of the universe. Bored and lonely alone.
Affectionate, balanced and non-aggressive, he adores children, treats them with care and reverence, knows how to carefully and imperceptibly evade careless children's hands.
She shows her feelings with restraint, although she strives to lick her hand or substitute her folded torso and plush face for scratching. Awkwardly resting his “hippo” face in the owner’s knees, Sharpei freezes under his tender hand, expressing bliss and pleasure with his whole appearance.
Noble, considerate, has a lively, developed mind.
Sometimes it seems that the Chinese sharpei shows the features of a telepath: it is able to capture not only the mood of the owner, but also the intentions of strangers. If it seems to him that an outsider is hostile to family members, he will take active and decisive action. Therefore, it is not recommended to talk next to the dog accompanying the owner, loudly, impulsively waving his arms.
Watchman, Shepherd, Hunter
Sharpei almost does not bark: neither in the apartment, nor in the courtyard of the house, nor in traveling conditions. It is below his dignity - barking just like that, for no reason, for nothing. The Chinese shar pei shows his character when a stranger appears in the entrance of the house: he will immediately warn family members about it with a formidable roar or a deaf heavy bark. Neither an outsider, nor a hedgehog, nor a lizard will pass the camp of tourists on a hike - sharpei will warn about their presence and immediately he will go to deal with the cause of concern. Slowly, with dignity, almost imposingly.
Chinese shar pei is not only a good watchman, but also a born hunter. Despite the fact that his peripheral vision is limited by deep-set eyes, sharpei perfectly focuses his eyes on prey. In addition, it has a superficial sense of smell. You can often see the picture: sharpei froze in place, his head held high, his eyes froze warily, and his nostrils are wide open and eagerly draw in air currents with only sharpei clear smells coming from wherever.
The shepherd’s official qualities laid down by nature turn sharpei into a tireless guardian of order in any situation when, as he thinks, these qualities need to be shown. If friends, neighbors' children, and colleagues gathered around the owner, the whole company immediately becomes the object of protection for the Chinese dog, which will be the corner of the eye of everyone's mouth, preventing outsiders from approaching it without warning.
And God forbid, while walking, leave Sharpei without control in the field where a herd of cows grazes! Cows will run from him in a circle, obediently straying into a dense ring, and Shar Pei will receive real pleasure, catching up and pinching the sluggish horned legs. At the same time, it is almost impossible to catch up with him alone, since he will famously avoid the catcher’s hands, enthusiastically turning the herd in the opposite direction and continuing to run with a leisurely trot. His movements are harmonious, balanced, free. In this case, no animal will suffer, but the owner’s nerves will be badly battered.
Parenting: how to defeat stubbornness
Chinese shar pei has an unusual disposition. Characterization of its basic qualities can be given in a nutshell: independence and stubbornness. Together with the mind, developed intuition and ingenuity, they create certain difficulties in training.
Sharpei understands everything that is required of him, almost the first time. But for him it is important to realize and comprehend the goal of the team. Despite his activity, he does not like to waste his energy; running, jumping, even sitting and lying under duress will not. Pressure and especially the use of physical force will turn a smart and quick-witted dog into a cowardly, evil, aggressive creature. It is absolutely impossible to allow this.
It is impossible to make Sharpei execute the command - he can only be interested. Patience, perseverance, love, affection - these are the main assistants in training.
This process is difficult to call training, because Chinese sharpei require competent education, similar to teaching a child. The algorithm is simple: to forbid harmful things once and for all, to encourage and develop useful actions. It is important to observe the principle of constancy: if not, then never. The owner believes that the pet should not climb onto the sofa, which means it should always be prohibited, without exception. In the future, to convince the pet that the resolution of prohibited actions was just a "bonus action" is almost impossible.
In the process of raising sharpei, showing firmness and consistency, it is important to leave freedom of action, scope for self-realization. Then next to the owner will be a noble friendly dog with an individual character; a true friend, intelligent, faithful, understanding at a glance, at any moment ready to defend family members.
Chinese shar pei: care and maintenance
A small lump of happiness appeared in the house. For its successful socialization in a new place, simple steps must be taken. Lower the baby to the floor and leave for 30 minutes for an independent acquaintance with the territory. Only after this can you offer him to eat, show where the water stands, the toilet is located, its own place is located (away from the battery and drafts).
It is advisable that the bed should have sides: sharpei of any age love to put their heavy head on them. As a side, you can use a towel twisted into a roller or a large soft toy.
Feeding
Consult with the breeder is a rule that must be followed . For the Chinese sharpei breed, nutrition is one of the main factors that affect the health of the pet. Therefore, you should strictly follow the recommendations received when buying a puppy.
In the future, if there is a need to change the diet, it should be borne in mind that you can not mix natural food and dry food during one feeding, as they are absorbed by the body in different ways.
Dry food should be of high quality, balanced according to the needs of this breed. The pet needs to provide constant access to a bowl of clean water. Due to the structural features of the muzzle, sharpei usually drink sloppy, spilling liquid. To maintain cleanliness, a bowl of water can be placed on an absorbent mat or cloth.
When choosing natural nutrition, you should pay attention to the list of prohibited foods:
- pasta;
- legumes;
- pork;
- a bird with tubular bones;
- products with salt and spices, including sausages and smoked meats;
- Cheeses
- milk.
Among the allowed:
- beef;
- buckwheat, rice;
- hen;
- offal;
- lamb meat;
- sea fish;
- turkey;
- fresh greens.
Puppies of Chinese sharpei can receive encouragement and delicacy in the form of bread crumbs without additives, sinewy bones, scar.
For the health of sharpei, it is important not to change food unnecessarily, as this can lead to allergies. In the feed (dry or natural) no more than 22% protein is permissible.
The indicator of a balanced diet is active behavior, body weight corresponding to age, lack of smell, shiny eyes, radiant coat.
The pride and joy of the owner is a healthy, active, full of strength Chinese shar pei. A photo of an adult dog is presented below.
Bathing
Bathing a puppy who has arrived at a new place of residence is not recommended until a complete vaccination has been given.
Adult sharpei should be bathed no more than twice a year. More frequent water procedures wash away the natural lubricant and upset the skin balance, causing skin dryness and dandruff. When bathing, you need to make sure that water does not get into your ears, as this can lead to inflammation.
Often you can only wash your paws: after each walk, with clean water, without the use of detergents.
After eating, you should wipe your face in a timely manner so that no food debris remains in the folds, which can lead to skin irritation and the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
Skin folds on the body do not need to be wiped. If there is an unpleasant odor, you can wipe the wool with a damp cloth, adding vinegar to the water (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). But it should be borne in mind that the appearance of an unpleasant odor is almost always a manifestation of the first signs of skin allergy. Healthy skin and coat do not emit any odors, even the smell of dogs.
Claws, ears, eyes
Every month you should cut the Chinese sharpe yu claws, thick and massive. In order to do a “manicure” painlessly, gently and calmly, a pet should be accustomed to the procedure from a young age.
Sharpei ears are recommended infrequently and very carefully. The auditory meatus is very narrow and it is dangerous to go deep into it. Remove contamination only in the auricle, as necessary, without the use of liquid solutions that remain in the narrow ear canal, causing complications. If the pet shakes its head, scratches the ear, from which an unpleasant odor is heard, then this may be a sign of infection or an allergic reaction. The only correct solution is to contact your veterinarian.
Sharpei's healthy eyes usually do not sour, they do not have redness, and the eyelids do not swell. Only in the mornings, after sleep, may a slight souring appear, which is removed with a soft cloth. If the pet has tear paths in the face, eyes are sour or reddened, eyelids are swollen or crusty, self-medication is strictly not allowed. In this case, a doctor’s consultation is required.
Shar Pei at Home - Family Well-Being
The Chinese sharpei in the photo and in reality always looks funny, causes genuine interest. Exotic dog has other advantages that make its content in the house desirable:
- Small size (suitable for keeping in an apartment).
- The dog is neat, at the cottage paves its route exclusively along the paths, bypassing the beds and flower beds.
- Despite its small size, it is a reliable guard and protector.
- Minimal care is required: comb out the hair weekly, keep eyes and ears under observation.
The rhythm of the pet’s life is a reflection of the life of the owners. He is ready to patiently doze off on a Sunday morning if family members decide to sleep longer, but will gladly go for a walk at the first invitation.
A calm philosopher, guessing wishes from a half-view, helps relieve stress, improve the climate in the family. Doctors recommend this breed for people with high or low blood pressure, heart disease.
Chinese “four-legged orchid” - in this image he appeared from the pages of ancient treatises. A charming plush toy - this is how it turns out in the photo. Shar Pei is Chinese - a dog who came to us from the depths of centuries ... A resident of palaces and temples, an assistant to simple shepherds and hunters, a fighter and a guard, a psychotherapist and amulet, protecting family happiness. A kind soul, in which he allows only close loving people.