About The Chinese Shar-pei

Shar Pei is a breed of dog originating from China, whose distinctive feature is deep wrinkles. The name (??, pinyin: sha pí) itself translates to "Sand Skin," not because of their colors, but because of their texture. As young puppies, they have lots of wrinkles, but as they mature, the wrinkles disappear as they "grow into their skin". They were not recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1991.

Coming in many colors, it has the same characteristic blue-black tongue of the Chow Chow. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are superabundant in puppies, but adult Shar Pei grow into their skin and these features should be limited to the head, neck and withers. Improper breeding (detrimental to the health of the Shar Pei) produces adult dogs with wrinkles covering all of the body. Small ears, a hippo muzzle shape, and a high set tail also give the Shar Pei a unique look.