Toy Shar Pei

In the 1980s, when the Chinese Shar Pei was bred extensively in America, a lot of unsanctioned breeding took place, which resulted in the appearance of numerous byproducts, such as Toy Shar Pei dogs, Miniature Shar Pei, etc. These varieties are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, because they have been bred without due genetic monitoring and their genetic pool may be severely polluted.

Chinese Shar Pei dogs originated in China centuries ago as herding dogs, guard dogs and hunting companions. Their high endurance made them irreplaceable helpmates in activities that required significant physical effort, and their unsurpassed eagerness to protect their loved ones and household made them irreplaceable guardians. According to some sources, the Chinese Shar Pei is genetically related to the Chow Chow, much because of its distinctive purple tongue. So called Toy Shar Pei dogs are not likely to bear any relation to Shar Peis bred in China, and most of them were produced in America in the 1980s.

The Chinese Shar Pei has undergone a few modifications over the past several decades, resulting in the formation of different Shar Pei types. They vary according to the type of mouth (Bone Mouth and Meat Mouth), type of coat (horse coat, brush coat and bear coat) and type of tail (sickle tail, spear tail and coin tail). These dogs also differ in body build and head shape. However, standards are quite strict on the dog’s size – the wither height averages 18-20 inches. Registries do not include Toy Shar Pei dogs, because they have uncertain genetic makeups.

Chinese Shar Pei dogs are famous for their determined temperament and scowling facial expression. They are very assertive and obstinate. Males tend to be dominant and dog-aggressive; therefore, puppies must be socialized carefully. These dogs are naturally protective, and without due socialization they may become overly protective and display excessive wariness toward strangers. Well socialized dogs are usually aloof with strangers, but they should not exhibit unprovoked aggression. These dogs must be trained to recognize people’s deeds from early on, so that they know how to behave toward different people and what to expect from them. Toy Shar Pei dogs should not get involved in breeding projects. They do not correspond to the breed standard and hence they are not relevant as part of the breed stock.

Chinese Shar Peis live about 10 years. These dogs often have skin problems, but this is not usually due to wrinkles, as many people think. Mostly, skin problems stem from genetic predisposition. Some lines are affected by amolydosis – a kind of kidney failure. Purebred dogs bred by responsible breeders rarely suffer genetic disorders. Toy Shar Pei dogs are more likely to go down with a hereditary problem and this is just another reason why they should not be bred.