Shar-pei Helpline FAQ

Please refer to the AKC or CSPCA profile pages for a complete standard illustration, but here are the basic breed facts:

Adult Standard Highlights:

HEIGHT: 18-20 inches tall at the withers

WEIGHT: 45-60 pounds

COAT: rough in texture, like brush bristles, varying from the horsecoat [1/8 inch], to the brushcoat [1 inch] in length

COLOR: generally found in solid cream, fawn, red, blue, black, brown (chocolate), both standard black nose and dilute self-colored nose varieties. Shading of the same base color is permitted, but two or more colors is considered a disqualification, except in the sable, where black overlaces a standard color. Please visit the Coat Colors page to identify new colors.

Other Breed Features:

- small triangular ears, facing towards the eyes - large triangles that drop to the  side of the head, ears that do not lay on head, and/or pricked ears are a potential sign of mixed breed or disqualified dog

- darkened blue-black tongue, gums, and body pigment - spotted or pink tongue is a potential sign of mixed breeding

- tail curling over the back, usually pig tail style - at minimum, tail should be up and turned forward, otherwise may be a potential sign of mixed breeding

- minimal wrinkles on head, neck, shoulders - puppies generally have more wrinkles than adults

- face - may or may not have padded lips, but a long, narrow, or pointed face is a potential sign of mixed breeding.

Major Faults:

- Deviation from a Scissors Bite

- Spotted Tongue

- A soft coat, a wavy coat, a coat in excess of 1″ in length at the withers or a coat that has been trimmed.

Disqualifications:

- Pricked ears

- Solid pink tongue

- Absence of a complete tail

- Albino; not a solid color, i.e.: Brindle; Parti-colored; Spotted; Patterned in any combination of colors

Examples of standard faulted or disqualified Shar-Pei:

For each of the defaulted coats / smaller sizes to be assumed purebreds, the dog must clearly follow or match the rest of the standard requirements for Chinese Shar-Pei.

Bearcoat Shar-Pei (long haired coats)

Brindle Shar-pei (striped / tiger pattern)

Flowered Shar-Pei (patched or spotted coats)

Miniature Shar-Pei Club of America (ave. 15 - 17 inches)

Saddle Patterned Shar-pei (heavy black markings)

Toy Pei Connection (ave. 13 - 15 inches)

Dogs don’t get colds like humans, but they are susceptible to various strains of bacterial infections and viruses, which can resemble cold-like symptoms:

Canine Parvovirus - is a contagious virus affecting dogs. The disease is highly infectious and is spread from dog to dog by physical contact and contact with feces. It can be especially severe in puppies.

Bordetella aka Kennel Cough - commonly applied to the most prevalent upper respiratory problem in dogs in the United States.

Canine Influenza Virus - causing an acute respiratory infection, this highly contagious virus is a newly emerging respiratory pathogen in dogs and causes a clinical syndrome that mimics “kennel cough.”

For information on other potential illnesses and symptoms, please visit peteducation.com

http://www.dogfriendly.com/ - DogFriendly.com™ publishes U.S. and Canadian pet travel guides for dogs of ALL sizes & breeds.

http://www.petswelcome.com/ - You want to get from here to there as safely and comfortably as you can with your pet. It’s not such an easy proposition. But that’s why we’re here–to make your journey as rewarding as it can be.

http://www.petsonthego.com/ - Pets on the Go™ is the definitive guide for information on pet friendly B&Bs, inns, hotels, resorts and private rentals.

http://www.pettravelcenter.com/ - We’re an online community serving the pet travel industry and pet lovers everywhere who want the most reliable resources for traveling with pets in an easily navigable website.