History

Originating from the southern regions of China, the Shar-Pei has a history that dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. These devoted dogs are thought to be descendants of the ancient Han Dog and share the distinctive blue tongue characteristic with the larger Chow Chow. Farmers valued Shar-Pei for their adaptability, using them for hunting, herding, and protecting livestock. Their cleverness and toughness made them great companions. However, the political situation in China posed difficulties for the breed. After the Communist regime was established in 1949, dog ownership sharply decreased, but fortunately, some Shar-Pei managed to survive in Hong Kong and Taiwan, keeping the breed alive. Interest in Shar-Pei in the United States began in 1973 when a breeder from Hong Kong, Matgo Law, reached out for help to prevent the breed from disappearing. Today, Shar-Pei are among the most well-known dog breeds in America.
Ideal Owner

The perfect person to own a Chinese Shar-Pei is someone who values their distinctive look and likes having a dog that is somewhat self-reliant. These dogs tend to have their own ideas and might see training as unimportant, so it's essential for the owner to be patient and steady when teaching them.