Shar Pei

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Both heavily wrinkled dogs with large heads and smaller headed dogs with tighter looking skins occur in this breed.

There are three coat varieties: horse-coat and brush-coat and a rare bear-coat. The bear-coat, does not falling within AKC standard because this particular Shar-Pei has an undercoat and a topcoat exceeding 1 inch. The popular theory about the bear-coat is that it's a "throwback" to the chow-chow.

They are actually quite popular as pet quality Shar-Pei, albeit rare, and often confused with the chow by unknowing owners as well as animal shelter workers. The unusual horse-coat is rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing. The brush-coated variety has longer hair and a smoother feel.

The coat on either variety can be up to one inch in length. Coat colors include all solid colors and sables. There is also a lowered, spotted, and a parti colored Shar-Pei coat, which is a disqualifying fault in the show ring according to AKC standard. The small ears fall forward and the tail is carried in a curl.

Like the Chow Chow, these dogs have a blue-black tongue. It has a square profile with a broad, full head and wide, padded muzzle. Puppies have more wrinkles than adults. Shar-Pei slowly loose their wrinkles as they get older.

Temperament: Suspicious, Devoted, Affectionate, Independent, Reserved, Loving

Health Problems: Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia.