Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight: Shar Pei
Today, you’ll learn about a dog that has an ancient history, fierce love for family and is also probably one of the cutest puppies. Best Bully Sticks brings you the Shar Pei. Read about this historic Chinese breed! We think you’ll be surprised!
History & Background: Considered one of the oldest breeds on earth, the Shar Pei hails from the Guangdong province of China where it was originally bred to be a farm dog, and served many roles. The earliest Shar Pei’s were guard dogs, hunters, trackers and herders. The Shar Pei’s unique physical characteristics, the black tongue and intimidating “scowl,” were prized qualities to this breed’s early Chinese owners because they believed these traits would ward off evil spirits.
One of the earliest records of the Shar Pei’s existence is seen from pictures on pottery from the Han Dynasty circa 206 B.C. It’s thought this dog has a common ancestry with the Chow Chow, especially as they share the same distinct blue-black tongue.
During the Communist Revolution in China, this breed’s numbers dwindled dramatically. A Chinese business man, Matgo Law, appealed to Americas in 1973 by way of a magazine article. That same year, 200 Shar Pei’s were smuggled into America. Most American Shar Pei’s can be traced to back to these 200.
The English form of this dog’s name “Shar Pei” probably came from the British spelling of the Cantonese equivalent, “sā pèih.” This translates to “sand skin” or “sand coat.” This breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991. Read more
