Photo: Tiago Vasconcelos via Unsplash
Welcome to another dog GB blog post! Today's focus will be on the adorable shar-pei.
There's no mistaking a shar-pei when you see one. This unique breed of dog is easily recognizable due to its wrinkles and curled tail.
Shar-peis are known for being calm, loyal, and protective dogs. They make great pets for families with children, and they can be trained to perform a variety of tricks.
So buckle up as we put the microscope on this unique breed of dog!
Description and Appearance
Photo: djiledesign via Getty Images
The shar-pei is a medium-sized dog that typically weighs between 40 and 60 pounds. They are muscular and have a thick coat of fur that can be either black, cream, fawn, or red.
Shar-peis have a wrinkled face and a short coat of fur that can be either smooth or rough. The wrinkles on their face are more pronounced when they are puppies and will eventually smooth out as they mature.
Their tail is usually curled up over their back.
Diet
Shar-peis are not particularly picky eaters, but it is important to feed them a high-quality diet that is rich in protein. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day, and adults should be fed two to three times a day.
Shar-peis are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
A healthy diet for a shar-pei should include:
- High-quality protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish
- Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice or oats
- Healthy fats, such as olive oil or flaxseed oil
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
Exercise & Training
Shar-peis need to be exercised for at least 30 minutes a day. They are an active breed of dog and enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and running around in the yard.
Shar-peis are also known for being couch potatoes, so it is important to make sure they get enough exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Shar-peis are intelligent dogs and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Some common tricks that shar-peis can learn include:
- Sit
- Stay
- Down
- Come
- Roll over
- Play dead
Sure, they're intelligent, but can we also talk about how they look like the most huggable pet in the planet? A majority of people might not know what the shar-pei is, but after this blog, they might consider even getting one. To ease you in on the shar-pei trend, Gage Beasley's Cute Shar-Pei Dog Soft Stuffed Plush Toy is the perfect equivalent to the dog! It looks just as sleepy as the real thing; not to mention its perfectly soft fabric—perfect for the cold night!
Reproduction
Shar-peis can reproduce as early as six months of age, but it is recommended to wait until they are at least one year old. Females will have one to six puppies per litter, and males can father multiple litters.
Puppies should be slowly introduced to solid food at around six weeks of age. They should be vaccinated at six weeks of age and spayed or neutered at eight weeks of age.
Shar-peis then typically go on to have a lifespan of eight to ten years.
Other Interesting Facts
- Shar-peis were originally bred in China to be fighting dogs.
- They were used in the sport of dog fighting until it was outlawed in the 1970s.
- The shar-pei is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world.
- Shar-peis were first introduced to the United States in the 1970s.
- They gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.
- The shar-pei was featured in the movie Beverly Hills Cop II.
Final Thoughts
The shar-pei is a unique breed of dog that is easily recognizable due to its wrinkles and curled tail. They are known for being calm, loyal, and protective dogs. Shar-peis make great pets for families with children and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks.
If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion, the shar-pei might be the perfect dog for you!
Do you have a shar-pei? Share your stories and photos in the comments below!
Cheers!
~GB
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