Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs

Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs AG WORLD Ag World 9-2-19 North Dakotans John and Stephanie Stober, of Goodrich, are breeding Shar-Pei dogs, a native Chinese breed and one of the rarest and most unusual in the world, as a sideline to their farming operation. The couple currently has two female Shar-Peis and will be selling the puppies from their litters. "A black tongue and incredibly loose and wrinkly skin are the two distinguishing and unusual characteristics of the breed," says Stephanie. "As pups, they appear to have enough skin for a full-grown dog but, as they grow, they fill into the skin. At maturity, the only wrinkles remaining are in the neck and head area." Otherwise, the dogs have more familiar characteristics. They grow to be about 50 lbs. and 20 in. tall ù about the size of a Cocker Spaniel. . They have short hair with either a brush-type or horse-type coat and are usually cream, fawn or chocolate colored with a darker strip down the back. They're also loyal, good watchdogs and very intelligent, according to Stephanie. One unusual but common problem the breed has is that the puppies' excess skin sometimes makes it difficult for them to open their eyes. In a simple veterinary procedure, the skin above the eye is tucked up over the eye with a couple of stitches. Shar-Peis originated in China around 202 B.C., a fact determined by artwork from the era, says Stephanie. They were popular as watchdogs for peasants and later as fighting dogs, although she speculates they were drugged because of their mild-mannered disposition. John points out that Shar-Peis were popular as a fighting dog because of its small ears and eyes and its loose skin which enabled it to turn around and attack the dog which was biting it. As the political situation changed in China the dogs slowly disappeared. Initially, they were taxed heavily so only the wealthy could afford them and then in the 1940's when the communists took over, dog breeding was outlawed in the country and the breed vanished. "Fortunately," says Stephanie, "a few were smuggled into Hong Kong and later brought to the United States. The breed, which was down to about 63 dogs in the world, is now built back up to around 7,000." Shar-Pei pups, depending on their quality and heritage can bring from $500 to $5,000, says Stephanie. The breed isn't registered with the AKC but does have its own club. For chore information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, John and Stephanie Stober, Rt. 1, Box 5, Goodrich, N. Dak. 58444 (ph 701 884-2732). Or, FARM SHOW Followup, American Chinese Shar-Pei Club, 55 Oak Court, Danville, Cal. 94526.

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