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Chinese Shar Pei
December 4, 2008 | Leave a Comment
If you are looking into Shar Pei types, you may stumble across the blue Shar Pei. These Shar Pei have a blue coat, hence the name and are one of the rare colors this breed comes in. It takes a significant amount of work on the part of breeders in order to produce healthy blue Shar Pei’s.
As this type of dog, breeders found the dogs’ fighting and protective skills to come out also as they would grow exceedingly protective of property and the family, loyal to those around when raised. Prized as agile hunters, the Shar Pei were soon known in the fighting rings not just because of their built, but also for their hunting qualities.
A Hong Kong businessperson used a magazine to bring awareness of this breed and its plight to the U.S. in 1973. The dogs were originally bred to be an all-purpose hunting, herding, and guard dog. However, due to the excess skin, which made them hard to grab, they were used as a primary bred for dog fighting.
The breed is recognized by the AKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, and ACR organizations. It is a southern group and listed as non-sporting. The blue Shar Pei like other colors of its breed has some health concerns. These concerns include fevers, which do not appear to have any noticeable cause and swollen hocks. Occasionally there will be some Shar Pei that have skin problems, though this is not as some think because the dog has excess skin. However, it is more than likely caused by excessive uncontrolled breeding, which has created a hereditary weakness.
There is a need to keep them in very socialized environments and give them the proper training because the breed tends to turn overly aggressive and protective of its territory. Nevertheless, even with training and happy social environments, they will keep their guard dog tendencies, being suspicious of strangers or barking at them.
A blue Shar Pei is a rare color and so you should expect to pay more for this type of Shar Pei. They are beautiful animals and have a great temperament so they are good with children, unlike their possible ancestors the chow.
They are a very active breed of dog so be sure you have either a yard to allow them to run around in, or you have the time to walk and play with them. Because of the excess skin and how it is lays on the dog, as well as the coat, these animals are more likely to suffer from the heat so plenty of shade and water needs to be available to them if they are outside.
These dogs weight between forty and fifty-five pounds so they are considered medium sized animals be sure to check with your home owners’ association or apartment complex before purchasing one. Blue Shar Pei’s make a great addition to any household so why not consider one of these lovely dogs the next time you are looking for a pet to being into your home.
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