Shar-Pei

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General Appearance: The Shar-Pei is easily identifiable by his loose abundance of wrinkles and his "hippopotamus" muzzle shape. While puppies are virtually swimming in wrinkles the adults wrinkles are generally limited to the head, neck and withers. The mouth and tongue of this breed should be bluish-black (or lavender in dilute colored dogs.) Their fur is coarse and often bristle-like.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height 18 - 20 inches at shoulders; Weight 45 - 55 Pounds.

Background: A most unusual looking dog, the wrinkled Shar-Pei stands out in a crowd. However, all the extra skin offers no protection from either heat or cold, neither of which the Shar-Pei is fond of. Water is not a favorite either; wet wrinkles can lead to skin infection. A well socialized Shar-Pei makes a great pet, but they may be aloof with strangers and other dogs. Because the wrinkles around the face obstruct the Shar-Pei's vision, this breed is not recommended for young children, who may "sneak up" on the dog. Shar-Peis don't enjoy being startled.