Because of China’s zoophobia, the Western World would never have heard about Shar Peis if not for the diligent efforts of Hong Kong businessman Matgo Law. Shar Peis became victims of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Along with many other Chinese traditions and art forms, Shar Peis were outlawed and mostly destroyed. Matgo Law managed to rescue some and get them spirited away to Western countries. He started exporting Shar Peis in 1973. By the 1980′s, there was a craze for Shar Peis, which led to much indiscriminate breeding.
Many reliable Shar Pei information sources have come to the conclusion that the dogs sent to America were particularly inferior. These dogs are thought to have inherited several health problems (such as skin disorders and inverted eyelids) and had some nasty tempers to boot. But they are the only gene pool of Shar Peis available. They will always be a rare breed and need experienced, confident, physically strong owners.
Many Westerners were entranced by the Shar Pei’s incredibly wrinkled look. They were so ugly, they were cute, was the general consensus. But the history of the Shar Pei clearly shows that these are not dogs to sit placidly at the feet of yuppie owners. These are strong dogs in all respects – strong in body and strong in their wills. First they protected livestock and the farmer’s family from human and animal predators, and then they became the dog of Chinese dog fighting pits.
Although it was great for China to outlaw dog fighting during the Cultural Revolution, they also outlawed the dogs. It is estimated that most of the genetic pool of Shar Peis were slaughtered. China has recently changed its mind about the necessity of the Cultural Revolution and now allows many Chinese practices once outlawed. Sadly, it is thought that dog fighting has since resumed in China.
Today, the Shar Pei is bred to be a companion and show dog, although they do often work as guard dogs and sometimes farm dogs. It is now known that they need special consistent training from puppyhood in order to be socially acceptable canines. It is harder, but training a Shar Pei is possible. However, only those experienced in training and living with large, active dogs like Rottweilers or Boxers should attempt to take on a Shar Pei.
Shar Peis were bred to be independent – not to be team players. The life of a fighting dog is especially harsh, so a certain stoic fortitude has had to keep the Shar Pei alive to this time where it can now socialize with others. Getting and keeping a dog’s attention is crucial for training, and with a Shar Pei, this is an uphill battle. But some Shar Peis have won the American Kennel Club’s Good Canine Citizen certificate, which is hard to get.
including Shar Pei history. The Shar Pei has an interesting history that is not completely known. By learning Shar Pei information, there will be fewer Shar Peis abandoned.
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