Calm and confident, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized, compact breed well known for it's characteristic loose skin and wrinkled head. It's name literally translated means "sand skin", and the breed dates back to the Han Dynasty of 200 B.C. It is thought to have originated near the Province of Kwangtung, China and was considered a fighting breed as well as used for hunting, hearding and protection. It was imported into the US in early 1970's in an effort to help save the dwindling breed. The Shar-Pei caught on, and in 1992 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed into it's Non-Sporting Group.

While loyal and devoted to the family, the Shar-Pei can also be described as intelligent and regal in stature. It is a good watch dog, as well as good with children, but may show aggression toward other dogs. Indoors, the Shar-Pei is a medium energy breed and does need a minimum of 20 minutes a day of outdoor exercise.

• AKC Breed Standard
• Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America
• Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue