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Breed Characteristics
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Miniature Shar-Pei
| Other Names | Mini Shar Pei, Mini Pei, Miniature Chinese Shar-Pei |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Weight | 25 - 40 lbs. (11 - 18 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 17 in. and under (43 cm) |
| Coat | The coat can be classified as one of three types. "Horse Coat" being not more than one quarter inch in length with a harsh feel, "Brush Coat" less than one inch in length with a velvety feel, or "Bear Coat" being longer than one inch in length with a wavy smooth feel. Shedding in this breed is minimal and occurs through a process called "blowing coat". This usually happens in the spring and fall over a short period of a few days. |
| Colour | Colouring can be any variety of Fawn, Cream, Chocolate, Apricot, Red, Lilac, Blue, or Black in Solid, Sable or Dilute variations; Dilute being a dog whose nose, nails, pads, anus and coat does not contain any black pigment. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 9 - 11 years |
| Origin & History | This breed goes back to around 200 BC in China where it was a cross of relatives to the chow chow, mastiff, terrier, and bulldog. Over the years this breed became larger as the mastiff influence began to come out. What many people do not know is that the Miniature actually represents a more accurate build of the breeds true dimensions. Until Shar Pei became AKC recognized, and the larger standard was adopted, those breeding what are now known as Miniature Shar Pei were actually breeding the more original size. This was recently discovered through the finding of the gene responsible for the miniature size. Before this many thought that the smaller sized dogs were unhealthy or considered to be mistakes. Today Miniature Shar Pei breeders believe that this breed is a special onto itself and worthy of approval by the American Kennel Club. |
| Personality | The Miniature Shar-Pei should be alert, confident, playful, adaptable, affectionate, easily trained and inherently clean and quiet. The Mini Shar-Pei is very loyal to his handler, intelligent playful, active, dominant and brave. It bonds with its family, but is not unfriendly toward strangers. If the dog meets cats and children while it is still young, it usually will not have a problem with them. The Miniature Shar-Pei has a frowning expression, but is surprisingly easy-going, calm, independent and devoted. It makes a delightful companion and a good watchdog. The Miniature Shar-Pei needs a confident handler. If you are uncertain, inconsistent, too soft or mild, in the dog's eyes, it will take over as the boss. The Shar-Pei needs a firm, but gentle, extremely consistent authority figure. The dog must be taught all humans are above him in the pecking order. Those who see themselves as above humans will be stubborn and bold. This breed needs firm obedience training to establish your leadership. They may refuse commands from family members who have not established leadership over them. They need an owner who as the ability to be "Top Dog". The Miniature Shar-Pei generally hates water and tries as hard as it can to avoid it. Mixing other dogs can sometimes be a problem if one of the dogs is displaying dominant behaviors. Socialization is important. Some Miniature Shar-Pei are less dominant than others. The dogs temperament depends on how the owner treats the dog. Dogs that are allowed to believe they are the boss over humans will develop behavior issues. Dogs that are not taken for daily pack walks will also begin to display a varying degree of issues. A lot of this breed’s health issues depend on the lines it comes from. Good Shar-Pei lines will not have skin problems, which is a hereditary condition. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Fevers of unknown origin or swollen hocks syndrome may be the early stages of amolydosis (kidney failure). One misconception is that the Miniature Shar-Pei have skin problems due to their wrinkles. Yes, some Miniature Shar-Pei have skin problems, but it is not because the dog has wrinkles, but rather a hereditary condition. Due to over-popularity in the 1980s, some Shar-Pei do have hereditary skin problems. However, if you buy from a reputable breeder, this condition should not be a problem. Be sure to find a breeder who strives for healthy dogs. |
| Grooming | The Miniature Shar-Pei should be brushed regularly. Their coat is never trimmed. This breed does not have an undercoat. The "bush" coat sheds a little year round, but the "horse" coat tends to shed only during molting periods. Molting may leave the dog looking unkempt. Bathing about once a week and brushing the coat daily during this period will remove the old, dead hair and allow the new coat to grow in. Some owners are allergic to the harsh coat. |
| Exercise | The Miniature Chinese Shar-Pei have a considerable need for exercise, which includes a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog that the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Do not over exercise them in the heat, as they are sensitive to it. |
| Other Considerations | The Miniature Shar-Pei will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Because of its padded head, the Miniature Shar-Pei is very sensitive to heat. Shade and water must always be available. Provided it gets enough exercise, it will be very peaceful indoors. Famous Dogs: Mikey Way, the bassist of the rock band My Chemical Romance has a Miniature Shar Pei named "Piglet Tree". |
