Shar Pei

The unique baggy wrinkles of this unusual breed (its name, in Chinese, means “hanging skin” or “sand skin”) are actually more pronounced on puppies; as they grow, the wrinkles will stretch and diminish slightly.

In 1978, this obscure breed became known worldwide when it was introduced in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s rarest dog. Their wrinkled bodies, small ears, deep set eyes, and black-blue tongues also make them one of the most distinctive-looking breed, but their origins are modest. Long ago, in Guangdong, China, they were used as hound dogs, farmyard watchdog, fighting dogs, and, sometimes, even food. Their wrinkles were developed to make it difficult for them to be injured fatally when they were bitten during dogfights, and their deep set eyes are also a protective feature. They used to be larger, weighing about twice as much as they typically do now, and one was said to weigh 156 pounds.

These imposing, dignified, independent, and somewhat stubborn dogs are affectionate to their owners but wary of other people and tend to dislike living with other dogs. They require lots of exercise.

Although the coat, which feels bristly or sandy, is deeply wrinkled, it is short and therefore easy to care for. Occasional massages with a brush or towel are sufficient, but the spaces between the wrinkles must be cleaned carefully.

Origin: China
Size: (male) Height 18-20 inches; weight 40-51 pounds
(female) Height 16-18 inches; weight 36-44 pounds
Coat: Short, straight, and hard. Colors include red, black, fawn, cream, and white.