Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is the wrinkled, blue-tongued guardian dog — and those famous folds are not a charming quirk, they are the source of the breed's biggest health and cost burdens. This is a compact, powerful 45-60 pound dog with a 'hippopotamus' muzzle, deep-set scowling eyes, tiny triangular ears, and a harsh sandpaper coat (the name means 'sand skin'). The heavily wrinkled, padded-face Western type that most people picture is a relatively modern exaggeration; the original Chinese 'bone-mouth' type was less wrinkled and harder-bodied. Temperament is the part buyers most often underestimate. The Shar-Pei is intensely loyal, calm, and clean indoors, but it is also independent, territorial, and naturally aloof-to-suspicious of strangers and other dogs. This is a guardian breed, not a social butterfly. Without committed early socialization and firm, fair training, a dominant adult Shar-Pei is a serious liability, not a stubborn cute dog. They do not forgive harsh handling and they do not hand out trust. Who the Shar-Pei is right for: an experienced owner who wants a devoted, dignified, low-exercise guardian, will socialize hard from puppyhood, and is financially and emotionally prepared for skin, eye, and fever problems that are common, not rare, in this breed. Who it is wrong for: first-time owners, busy dog parks, multi-dog homes without careful management, and anyone choosing the breed for the wrinkles alone. The wrinkles that sell the puppy are the same wrinkles that bring entropion surgery and chronic skin infections. Buy this breed with full knowledge of both halves of the bargain.