Shar Pei is the oldest and most interesting breed of dog. According to scientists, the breed has Chinese roots.
Shar Pei belong to guard hunting dogs, the characteristic features of which are skin folds on the head and shoulders, and due to the peculiar structure of the muzzle, they resemble small hippopotamuses.
The size of the representatives of the breed is average, weight up to 30 kg, height 44-60 cm.
Do mini Shar-Peis exist and what do they look like in the photo?
Recently, miniature dogs have been gaining unprecedented popularity among dog lovers. Given this trend, breeders are breeding mini dogs that are smaller in size compared to their counterparts..
This is how mini Shar-Peis, or, as they are otherwise called, mini-Peis, became popular.
Mini-Peis have been around for quite some time, however, they are not recognized as a separate breed.
Considering the fact that their breeding around the world is quite common, and there are many clubs dedicated specifically to the miniature version of the Shar Pei, experts are talking about the emergence of a new breed variety.
At the moment, mini Shar-Peis are considered a breeding defect, dwarfs who have not grown to the standard size of the breed by the age of one year.
Mini Shar-Peis appear in litters of purebreds. Their parents have standard sizes for the breed.
At first it is difficult to select a mini-pei from a litter; only by 4 weeks of age does it become clear which of the puppies will be mini .
Origin story
Shar Pei are representatives of the oldest breed, the roots of which go back so deep into centuries that scientists have still not been able to find out the origin of these dogs. There is evidence that, by order of the Great Chinese Emperor, all stud books associated with such information were burned. According to one theory, the ancestors of Shar Peis are mastiff-like dogs and chow chows. It is based on individual elements of the physique, skeletal system and character traits. But it is known for certain that the breed has existed for 3 thousand years.
Due to the isolation of China and the decline in the popularity of dogs for fighting, which is how Shar Peis were used at that time, the breed was on the verge of extinction in the 50s of the last century. Only 20 years later, several purebred puppies were brought abroad, where the process of reviving the breed began. Already in 1976, the first official breed standard appeared.
In Russia, these dogs with folds became known in the 90s. Gradually, Shar-Pei aroused great interest not only among dog breeders, but also among breeders. As for miniature pei, they do not have their own deep history, except that in some stud books there is a mention of the appearance of smaller offspring.
In the 90s of the last century, a club of miniature pei lovers appeared in Europe, which included breeders and dog breeders from Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain.
Personality of mini-pei
The Mini Pei is a full-fledged representative of the breed with all the characteristic characteristics, the only difference is the pet’s growth.
A distinctive feature of the character is pronounced leadership qualities . Mini Shar-Peis cannot be called flexible and obedient babies; they require a firm hand from their owner. experienced in raising and training dogs.
Despite the serious expression on their faces, minis are quite cheerful and playful.
They are loyal to their owner, but can be disobedient towards children or elderly people in the family . Mini-pei have peculiar relationships with other animals; they are sometimes cocky towards other dogs and cats.
The Mini Shar Pei has retained the protective qualities of the breed; it is wary of strangers and will protect the property of its owner and himself to the last.
With proper upbringing , a mini-pei will not cause problems; it can become a caring friend, a guard, and show calm and balance .
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“The Shar Pei breed is loved by many; they are ancient representatives of man’s four-legged friends, who captivated us with their extraordinary appearance and strong character. Of course, having a small living space, it is difficult to keep a large or even medium-sized dog. More and more buyers want to get a mini version of their desired breed. Shar Peis are no exception. Mini Shar Peis are similar to their older brothers in everything, the only difference is in height. But before the age of one year, there is a high probability that the dwarf Shar Pei will grow almost to the standard. It is impossible to be 100% sure that a three-month-old mini puppy will not later turn out to be of normal size.”
Description
The Miniature Shar-Pei is not classified as a separate breed by any kennel club. The Mini Shar Pei was bred from the recessive Shar Pei gene, i.e. The runt of the litter was bred from the litter run to create a smaller specimen.
Appearance
The appearance and shape of the breed can be described as broad and area in proportion to the height and length of the body. Their physical attributes are the same as their larger counterparts, having a large head, a wide soft muzzle, high-set ears, a blue black tongue, and a wrinkled head, neck and shoulders.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytabout
Dogs of this breed can be of several types. They have many similarities with each other, but there are also differences.
Chinese
AdultPuppy of rare sable colorYoung Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar Pei is a fighting breed of dog. The peculiarity of this breed is its wrinkled skin. The puppy has a large number of folds covering its entire body. An adult dog has such folds mainly on the face and neck. The first irregularities are observed on the third day after birth. By the age of one month, seven of them appear.
A puppy who is three months old looks ridiculous, but then most of the wrinkles smooth out.
American
Adult American Shar-PeiAmerican Shar-Pei of interesting colorBlack puppy
The Shar Pei of this breed was revived by American cynologists, using single individuals of the ancient Chinese fighting dog as a basis.
The American breed has a more elongated head shape, a not too large nose, and fewer folds than the Chinese. The upper lip does not hang so low over the lower lip.
Larger body size, long legs. The coat is coarse and short. Black color is a sign of the American variety. There are monochrome dogs. They are also loyal and affectionate to their owner. There is a mistrust of others, so proper training is needed.
European
Male European Shar Pei Female European Shar Pei Puppies of this breed
Through selection and crossing, these dogs turned out to be even calmer and without aggression at all. They are leisurely and move little.
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Security skills have become dull. The color can be varied. The body became smaller, changing from a square shape to a more rounded one. This once again emphasizes a sedentary lifestyle. They are phlegmatic and prefer walks at a leisurely pace.
Mini (dwarf)
Mini Pei PuppiesYoung Adult Dwarf Shar Pei
The Mini Pei was born from standard Shar-Peis, but did not reach the required height, which does not exceed 43 centimeters. The rest of the body structure is the same as that of other representatives of the breed. The coat of the small Shar Pei has a variety of colors.
They are distinguished by leadership qualities and are playful. They can show aggression towards other animals. They are loyal to their owner, but can be disobedient, so they need to be raised properly
If given due attention, they will not cause any problems and will grow up caring and balanced.
Other types
Shar Pei bear puppiesTypical representatives of this breedAdult
Bear is the name given to Shar Peis, which are very similar to bears. The similarity is expressed in the long, soft and shaggy coat. They look more like chow chows rather than the Chinese variety. Chow chows have passed on the gene for long hair, but because of this, bears cannot participate in exhibitions. The coat color is the same as that of other Shar-Peis. The character is playful, quick-witted.
Description of the breed: pros and cons
Like any type of dog that differs in some way from the standard, mini Shar-Peis have their pros and cons.
Among the advantages are the following:
- convenient dimensions, suitable for keeping in a small apartment;
- non-standard appearance;
- good security and protective qualities;
- devotion to the owner and love for the family;
- not picky about care and feeding;
- cleanliness;
- good intellectual qualities.
Among the shortcomings of the mini are::
- tendency to certain diseases;
- stubbornness in character;
- short temper towards other dogs;
- constant desire to communicate with the owner, cannot tolerate loneliness;
- the need for strict education and training.
By purchasing a mini puppy, the owner takes responsibility for his fate, and regardless of external signs and character traits, any pet needs love and affection from him.
The character of the Doberman Pinscher and its habits
Animals of such a common breed need constant activity. Even a small Doberman will eagerly follow the trail of prey, accompany its owner during a journey, save people from rubble, or babysit small children.
Elegant and reserved, Dobermans rarely show causeless aggressiveness. This breed is ideal for responsible and self-confident people.
However, even a miniature Doberman is capricious. Therefore, he needs to be trained from childhood and raised correctly. The dog is suitable for outdoor games with small children, sports and long travels. If adult family members do not have time to spend time with a dog, then it is not the best choice for living in a family with a child. The Mini Doberman can be used for customs service and rescue work. In addition, this small dog and an adult Doberman have a lot in common in appearance.
As you know, this dog immediately surpassed the East European Shepherd and Hovawart in its guarding qualities.
Dimensions, weight and other distinctive features
Distinctive external features of mini-pei are presented in table form.
| Height | Weight | External features | Wool |
| Height at the withers is up to 43 cm. | up to 25 kg |
| Mini-pei's coat is short, close-lying, and comes in three types:
Possible coat colors:
|
| Optimal average height - 35 cm | |||
| Minimum - 28 cm |
Choosing a puppy
You should buy a Shar Pei from a nursery, where they can present documents confirming the purebred of the puppy and that it has the necessary vaccinations.
You need to decide in advance on the gender and class of the animal. It is better to buy a puppy after it reaches the age of 1.5-2 months. At this time, the entire body of the animal should be covered with folds of skin.
Before purchasing, you need to examine the dog and monitor its behavior. The puppy must be active and inquisitive. Displays of aggression or excessively cowardly behavior are unacceptable.
You need to pay attention to the color of the tongue, the gait of the animal, the cleanliness of the skin, the condition of the eyes, etc. It is advisable to show the dog to a veterinarian before purchasing. A specialist will help rule out birth defects.
Lifespan
Mini-Peis, like standard representatives of the breed, live on average 10-12 years.
In pets with good heredity, life expectancy can reach up to 14 years, but if there is a hereditary tendency to diseases, then the indicator drops to 9 years.
Miniature representatives of the breed, like their older brothers, have good immunity, but they still have a tendency to certain diseases, among which the following are distinguished::
- various types of allergies;
- entropy (turning up of eyelids);
- skin diseases;
- malfunction of the thyroid gland;
- ear infections.
To prevent diseases, it is important to undergo routine examinations with a veterinarian and organize the correct diet and physical activity for your pet.
How much does a Shar Pei cost?
Pet-class puppies, which can be good pets, but do not fully meet the standards for participation in exhibitions, cost about 12-15 thousand rubles. Such animals are not given pedigrees, so they are not allowed for breeding and sterilization or castration is recommended.
Breed-class Shar Peis, which have all the characteristics of the breed and are recommended for participation in breeding work, cost an average of 25-30 thousand rubles. The price of show-class animals with a good pedigree and a high chance of winning at exhibitions exceeds 50 thousand rubles.
Care and maintenance
A dog up to 43 cm tall can live quite comfortably in an apartment with the owner’s family.
Mini Shar-Peis are not picky about their care, but it is important to adhere to the basic rules for caring for and maintaining your pet.:
- regular ear cleaning and eye rinsing;
- bathing once every 3-4 months, especially during periods of molting;
- timely brushing of teeth;
- mandatory skin care, which consists of cleaning the skin between the folds and preventing moisture from getting between them;
- warm clothes when walking in the cold season, raincoat during wet weather;
- providing regular and private walks.
CAREFULLY!
Mini Shar-Peis are prone to hypothermia and should not be kept outside.
Character, content, health
The characteristics of Shar Pei have positive and negative sides. The latter are most often discovered by established owners. The standard describes quadrupeds as active, courageous, independent and rather restive quadrupeds. Shar Pei are prone to escapes, fights with relatives, and food aggression. Problems can appear unexpectedly and at any age. It is important to devote the maximum amount of time to socializing the dog, even if it behaves absolutely adequately.
Until 7-8 months of age, you may encounter attempts to take a dominant position in the family . Usually the pet persistently climbs onto the sofa or bed, growls if it doesn’t like something, follows commands at its own discretion and behaves unpredictably during walks. This period is called the teenage crisis.
Proper feeding
One of three options is suitable for feeding the mini version of the Shar Pei.:
- natural (consists of 80% food containing protein, and 20% raw vegetables, fiber and vitamins);
- artificial (try to stick to holistic or premium food, choosing hypoallergenic mixtures);
- mixed (this type of feeding involves taking dry granules in the morning, and meat or offal in the evening).
The dog's food should be balanced and varied, the amount of food is selected taking into account the dog's weight.
Add vitamin complexes to your diet as needed.
Interesting Facts
Some interesting facts about the Shar Pei breed:
- According to an old Chinese legend, the Shar Pei's tongue is blue because the dog once licked the edge of the roof of the mouth.
- Another Chinese belief says that Shar-Peis, thanks to the unusual color of their tongue, are able to drive away evil spirits.
- In the early 1970s, when work was being done to restore the breed, only ten Shar Peis were found in all of China, which became the ancestors of all modern breed lines.
- In the 1970s, Shar Peis were included in the Guinness Book of Records as the rarest breed in the world.
- The unusual appearance of these dogs gave rise to a French proverb: “If, when going on a visit, you carelessly took a Shar Pei with you, then don’t be surprised that you simply won’t be noticed there.”
Price range
The cost of mini-peas varies from 10,000 to 30,000 rubles, but sometimes the price can exceed these figures, especially when it comes to the offspring of National Breed Club Champions.
Today, mini Shar Pei breeders have managed to ensure that unrecognized babies can participate in the exhibition and receive such a title..
In any case, it is recommended to contact experienced breeders who offer, if not 100% dwarf pei, then completely healthy puppies that do not have hereditary diseases.
The most famous Shar Pei nurseries:
- Helavis (Russia, Yekaterinburg) - Shar-Pei, German Spitz;
- Shat Shun (Russia, Moscow) is a special breed nursery of Shar-Peis - they do not breed minis, but they can offer smaller dogs for sale;
- Gold East (Ukraine, Nikolaev).
Breeding Shar Peis
It is recommended to breed bitches of this breed for the first time at 1.5-2 years. Estrus lasts 18-21 days. In this case, the period from 10 to 15 days is considered the most favorable.
Future partners are introduced in advance on neutral territory. Then the bitch is brought to the dog. In this case, the male will feel more confident.
A few days later the mating is repeated. The first signs of pregnancy appear after 4 weeks. The dog becomes more affectionate and calm. Pregnancy lasts 60-63 days.
Natural childbirth begins with intense pushing. Then the amniotic fluid leaves. Puppies appear at intervals of 15-20 minutes. Bitches of this breed have a well-developed maternal instinct, so they themselves gnaw the umbilical cord and lick their offspring. A Shar Pei litter can have 5-7 puppies. If labor has not begun on day 63, you need to contact a specialist for a caesarean section.
There can be 5 puppies in a litter.
How to choose?
No breeder can guarantee that in the future the Shar Pei puppy they sell will be mini size.
One hundred percent guarantees are given only by dishonest sellers who do not care about the future of the pets they release . The likelihood of getting mini-dogs in the litter of standard breeding sires is extremely low.
Sometimes unscrupulous breeders breed two mini-pei (this is prohibited by canine organizations), in this case the likelihood of getting a mini-pei is higher, however, the pets resulting from such mating do not live long and are prone to many diseases.
You need to be wary of breeders who sell thin puppies. Deliberate underfeeding, infection with worms, and the use of unhealthy sires are the tools for obtaining “Mini-Pei puppies.”
IMPORTANT!
If you purchase a dog from unsuccessful breeders, most likely the four-legged dog will come to its senses, catch up with its standard in growth, but will have health problems in adulthood.
Pay attention to customer reviews, the puppy's parents and its condition . It shouldn't look painful!
The prevalence of Mini Shar-Peis is a result of increased interest in miniature dogs. Perhaps in the near future, increased interest in minis and their demand will become a prerequisite for the identification of a new breed.
However, experienced experts do not recommend that future owners chase fashion and inadvertently purchase a puppy with hereditary problems.
Any representative of the Shar Pei breed, regardless of size, is distinguished by its extraordinary appearance and strong-willed character..
Conditions for keeping Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is more suitable for apartment living. He does not have a warm undercoat, so he can freeze in winter, and overheating in summer will have a bad effect on his health.
Even before the animal appears in the house, you need to arrange a sleeping place for it. It should be located in an area protected from drafts, but not too close to radiators.
It is important to choose the right bed for your dog. It should be large enough and made of natural materials. In addition, you need to buy 2 bowls for water and food, as well as toys.
