"Keefer"

Bred in the southern provinces of China, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient dog and traces its ancestry back to the Han Dynasty (220 BC - 202 BC). Once considered the rarest breed in the world, the Shar-Pei made a comeback from virtual extinction in the 1970s. Originally used as a fighting dog, the Shar-Pei has also been used for hunting, protection, and herding.   In Chinese his name translates to "draping sandpaper like skin", a reference to his bristly skin folded into many wrinkles. Puppies tend to 'grow into' their wrinkles as they mature. Too much bathing and an improper diet may lead to skin problems. The Shar-Pei must receive regular grooming with special attention paid to his ears and toe nails.

The Shar-Pei stands about 20 inches tall at the shoulder, and has a short, smooth coat that may be any solid colour. One unusual characteristic of this breed is his blue-black tongue. This feature is shared by only two other dogs, the Chow Chow and the Thai Ridgeback. Although he was once known as the Chinese Fighting Dog, his temperament made him unsuited for fighting as he is generally good-natured and friendly.  The Shar-Pei is intensely loyal to his family. His attitude with strangers is independent, aloof, and watchful. As such he makes a natural guard dog.  As devoted as he is to his family, this is not the dog to be left in the kennel. As with any breed, training should be started early to develop good manners. The Shar-Pei is clever and intuitive, and learns quickly. He requires regular exercise.

Quebec	Kennel/Website
Wendy Dimitrov 3 McArthur Place Torbay, NL  A1K 1B7 (709) 437-1964 Email: pavlikeni@warp.nfld.net	Pavlikeni