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Contrary to popular belief the
Shar-pei WAS NOT BRED FOR FIGHTING, although they
were used for fighting for a short period of time they had
to be drugged or given wine to make them aggressive. Their
original purpose was for Hunting,Herding and companionship
for the Peasant Farmers of China.
What ever their ancestry it is
generally accepted that the Chinese Shar-pei had existed for
centuries in the Southern Provinces of China during the Han
Dynasty (206BC- 220AD). Generally it is believed that they
originated in and around the village of Dah Let near Canton.
This is apparent from the paintings and statuettes found
from that period. The blue - black tongue and other
characteristics of the Shar-pei point to the Chow Chow as an
ancestor as they both existed in the same period, and these
two breeds bear a striking similarity in structure and
general appearance, but unfortunately not little is known
about the origin of either of these breeds. It has been said
that these two breeds may have decended from the Tibetan
Mastiff. As the Shar-pei has been classified a giant breed
by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals because of their
rapid growth pattern, even though the Shar-pei is a medium
sized breed. (The Tibetan Mastiff is a Giant breed )
Shar-pei became a practical part
of Chinese Peasant life, they were selectively bred for
intelligence, strength, and their lordly scowl, which was
thought to give a menacing appearance. The blue - black
tongue which was exposed when the dog barked, was thought by
the peasants to frighten off evil spirits.
The Shar-pei in southern China
were athletic,short coated, well muscled, with a good clean
bite. Where as in central China, where farming and herding
were predominant, Shar-pei had developed a herding instinct
and an almost terrier - type ratting instinct. These
Shar-pei were described as medium size, short coupled, large
boned and athletic style. Their legs were actually shorter
than those in the south, their bulk was more compact than
their relatives further to the north. Today, we can still
see some of these characteristics in the
breed.
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