Ancient History – The Chinese Shar Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei was discovered over 2000 years ago and was kept by peasant farmers throughout the southern areas of China.  They were used not only for hunting wild boar but also to protect valuable livestock.  Their intelligence and strength made them a universal asset to any farm.  Shar Pei served as great guard dogs to their masters and helped alarm thieves and those who were always at war with farmers.

Jean Yu, an educated Orientalist of Washington, D. C., and researcher of ancient Chinese manuscripts persists that Shar-Pei were originally bred for hunting mongoose.  However, because of the immense strength and vigorous appearance, they were eventually used for fighting-dog purposes.  The village of Dah Let, in Southern China’s Kwangtung Province, was known as a gambler’s haven in ancient history. Dog fights became a popular event and the Shar-Pei became an even more popular contestant.  Breeders throughout Dah Let attempted to improve the breed’s fighting ability and set out to perfect some of the main characteristics known to modern Shar-pei.  The bristly coat was developed to create a repugnant taste in an opponent’s mouth.  The loose wrinkled skin helped when twisting and turning in attempt to grasp his antagonist and also made it difficult for the opponent to grip the flesh of the Shar-Pei.  The canine’s teeth created a hook-like hold on the contender helping to tear the flesh of his challenger.  Before any battle, the dogs were always given stimulating drugs and wine to heighten aggressiveness.

Throughout these developments, other breeders, promoters, and gamblers were developing other breeds with vicious temperaments such as Bulldogs and Mastiffs.  The ancient Shar-Pei proved to be no match for these wild, brutal, and vicious opponents.  They were no longer in high demand and the breed was neglected.

After Chinese Communists came into power a heavy tax was placed on dogs making them a luxury to the wealthy.  A short time later, another proclamation was made banning the breeding of dogs.  In 1947 the tax on dogs was increased immensely resulting in only a few Shar-Pei scattered throughout the country.  The Shar-Pei breed was nearly diminished before being introduced to The American Dog Breeders Association in the United States.