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.
ancient shar pei history
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.
recent Shar Pei History in america
After becoming a communist nation, the People’s Republic of China was nearly eliminated after high taxes and no-breeding laws were established throughout the country. Dogs were no longer seen in the cities and only few remained in rural areas. Only few Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong and in Taiwan.
The Hong Kong Kennel Club did not recognize the Shar-Pei until 1968 when it established a dog registry and registered the breed. This organization still registers the breed as well as other Kennel Clubs throughout Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and other organizations throughout Canada, Great Britain, and Europe.
The United States was introduced to the breed in 1966 when only a few dogs were imported from registered stock of the Hong Kong Kennel Club. The American Dog Breeders Association registered its first Shar-Pei to J.C. Smith on October 8, 1970. Interest in the breed increased when Margo Law, an associated participant with Down-Homes Kennels in Hong Kong advertised in the United States to “Save the Chinese Shar-Pei,” in 1973. Because of their rarity, only a limited number of Shar-Pei were made available to dog fanciers in the United States in the fall of 1973. The recipients of the breed then formed a national dog club registry, The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc. (CSPCA), and held it’s first organizational meeting in 1974. The first Annual National Specialty Show was held in 1978 and annual national shows have been held ever since.
The primary purpose of the club was to provide a standard for the breed, promote the Shar-Pei breed, and maintain the studbook registry. May 4, 1988, the Chinese Shar-Pei was accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) under the Miscellaneous Class. The CSPCA sustained to represent the breed and controlled the registry until the AKC accepted the breed into the Non-Sporting Group on August 1, 1992. The CSPCA continues to promote the good qualities of the breed, maintain the breed standard, and serves as a Member Club of the AKC.