| > | | | | the case of central China, where farming and herding |
| Been wondering how sharpeis became modern day | | | | were main social activities, sharpeis were mainly |
| sharpeis? Find out how sharpeis started... | | | | known for its herding instinct and an uncommon |
| Scientists have been able to unearth paintings and | | | | terrier-like ratting skill. The legs of the central Chinese |
| sculptures of dogs that look very much like sharpeis. | | | | variety were not as long as those of its southern |
| Some 2,000-year old statues of the dogs already bear | | | | counterparts, while their coats were thinner than those |
| the unique blunt muzzle and other characteristics that | | | | from the north. What is interesting is that the sharpei |
| bear close resemblance to the sharpei. | | | | does not sound out like the western herder breeds, |
| Despite such discoveries, the origin of this very old dog | | | | and do not dig or chew as the familiar terrier behavior |
| breed is hard to pinpoint. What can be known so far is | | | | is wont to do. |
| that, with the blue black tongue as clue, the dog is | | | | In the upper regions of China, where smaller |
| related to the chow chow. Both dogs are also possibly | | | | communities had to get through winter in far flung |
| related to the Tibetan mastiff, which is often | | | | outposts, the sharpei was known to be calm and quiet. |
| acknowledged as as ancient as sharpeis. Still another | | | | These level-headed qualities were essential for an |
| historical hint is that the dog bears a bulldog ancestry, | | | | animal that will need to share long hours with its family |
| as can be seen in some short necks that are low set | | | | in a cramped space. |
| on the shoulders, thick bodies and certain shared | | | | In the case of southern China where recreational |
| genetic problems. | | | | activities were more widespread, sharpeis were |
| Whatever its origin, the sharpei was a familiar sight in | | | | enlisted as a fighting dog. Breeders would come to |
| the Chinese rural communities for centuries. Besides, | | | | appreciate the dog's prickly coat and loose skin, since |
| dogs were part and parcel of the Chinese peasant life. | | | | the latter especially made it possible for the dog to turn |
| In breeding them, the Chinese sought intelligence, | | | | around and defend itself. The dogs tiny ears and deep |
| strength, and a menacing grin meant to deter | | | | set eyes made it less prone to injuries. But centuries |
| trespassers. Meanwhile, the sharpei's blue-black tongue | | | | later, mastiffs and bulldogs would throw water on the |
| was meant to ward off evil spirits. | | | | sharpei's fame as a fighter. |
| Breeding the dog actually varied according to region. In | | | | |