Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-pei (pronounced "Shahr-pay") originated in the Guangdong province of China about 2,000 years ago, during the Han Dynasty. The breed was popular amongst peasants who employed the dogs as hunters, herders, and guardians. The original Chinese Shar-pei did not have as dramatic of wrinkles or as chunky of a head as modern dogs. The "bone mouth" variety of the breed is more similar to the original dogs, as opposed to the "meat mouth" variety. The short hair of the Chinese Shar-pei protected it during boar hunting. Later, when the breed was used in dog fighting, the wrinkles helped the dogs maneuver even if the opponent had a hold on them. The Chinese Shar-pei almost went extinct around 1949 when the communist regime of the People's Republic of China ordered most dogs to be put down. Luckily, there were enough individuals in Hong Kong and Taiwan to preserve the breed.