Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique dog breed known for its distinctive wrinkles, blue-black tongue, and loyalty. Shar-Pei dogs are very muscular and weigh anywhere between 45 and 60 pounds. This breed's long history dates back to ancient China, where they were used as farm dogs, hunters, and fighters.

One of the defining characteristics of this breed is its wavy and wrinkly fur. These wrinkles were once a functional feature for the Chinese Shar-Pei, as they protected them from bites during dog fights. In fact, Shar-Pei literally translates to "sand skin" in Chinese, which refers to their short, bristly coat. One of the most unique features of the Shar-Pei is their tongue. Unlike most dogs with pink tongues, Shar-Pei dogs have a blueish-blackish tongue resulting from a genetic mutation. 

Shar-Pei dogs are not a highly energetic dog breed and will typically be fine with a few outings and short sessions playing in the backyard or in the park. This lower-energy dog makes them suitable for families with busier schedules. However, the Shar-Pei does require a little extra grooming care, especially around the folds in its skin. Without careful attention, your Shar-Pei can develop irritations or infections if the skin beneath the wrinkles is not cleaned correctly.

Shar-Pei dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners, and this is part of the reason why they make excellent guard dogs. However, they can also be stubborn and independent, which makes them a challenging breed for inexperienced owners. This breed requires consistent training and socialization from an early age to ensure they are well-behaved as they grow older. One more thing to be aware of if you decide to get a Chinese Shar-Pei is that they will melt everyone's hearts on their daily walks with their adorable face and smile!