The Chinese Shar Pei are natives of China, and as their name (pronounced shar-pay) indicates, Chinese Shar Pei means "sand coat" in chinese, and can be traced as far back as the Han Dynasty, 202 B.C. They were farm and herd dogs, protecting families from wild animals and bandits. Their intense loyalty to their families and masters makes them as valuable to their owners todays as they once were to the farmers in their villages.

Poverty led to the Shar Pei being selectively bred for intelligence, those not exhibiting this trait were slaughtered for food,thus, the existing breed was and is quite intelligent. With the rise of communism in China, the breed was almost brought to extinction. Concern for the survival of the breed spread around the world and in the early 1970's when their population had dwindled to a mere dozen, this loyal breed was first imported to the United States. The shar Pei soon captured the hearts ofthe public and thanks to devouted efforts of breeders and veterinarians both in the United States and Canada, they have made a dramatic comeback.

They have proven to be extremely gentle, very intelligent, outstanding watchdogs, totally devouted to their homes and families - all-in-all, a fabulous family pet. These well loved couch pototoes, are lifetime comedians and entertainers and are very addicting, once an owner, you will more than likely consider the purchase of a second one.