The Shar-Pei is a breed of dog known for its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. The breed originates from Canton, China. As puppies, Shar-Pei have numerous wrinkles , but as they mature, these loosen and spread out as they "grow into their skin". Although the Shar-Pei has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th century, the American Kennel Club recognized it as their th breed only in Small, triangle ears, and a high-set tail give the Shar-Pei a unique look.
For show standard, "the tail is thick and round at the base, tapering to a fine point" AKC standard February 28, As puppies, Shar-Pei are more wrinkly than adults and, although some adults can be wrinklier than their puppy selves, an adult Shar-Pei should have wrinkles mostly on the face, a few on the shoulder, and at the base of the tail.
The Shar-Pei's pigmentation resembles the Chow Chow , as they have been crossbred before, probably giving the Shar-Pei the same blue-black tongue. There are over 16 recognized colors in the AKC standard. The coat must be solid in color, and any Shar-Pei with a "flower-coat" white with either black or blue patches is a disqualification. Colors include black, blue, brown, red, fawn, red-fawn, five-point red, cream, apricot, chocolate, and various sables e.
The nose may be black or brick pink with black , and the face may be with or without a black mask. A Shar-Pei can also have what is called a "dilute" coloration, meaning that the nose and nails of the dog are the same color as the coat e. Dilutes can also have what is called an "Isabella" coloration, meaning that there is silver shading on the coat color. All of these color variations are acceptable, but the coat color must be solid and well-blended throughout the whole body of the dog.
Horse-coat unusual but regaining ground , rough to the touch, extremely prickly and off-standing, soft in one direction and harsh in the other; brush-coat, with longer hair and a smoother feel; and bear-coat not recognized by the AKC; there is ongoing debate as to whether this recessive gene is from an ancient relationship with the Chow Chow or modern crossbreeding of the two breeds.
