WudaFace Chinese Shar-Pei
Pet Quality vs Breeding Quality vs Show Quality
See the AKC's web site for the full text of the breed standard.
- Tongue - a full black-blue tongue is required in Shar-Pei. A spotted or pink tongue makes a Shar-Pei pet quality.
- Ears and Tail - ears that stand up or an incomplete tail also make Shar-Pei pet quality.
- Teeth - Shar-Pei's teeth should meet in a scissors bite. Too much space between top and bottom teeth make a Shar-Pei pet quality.
- Eyes - Entropion surgery makes a Shar-Pei pet quality.
- Coat - Coat length in excess of 1" makes a Shar-Pei pet quality. Shar-Pei can be most any solid color with some shading. Patches, spots, blazes, etc make Shar-Pei pet quality.
- Size - the preferred size of the Shar-Pei is 18"-20" at the shoulder and 45-55 pounds. Acceptable is 17"-21". Outside of that, the Shar-Pei is probably pet quality. There is no minature Shar-Pei recognized by the AKC or CSPCA, and we regard talk of such to be a marketing gimick.
- Other Health Problems - what may have seemed like a good breeding at mating time, may change until the puppies are ready to go to their new homes. If a health concern arises with either the sire or dam between the mating date and the sale date, buyers must be informed of the concern and the Shar-Pei sold as pet quality.
- Temperament - Chinese Shar-Pei should be stand-offish and aloof, but there is a wide variety of personalities in reality. Shar-Pei with dominant personalities should be sold as pet quality and spayed/neutered before six months old. Puppy Kindergarten and extensive socialization are highly recommended for all Shar-Pei and early obedience training is necessary for strong-willed, pet quality Shar-Pei. Shar-Pei are very loyal to their families and are generally good with kids, especially when they are raised together. Have the kids help with the obedience training of your Shar-Pei.
- Spaying/Neutering - all dogs sold by reputable breeders as pet quality should have the Limited Registration box signed on the AKC registration certificate. This means if the dog is not spayed/neutered as promised, any puppies resulting from a breeding would be ineligible for registration with the American Kennel Club.
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