Where Do They Come from? - Origin of the Shar Pei Breed
TIMES OF HAN DYNASTY
According to the first and the
most popular version Shar Pei breed has already been
spread in the Southern regions of China at the times of Han
Dynasty government (the end of the third century BC). Ancient
burial statues of dogs with square shaped body, brow wrinkles
and curled tail – so called "tomb dogs" – are used as evidence
to support this theory. However, Chinese art of that time is
characterized by a great degree of typification which means dogs
portrayed might be representatives of other Chinese breeds such
as Chows or Pugs. Marco Polo (famous Venetian merchant traveler
of 13th-14th centuries) who several years lived in China and
presented detailed description of the latter dog breeds never
wrote anything about Shar Pei which seems strange in the case
the bread was known and spread at that time.
The second version
states Shar Pei should descend from Chinese fighting dogs of the
village of Dah Let (Tai Leh) (the territory on the South China
Sea coast). This village became known for the sport of dog
fighting after 1751 – the year when a maritime trade in China
was permitted. British sailors introduced dogfights that became
extremely popular in that area. Perhaps Chinese crossed Chow
Chow with imported Molosser breeds trying to get their own
fighting dogs. The supporters of Chow Chow origin claim there
are similar features not only in the appearance of two breeds
(blue/black tongue), but also in their character. Both the Shar
Pei and the Chow Chow are known to be talented companions,
hunters and shepherd dogs at the same time. It worth mentioning
that Shar Pei shares dew claws with the Pyrenean Mountain Dog
and some other features - with Tibetan Mastiff.
Shar Pei’s loose wrinkled skin is usually explained as the
result of breeding down in size. Excessive skin helped to safe
vital areas in fights and allowed Shar Pei to bite his opponent
when his own skin was in his rival’s jaws. A great equipment for
a fighter. The only problem remained though that contributed to
the ousting of Shar Pei from the fighting ring – they were not
that aggressive by nature.
Still there is one uncertainty – dogfights could be introduced
in that region much earlier so that even Romans bringing
Molossers to this part of the world could cause ousting Shar Pei
from the role of fighting dogs. Moreover, according to the data
of a recent DNA research, the Shar Pei is considered to be one
of the four most ancient canine breeds on Earth.
