Chinese shar-pei, << shahr pay, >> is a breed of dog that originated in China about 200 B.C. It is also known simply as the shar-pei. This compact dog has short ears and a short, harsh coat of a solid color. Its skin is loose and wrinkles cover the head, neck, and shoulders. The skin of puppies is especially loose and wrinkled. Most shar-peis stand 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 centimeters) tall at the shoulder and weigh 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kilograms). The tongue is blue-black. Shar-peis originally were used as guard dogs and later may have been bred for fighting. They are alert, independent, intelligent, and loyal.
