| Because of China's zoophobia, the Western World | | | | are not great around other dogs. |
| would never have heard about Shar Peis if not for | | | | Sadly, the dog-fighting pit is responsible for the |
| the diligent efforts of Hong Kong businessman Matgo | | | | development of many breeds especially bulldog types |
| Law. Shar Peis became victims of the Chinese Cultural | | | | being developed in England about the same time Shar |
| Revolution. Along with many other Chinese traditions | | | | Peis were being honed to their current look in China. |
| and art forms, Shar Peis were outlawed and mostly | | | | Unlike Shar Peis, the bully breeds in England (including |
| destroyed. Matgo Law managed to rescue some and | | | | the Old English Bulldog and the much-maligned |
| get them spirited away to Western countries. He | | | | Staffordshire Bull Terrier) were selected to be |
| started exporting Shar Peis in 1973. By the 1980's, | | | | aggressive with other dogs but be eager to please |
| there was a craze for Shar Peis, which led to much | | | | any person. |
| indiscriminate breeding. | | | | North American and European breeders of the Shar |
| Many reliable Shar Pei information sources have come | | | | Pei breed are now learning from their mistakes, as |
| to the conclusion that the dogs sent to America | | | | has the American buying public. Shar Peis were |
| were particularly inferior. These dogs are thought to | | | | dropped like hot potatoes in the 1990's, which lead to |
| have inherited several health problems (such as skin | | | | the rise of many Shar Pei rescues in many states. |
| disorders and inverted eyelids) and had some nasty | | | | Because of their temper and their large size, they are |
| tempers to boot. But they are the only gene pool of | | | | not found in puppy mills as they once were. Shar Peis |
| Shar Peis available. They will always be a rare breed | | | | are now bred for an improved disposition, as well as |
| and need experienced, confident, physically strong | | | | for their looks. |
| owners. | | | | The future for the Shar Pei looks grim to those who |
| It is thought that Shar Peis were bred to be strong | | | | love to see things unchanged. There's just not |
| all purpose farm dogs. They were to have a fierce | | | | enough of a gene pool in order to assure the future |
| appearance, could work all day and guard both | | | | of this unique dog breed. Considering some of the |
| master and property from man or beast. It is | | | | problems many have discovered with keeping Shar |
| unknown when the emphasis on wrinkles developed. | | | | Peis, perhaps that's for the best. Shar Peis are prone |
| This was most likely when Shar Peis became star | | | | to many health problems. The most worrisome (and |
| performers in another field - the dog-fighting pit. | | | | painful) is inverted eyelids, where the eyelashes |
| Wrinkles and loose skin meant another dog couldn't | | | | constantly rub against the eyeballs. This can be cured |
| get a good grip and, even if they did, the loose skin | | | | with an expensive operation. |
| could help protect vital organs. Even today, Shar Peis | | | | |