The birth of this breed was in Dah Let in the province of Kwun Tung. The Shar Pei is believed to have descended from or shared a common origin with the Chow Chow (Because of the blue black tongue), possibly the Great Pyrenees (double dew claws), and the Tibetan Mastiff. Shar pei means "Sandy Dog".The lucky dogs were working companions to peasent farmers, protectors of home and property. In China, any dog that protects property is called a fighting dog. Some Shar Pei were used to hunt wild game, usually wild pig in China. The unlucky Shar Pei , probably the majority, were pit dogs bred to fight for their lives in order to fill their gambling owners' purses.
In 1973, Matgo Law made an appeal to save this extraordinary breed, At this time the Shar Pei was dying out. The numbers were reduced by famine, high taxes, prejudice, and the sport of dog fighting as well.
Mr Law attempted to recreate and reestablish the Chinese Shar Pei as a pure breed. Pictures and a description of the breed were included in the Dogs magazine article, and within a short time, the American people rallied around Mr. Law to save this unusual looking canine from oblivion.
Response to Matgo Law's appeal was tremendous, and from the dozen or more dogs known to exist at that time, there are over 10,000 and more registered Shar Pei. It is no longer an endangered breed. |
