What does an adult Shar-Pei breed look like? - briefly
An adult Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance. It is characterized by a wrinkled face and body, a short, bristly coat, and a blue-black tongue. The breed typically stands between 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 45 to 60 pounds. The Shar-Pei has a broad, square head with small, dark eyes and erect ears that are small and triangular in shape. The coat can vary in length, with the horse coat being the most common, featuring a short, bristly coat that is easy to maintain. Other coat types include the brush coat, which is slightly longer, and the bear coat, which is long and soft. The Shar-Pei's most striking feature is its wrinkled skin, which is particularly prominent on the head and neck. The breed's overall appearance is one of strength and agility, with a muscular build and a confident, alert demeanor. The Shar-Pei's coat colors can vary widely, including fawn, cream, apricot, red, black, blue, and chocolate, among others. The breed's unique appearance and loyal, protective nature make it a popular choice for many dog enthusiasts.
What does an adult Shar-Pei breed look like? - in detail
The adult Shar-Pei is a distinctive and easily recognizable breed, known for its unique physical characteristics. One of the most notable features of the Shar-Pei is its loose, wrinkled skin, which is particularly prominent around the head, neck, and shoulders. This wrinkling is a result of the breed's genetic makeup and is more pronounced in puppies, gradually smoothing out as the dog ages. However, even in adulthood, the Shar-Pei retains a certain degree of skin folds, especially around the face and neck.
The Shar-Pei's coat is another defining feature. It comes in two varieties: horse coat and brush coat. The horse coat is short, stiff, and bristly, standing off the body and giving the dog a distinctive, almost bristly appearance. The brush coat is slightly longer and softer, with a smoother texture. Both coat types are dense and provide good protection against the elements. The breed's coat colors vary widely, including fawn, cream, apricot, red, black, blue, and various shades of sable.
The Shar-Pei's head is large and wedge-shaped, with a broad, flat skull and a well-defined stop. The muzzle is short to medium in length, with a straight or slightly curved profile. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, and dark, set deep within the wrinkles of the face. The ears are small, triangular, and set high on the head, often carried forward and slightly inward. The breed's expression is often described as alert and intelligent, with a dignified and somewhat aloof demeanor.
The body of the Shar-Pei is muscular and compact, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs. The back is level and strong, leading to a slightly arched loin and a moderately tucked-up belly. The hindquarters are powerful, with well-angled stifles and hocks. The tail is set high, thick at the base, and tapers to a point, often carried in a curl over the back or to the side.
The Shar-Pei's legs are straight and strong, with well-boned and muscular forearms. The feet are compact and cat-like, with tight, well-arched toes and thick pads. The breed's gait is smooth and effortless, with good reach and drive, and a tendency to single track as speed increases.
In summary, the adult Shar-Pei is a robust and distinctive breed, characterized by its loose, wrinkled skin, unique coat types, and powerful, compact build. Its dignified appearance and alert expression make it a striking and memorable breed.