Como Saber Si Un Shar Pei Es Original

So, you're thinking about getting a Shar Pei, huh? Excellent choice! These wrinkly wonders are like walking, talking (well, mostly grumbling) balls of adorable. But how do you know if the little guy or gal you're eyeing is the real deal? Fear not, my friend, because we're about to dive into the wonderful, slightly confusing world of authenticating your potential Shar Pei pal!

Wrinkle Mania: The More, the Merrier (Almost!)

Let's start with the obvious: the wrinkles! A true Shar Pei pup is practically drowning in them. Imagine a tiny, fluffy Shar-Pei wearing an oversized, wrinkled raincoat, and you're on the right track.

These aren't just any wrinkles, mind you. We're talking deep, plentiful folds, especially when they're puppies. Think of a freshly baked croissant, all flaky layers and delightful imperfections.

But Wait! There's a Wrinkle Limit (Sort Of)

Now, before you go snatching up the wrinkliest, most prune-like puppy you can find, there's a slight catch. As Shar Pei dogs mature, some of those wrinkles will smooth out.

It's like a teenager suddenly growing into their oversized clothes. An adult Shar Pei will still have wrinkles, particularly around the head, face, and shoulders, but they won't be quite as overwhelmingly wrinkly as they were as a puppy. Think mature croissant, golden brown and still delicious, but without quite so many flaky bits flying off.

If the adult Shar Pei is completely smooth, then there might be something wrong. He might not be the Shar Pei you are looking for. But don't panic, there are other clues!

The Hippopotamus Mouth: A Sign of Royalty

Okay, "hippopotamus mouth" might not be the official term, but it's a pretty accurate description! A genuine Shar Pei will often have a mouth and muzzle that resembles that of a hippo. This is because the breed tends to have a lot of extra skin around the mouth, creating a slightly puffy, almost swollen appearance.

The lips can also be quite thick and fleshy. It's all part of that charmingly grumpy expression they're so famous for. Just imagine a miniature hippo with wrinkles; that's your Shar Pei!

If the dog has a very tight, thin-lipped mouth, it might be a sign that it's not a purebred Shar Pei. It is very important to notice the thick lips.

The Blue-Black Tongue: A Mark of Distinction

This is a big one! A true Shar Pei often has a distinctive blue-black tongue. It's like they've been secretly snacking on blueberry popsicles their entire lives!

Not all Shar Pei dogs have completely blue-black tongues. Some may have tongues that are primarily pink with patches of blue or black. This is acceptable, too. But you need to see it, or it's not your boy.

However, a completely pink tongue is a major red flag. It strongly suggests that the dog is not a purebred Shar Pei. Of course, it's always a good idea to gently check the tongue after you've made friends with the dog! We don't want any surprise nips!

Small, Triangular Ears: Listening Devices, Shar Pei Style

Shar Pei dogs have relatively small, triangular ears that sit close to their head. Think of them as tiny little triangles of velvety goodness.

The ears should be thick and slightly rounded at the tips. They are also forward-pointing. They don't perk up like those of a German Shepherd; they are going to be small and triangular.

If the dog has large, floppy ears that stick out from its head, it's likely a mix. It is not the Shar Pei that you are looking for.

The Tail: A Curled Cue

The tail of a Shar Pei is another important feature. It is typically set high on the rump and curls tightly over the back.

Think of it as a little cinnamon roll perched jauntily on their rear end. Some Shar Pei dogs have a single curl, while others have a double curl. It is all accepted.

A straight tail, or a tail that hangs down loosely, is not typical of the breed. It should curl.

The Coat: Rough and Ready

The Shar Pei coat is short, bristly, and slightly rough to the touch. It's not the kind of coat you want to bury your face in for a cuddle (unless you enjoy a mild facial exfoliation!).

The texture is often described as being similar to sandpaper. It’s not exactly soft and fluffy, but it has a certain charm. It's also important to note that Shar Pei dogs come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, red, fawn, and blue.

If the dog has a long, fluffy coat, it's definitely not a purebred Shar Pei. You need a short bristly coat.

Temperament: A Grumpy Gus with a Heart of Gold

Shar Pei dogs are known for their independent and somewhat aloof personalities. They are not overly affectionate, and they can be suspicious of strangers.

Think of them as the grumpy old men of the dog world. However, they are also fiercely loyal to their families and can be very protective. So, while they might not shower you with kisses and cuddles, they will definitely have your back.

If the dog is overly friendly and outgoing, it might not be a purebred Shar Pei. They tend to be reserved and independent.

The Paper Trail: Proof is in the Pedigree

Of course, the best way to ensure that your Shar Pei is the real deal is to get it from a reputable breeder who can provide you with pedigree papers.

These papers are like the doggy equivalent of a birth certificate. They prove that the dog's parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents were all purebred Shar Pei dogs. A good breeder will have these papers to prove it.

Think of it as getting the complete family history of your new best friend! It's the gold standard for verification.

DNA Testing: The Ultimate Verdict

If you're still unsure about your Shar Pei's breed, you can always opt for a DNA test. There are several commercially available DNA tests that can identify a dog's breed with a high degree of accuracy.

It's like giving your dog a 23andMe test! You'll get a detailed report of their ancestry. Plus, it can be fun to learn about any surprising genetic quirks your dog might have!

It can be more reliable than the eye. It is the ultimate proof that your Shar Pei is actually a Shar Pei.

Trust Your Gut (and the Wrinkles!)

Ultimately, choosing a dog is a personal decision. While it's important to look for the characteristics of a purebred Shar Pei, don't get too caught up in the details.

Sometimes, the best way to know if a dog is right for you is to simply spend time with it. Do you feel a connection? Do you love those wrinkly rolls? Then that's all that matters.

So go ahead, find your perfect, wrinkly, grumpy Shar Pei companion. You won't regret it!