Miniature Shar Pei

The Miniature Shar-Pei will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Because of its padded head, the Miniature Shar-Pei is very sensitive to heat. Shade and water must always be available. Provided it gets enough exercise, it will be very peaceful indoors.

Not Good with Kids: In isolation, this dog breed might not be the best option for kids. However, to mitigate the risks, have the puppy grow up with kids and provide it with plenty of pleasant and relaxed experiences with them. This breed is also friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers.

The Miniature Chinese Shar-Pei have a considerable need for exercise, which includes a daily walk. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog that the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Do not over exercise them in the heat, as they are sensitive to it.

Miniature Shar Peis have a shoulder height up to 43 cm (17 in) and weigh up to 17 kg (38 lbs). Like their larger brethren, they are known for their blue-black tongue and profusely wrinkled head, neck, and shoulders. They have large heads with small, highly set ears, and thick tails which curl over the back. Miniature Shar Peis have large, wide muzzles, and small, sunken eyes. Puppies have wrinkles all over their bodies.

The Miniature Shar Pei is affectionate, adaptable, playful, confident, calm, independent, regal, and alert. They are inherently clean and quiet. Some can be a bit aloof and though they are wise, obedience training requires a confident, consistent authority figure to prevent them from becoming overly dominant. This breed makes a delightful companion but is very independent with a temperament that will depend highly on how the owner treats the dog. It is a dog that bonds well with its family and is very devoted. Daily walks are needed to give the dog some exercise. During times of increased temperature walks should be shortened as these dogs are somewhat sensitive to the heat.

This breed goes back to around 200 BC in China where it was a cross of relatives to the Chow Chow, Mastiff, Terrier, and Bulldog. Over the years this breed became larger as the mastiff influence began to come out. What many people do not know is that the Miniature actually represents a more accurate build of the breed's true dimensions. Until Shar Pei became AKC recognized, and the larger standard was adopted, those breeding what are now known as Miniature Shar Pei were actually breeding the more original size. This was recently discovered through the finding of the gene responsible for the miniature size. Before this many thought that the smaller sized dogs were unhealthy or considered to be mistakes. Today Miniature Shar Pei breeders believe that this breed is special unto itself and worthy of approval by the American Kennel Club.