Chihuahua vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Chihuahua vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed ComparisonChinese Shar Pei is originated from China but Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Chinese Shar Pei may grow 33 cm / 13 inches higher than Chihuahua. Chinese Shar Pei may weigh 21 kg / 47 pounds more than Chihuahua. Chinese Shar Pei may live 9 years less than Chihuahua. Both Chinese Shar Pei and Chihuahua has almost same litter size. Chinese Shar Pei requires Moderate Maintenance. But Chihuahua requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Non sporting dog
Toy dog
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China
Mexico
Height Male:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
43 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 24 kg
35 - 53 pounds
2 - 4 kg
4 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 11 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 5
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Shar-Pei, char pei
None
Colors Available:
cream, red, blue, black silver sables, black bronze sables, isabelle (silver shading on a dilute-colored dog), cream dilute, flower (white with either blue or black patche , apricot dilute, lilac, chocolate, five-point red, sables, chocolate dilute, black, red fawn, brown
Fawn, white and black, tan
Coat:
Horse-coat, Brush-coat and Bear-coat
Short- and long haired
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

chinese shar peiThe Chinese Shar-Pei is originally from Canton, China. The Shar-Pei has a blue-black tongue and many deep wrinkles. They have more wrinkles as a puppy than the adult dogs do. They are one of the rarest breeds in the world and are considered a basal breed – meaning their existence predates modern canines. Most canines are related to the gray wolf through genetic admixture. However, there are breeds like the Siberian Husky, the Greenland Dog, Finnish Spitz and the Shar Pei are all related to the Taymyr Wolk of North Asia through admixture. The Shar Pei is found throughout the centuries in Chinese artwork, especially found during the Han Dynasty, and are considered one of the most ancient of breeds on earth today. In this period, they were fighting dogs then became beloved pets. Today the Tibetans still use them as fighting dogs.

Following the Communist Revolution, the Char Pei was almost extinct until Margo Law saved the breed. During this time, they smuggled around 200 dogs into the United States. All the dogs in the United States today come from those 200 dogs. They were accepted in 1992 into the AKC. The dogs served as trackers, hunters, ratters, guard dogs and herders.

chihuahuaQuite a bit of the Chihuahua’s history is shrouded in mystery, and there are different versions about its origins.

While historians speculate, most will agree that the tiny dog hails from Mexico. The UK Kennel Club considers the smooth- and long coat Chihuahuas as 2 distinct breeds.It was in 1904 that the Chihuahua became a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.

Chihuahua is actually the name of a state in Mexico, and it is amazing that Chihuahua specimens were found way back in the 1800's already. Today the Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed in several countries.

Description

chinese shar pei puppy - descriptionThe Chines Sar Pei has what if known as a Horse-coat which is prickly, harsh, and rough to the touch on one direction and rough to touch on the other. Western Shar Peis can be Horse, Bearcoat and Brush. The Brush is longer and smoother while the Bear coat is rare and in-between the two. The Bearcoat is not accepted by the AKC while the other two types of coats are.

The Shar Pei should have a hippo shaped head, a black-purple tongue, black mouth, deep set almond shaped dark eyes, small ears and red coats. His profile is square, and his muzzle is full and wide. Most Shar Peis only have facial and neck wrinkles left as adults.

chihuahua puppy - descriptionThe small Chihuahua stands at about 15 – 23 cm and he weighs about 1,5 – 4kg.

You’ll notice that he shivers when he is excited or when he is cold or frightened. Some people buy him a jersey to don on cooler days. With this tiny toy dog, you get a short- and a long coated Chihuahua.

This is the smallest dog breed and his coat is available in a number of colors such as fawn, tan, white and black. It is the dog’s round apple-shaped head which is a distinctive feature. He has erect ears and huge fruit-bat type eyes.

Temperament:

The Chihuahua is such an alert, fun-loving, feisty little dog, and though he may appear to be an ideal pet for children, he actually isn’t. He is too dainty and frail, and a child, during play, could accidentally crush him.

It’s a pity though because he just loves being around his human family. He is also a highly strung dog, and given the chance, he’ll nip and even bite during games. It is why socialization and training are considered important for the Chihuahua.

Just like with children, how you raise and treat your Chihuahua will determine how he turns out. He is such a sweet little dog that training and socialization can remove these unwanted characteristics. He is very intelligent and responds well to training.

Characteristics

chinese shar pei dog - characteristicsThe Shar Pei must be socialized early to other people, children and animals if he is to be friendly with them. He is loyal to his people and instinctively wary of strangers. He will be completed devoted to his people, but he is reserved and independent. They can be aggressive and territorial if not socialized. They are stubborn, loving and loyal. They are dominant, brave and playful. They are great watch dogs. Keep them busy because they tend to think a lot independently and if they don’t have a job they may create one.

chihuahua dog - characteristicsSmall and feisty, the Chihuahua’s personality isn’t set in stone, and the tiny dog can be either shy and timid or he can be social, confident and jaunty.

They're always loyal and affectionate to their human owners, but they don’t get on too well with- and are wary of small children who aren’t disciplined and who could hurt them.

With his big eyes and big ears together with his comical antics, they can be a source of entertainment for their human owners. He is easy to train too and even though he is small, he doesn’t think he is, and he is willing to use his big personality to make you a loving, loyal and devoted companion.

Health Problems

chinese shar pei puppies - health problemsBecause of the rushed and inexperienced breeding programs in the United States due to the popularity of the breed, there are many health issues in the North American version of the Shar Pei. Their life expectancy is generally under ten years. They are prone to:

  • Familial Shar Pei Fever - congenital
  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF
  • Entropion eye issues
  • Ear infections
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary

chihuahua puppies - health problemsThe Chihuahua doesn't have any particular health issues, more so when you get him from a reputable breeder. With good care he can reach 20 years of age.

Hypoglycemia:

Known as low blood sugar, hypoglycemia is easily treatable, but if it isn’t caught early it can be fatal.Hypoglycemia makes a dog lethargic and he’ll shiver and could go into a coma. Get him to the vet immediately.

Bloat:

Gastric Dilatation or bloat is when the stomach twists, it becomes enlarged and blood supply is cut off to the stomach. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Dental Disease:

Chihuahuas are susceptible to dental problems, so you will need to brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build-up, gum disease, loss of teeth and other diseases.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

chinese shar pei dogs - caringFeed a good quality dry dog food but do not overfeed. You should feed twice a day about one cup per six pounds for puppies. Adults should have two cups a day.

Health issues

• Familial Shar Pei Fever – congenital and serious. This produces fevers that can last from 24 hours to three days. Swelling around the ankles is due to fluid retention.

  • Atopic Dermatitis – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Skin Infections – due to skin and coat conditions hereditary
  • Amyloidosis – Long term related to FSF and leads to renal failure.

• Entropion eye issues – eyelashes curl in and inflame the eye. Can cause blindness if not treated. Requires surgery.

  • Ear infections – yeast infections – clean them often.
  • Vitamin D deficiency hereditary – causes swollen hocks syndrome and fever.

Exercise and games

Both as a puppy and an adult this is a pretty active dog. He needs at the very least to be walked every day or have a back yard to play in. They are sensitive to heat so bring them in when its really hot and don’t walk them in the heat. They love to play, are athletic and competitive. Try agility, tracking, rally and obedience trials.

Diet:

chihuahua dogs - caringAlways make sure to choose a high-quality dog food for your Chihuahua as this will keep him in tip-top health. A healthy Chihuahua can live to be 20 years of age. Speak to a veterinarian for recommendations on the best type of food to feed your tiny pet.

Giving him some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken for instance will be a welcome treat for him. Make sure he always has a bowl of fresh, cool water close by.

Exercise:

The Chihuahua may well be the smallest toy sized dog breed, but don’t be mistaken – he has plenty of energy and is constantly prancing around. He is more than capable of living in a small apartment, but even so he needs to be taken outside every now and then for a game or a walk.

Be careful with your small pet though, as too much exercise can lead to elbow- and hip dysplasia.

Grooming:

The Chihuahua is a moderate shedder with Spring being their heavier shedding period. Because of his small size, you won’t be bothered by too much hair. The short haired Chihuahua is easy to maintain and with a rubber brush, you can brush him gently twice a week.

You’ll also need to clip his nails and if you can’t manage this your vet can also help you.

Comparison with other breeds

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  40. Chinese Shar Pei vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Chinese Shar Pei vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Chinese Shar Pei vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Chinese Shar Pei vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Chinese Shar Pei vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Chinese Shar Pei vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
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