Height: 18 to 20 inches at shoulder
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Coat: bristly and thick
Life span: 8 to 12 years
Breed Group: Working Dogs

Though the Chinese Shar-Pei is the 134th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, the breed has been around for hundreds of years. He was developed to guard, hunt, herd, and later, fight, and is known for his characteristic short, bristly coat, loose, wrinkled skin, and devotion to his family. Today, the Shar-Pei mostly enjoys life as a beloved companion.