The Shar-Pei is a type of dog breed known for its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. Although the Shar-Pei has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th century, the American Kennel Club recognized it as their 134th breed only in 1992. color, and any Shar-Pei with a 'flower-coat' (white with either black or blue patches) is a disqualification. Because of its popularity after being introduced to North America in the 1970s, the breed suffered much inexperienced or rushed breeding. This resulted in not only a dramatically different look for the Shar-Pei (as its most distinctive features, including its wrinkles and rounded snout, were greatly exaggerated), but also a large number of health problems. The American breed club states that few Shar-Pei make it to age 10 and it has a longevity program that records those dogs that live to 10 years or more. A common problem is a painful eye condition, entropion, in which the eyelashes curl inward, irritating the eye.