The English name 'Shar-Pei' derives from the British spelling of the older Cantonese shā pèih (沙皮, Mandarin: shā pí), which translates to 'sandy skin' and refers to the texture of the breed's short, rough coat. As puppies, Shar-Pei have numerous wrinkles, but as they mature, these loosen and spread out as they 'grow into their skin'. 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. 3 Health. Compared to other breeds, Shar-Pei have an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis, a chronic allergic skin disease. Dogs with allergic skin disease often get allergy-induced skin infections. Dogs with allergic skin disease often get allergy-induced skin infections.
chronic allergic skin disease. atopic dermatitis,
chronic allergic skin disease. atopic dermatitis,