Shar Peis are one of the most distinctive dog breeds in the world. With their deep wrinkles, unique “hippopotamus” face, and curled tails, they are immediately recognizable. But what do Shar Pei puppies look like as they grow and develop? In this article, we will take a closer look at the physical characteristics of Shar Pei puppies, their distinctive features, and how they evolve as they age.
Introduction to the Shar Pei Breed
Before diving into what Shar Pei puppies look like, it’s important to understand a bit about the breed. The Shar Pei originated in China and was originally bred for guarding and hunting. They have a strong, independent, and sometimes aloof personality, but they are also very loyal and affectionate with their families.
The breed’s most famous features are its wrinkles and distinctive “hippopotamus” face, which give it a unique appearance. In addition to their wrinkles, Shar Peis have a broad, flat nose, large ears, and a curled tail. These features give the breed a very unique, almost exotic look compared to other dogs.
Shar Pei Puppy Features
When you first look at a Shar Pei puppy, it can be hard to imagine how these little pups will grow into the adult dogs with the distinctive characteristics the breed is known for. Shar Pei puppies have several physical traits that set them apart from other dog breeds, and some of these features change as they grow. Let’s explore the typical physical features of a Shar Pei puppy.
1. Wrinkles
One of the most noticeable characteristics of a Shar Pei puppy is its wrinkles. Shar Pei puppies are born with a lot of loose skin that forms into deep wrinkles as they grow. When they are born, the wrinkles may look even more exaggerated, but over time, some of these wrinkles will settle into their permanent positions as the dog matures. The skin on a Shar Pei’s face, neck, and body is loose and folds into distinctive wrinkles.
While wrinkles are a hallmark of the breed, not all Shar Peis have the same number or depth of wrinkles. Some puppies will have more pronounced wrinkles from the start, while others may have a smoother look. As they grow, the wrinkles can become more pronounced, but the degree of wrinkling often varies between individual dogs.
2. “Hippopotamus” Face
The Shar Pei’s “hippopotamus” face is another signature feature that makes the breed stand out. A Shar Pei puppy’s face is broad and flat with a wide, short nose. Their eyes are relatively small compared to the size of their head, and they have large, rounded ears that are set far apart. Their face appears wrinkled and somewhat flattened, with the skin sagging over the eyes, contributing to the “hippopotamus” appearance.
When Shar Pei puppies are young, their faces may look particularly round and puffy. As they grow, their features will become more defined, but they will still retain the broad, distinctive face throughout adulthood.
3. Small Size and Stocky Build
Shar Pei puppies are small and compact when they are born. They typically weigh around 1 to 2 pounds at birth, but they grow steadily as they age. At about 8 weeks old, a Shar Pei puppy will typically weigh around 8 to 10 pounds. The breed has a stocky and muscular build, with a strong chest, thick neck, and sturdy bones. Despite their small size as puppies, they will develop into well-built dogs with impressive strength for their size.
Shar Pei puppies have a sturdy, compact frame. Their limbs are short but powerful, and they carry their body with a confident stance. Though small as pups, they grow into adult dogs that typically weigh between 45 and 60 pounds when fully grown, depending on the individual.
4. Coat Texture and Color
Another interesting characteristic of Shar Pei puppies is their coat. As puppies, their coats are soft and plush. A Shar Pei puppy’s coat may appear thick and full, with a velvety feel. As they age, their coat will become more stiff and bristly. This transition typically occurs as the puppy matures into an adult.
Shar Pei puppies can come in a variety of colors, including fawn, red, black, chocolate, and blue. The coat may appear more vibrant in color when the puppy is younger, and some puppies may even have a slightly different texture in the early stages of life. However, as they mature, their coats become rougher and less soft. It’s important to note that the color of a Shar Pei puppy’s coat will usually stay consistent throughout its life, although some dogs may experience slight fading as they age.
5. Tail
Shar Peis are known for their distinctive curled tails. A Shar Pei puppy’s tail is often curled tightly over its back, giving it a cute and endearing look. The tail is an important characteristic of the breed, and it remains curled as the puppy matures. The tail is often covered with the same short, bristly coat that the rest of the body has, making it appear like a little “tassel” at the dog’s rear.
The tail is not typically straightened, and it remains a key feature as the dog grows older. Some Shar Peis have a more tightly curled tail, while others may have a looser curl. This variation depends on the individual dog and its genetics.
6. Eyes and Expression
Shar Pei puppies are born with small, almond-shaped eyes that are set deeply into their face. The eyes are typically dark, either brown or black, and they often give the puppy a slightly “serious” or intense expression. Even as puppies, Shar Peis tend to have a reserved and calm demeanor, and their eyes reflect this.
As puppies, the eyes may appear slightly more protruding due to the softness of their facial structure. As they grow, the eyes become more deeply set into the face, and the expression may become more reserved and calm. Shar Pei puppies are not known for being overly playful or excessively energetic, and their eyes often reflect this laid-back attitude.
7. Ears
A Shar Pei puppy’s ears are small and triangular, and they are set apart on the head. The ears are thick and can have a somewhat “folded” appearance, particularly when the puppy is younger. As the puppy matures, the ears become more defined and stand up straighter, although they remain somewhat floppy.
The ears play a significant role in the overall appearance of a Shar Pei puppy, and the unique shape adds to their “hippopotamus” face. As the puppy grows, the ears become a bit more mobile, but they retain their signature triangular shape.
Development of a Shar Pei Puppy
The physical appearance of a Shar Pei puppy changes as it grows. Here is a general timeline of what you can expect during the development of a Shar Pei puppy:
Birth to 8 Weeks:
At birth, Shar Pei puppies are small, weighing around 1 to 2 pounds. Their skin is loose, and they have soft, smooth fur. Their faces are round, and their eyes are closed. Around the second week of life, the puppies begin to open their eyes and start to move around. The wrinkles and “hippopotamus” face become more noticeable by this time, and their personalities begin to develop.
8 to 16 Weeks:
At around 8 weeks of age, a Shar Pei puppy will begin to show more distinctive features. The wrinkles become deeper, and the puppy’s face becomes more pronounced. Their bodies grow stronger and more muscular, and their coats begin to change from soft and plush to the rougher texture of an adult dog. During this time, puppies will also begin socializing with other dogs and humans.
4 to 6 Months:
By 4 to 6 months, Shar Pei puppies start to develop more mature features. The face becomes even more wrinkled, and their small, almond-shaped eyes become more defined. Their ears start to stand up more, and their tails become more tightly curled. The body becomes more compact and muscular, and the coat becomes thicker and coarser. At this stage, the puppy’s appearance is becoming closer to that of an adult dog.
12 Months:
By the time a Shar Pei reaches 12 months old, it will have fully developed into an adult dog. The wrinkles become more defined, and the coat becomes rougher. The puppy’s body has reached its full size, and the distinctive “hippopotamus” face is now well established. At this age, the Shar Pei will have matured into the calm, loyal dog it is known to be.
Conclusion
Shar Pei puppies are one of the most adorable and distinctive breeds around. From their deep wrinkles to their broad, flat faces and curled tails, Shar Pei puppies have a look that is unmistakable. As they grow, their features become more defined, but they retain the signature characteristics that make them stand out from other breeds.
If you’re considering getting a Shar Pei puppy, it’s essential to understand their unique physical traits and how they evolve as they grow. Whether you love their adorable wrinkles or their reserved demeanor, Shar Peis are a truly one-of-a-kind breed that captures the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.