The Miniature Shar-Pei, as the name suggests, is a smaller version of Standard Chinese Shar-Pei. It is a purebred dog that has been developed by selective breeding of smaller Shar-Pei which have a recessive gene. Selective breeding of small size Shar-Peis makes the recessive gene dominant and the resulting puppies are born as miniature. The standard Shar-Pei has been used as hunting, guarding and protecting dog in the Chinese farms. The breed became almost extinct during communist revolution when one Matgo Law, a Hong Kong businessman, got hold of a few Shar-Peis and rescued them to USA where it has continued to grow.
The Miniature Shar-Pei is almost square, short and broad dog with abundant, tight wrinkling about the head and body. This dog does not stand more than 17 inches in height and weighs any where between 25-40 lbs. It comes with a slightly large head in proportion to the body. Almond shaped eyes should be dark. Wide-set, small ears should be triangular, hang close to the head and preferably curled back at the edge. Large, wide nose is dark or self-coloured. Medium length neck is muscular, set well into the shoulders and has abundant dewlap. The square body has deep and broad chest and topline dips slightly behind withers and rises somewhat over the loin. Thick at the base tail tapers slightly to a point, curls and carried over the back. The dog has short coat that is harsh to touch. It comes in solid colours only.
The Miniature Shar-Pei is NOT recognized by AKC or any other kennel club due to its size which is a minimum 18 inches for standard Shar-Pei.