Th e Shar-Pei is to be shown in a natural state and the coat should appear healthy without being shiny or lustrous. At some shows classes may be divided into the two acceptable coat types – horsecoat and brushcoat. It is not a judge’s task to deter- mine the type of coat and one coat is not preferred over the other. What is impor- tant is to determine which dogs have coats with the correct harsh texture. Th e general appearance paragraph also mentions the importance of a high set tail, a characteristic feature of the breed. Th e tail is thick and round at the base and tapers to a fine point, curling over or to either side of the back. Th e high set tail goes hand in hand with the up-tilted anus and the slightly rising topline. Th e topline dips slightly behind the withers and rises slightly to the short, broad loin. Th is should not appear to be a sway back or saddle back and there is no dropping of the topline at the base of tail. Th is refer- ence causes some confusion. Th e correct topline should never appear to be high in the rear and it is important that the dog
appear compact with a strong, firm back. Th e topline should be evaluated while the dog is standing and again when moving. The Best Approach—General Tips Judges should remember that one of the original functions of the breed was as a watchdog and Shar-Pei may be essentially independent and stando ffi sh with strang- ers. Due to the deep set eye and wrinkles framing the face, Shar-Pei may have lim- ited peripheral vision. Some dogs may be startled if hands come at them from above.
“What is important is to DETERMINE WHICH DOGS HAVE COATS WITH THE CORRECT HARSH TEXTURE.”
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