The extremely harsh coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed

The extremely harsh coat is one of the distinguishing features of the breed. The coat is absolutely straight and off standing on the main trunk of the body but generally lies somewhat flatter on the limbs. The coat appears healthy without being shiny or lustrous. Acceptable coat lengths may range from extremely short "horse coat" up to the "brush coat", not to exceed one inch in length at the withers. A soft coat, a wavy coat, a coat in excess of one inch in length at the withers or a coat that has been trimmed is a major fault. the Shar-Pei is shown in its natural state.

Horse Coat

The "brush coat", while not as short as the "horse coat", should have harsh texture. Although Shar-Pei means "sandy coat", the "brush coat", up to one inch in length at the withers, is as acceptable as the "horse coat". One coat should not be preferred over the other.

Brush Coat

We wish to acknowledge Donna Kurtz for creating the excellent Shar-Pei drawings in this Illustrated Standard.