COLOR

Only solid colors and sable are acceptable and are to be judged on an equal basis. A solid color dog may have shading, primarily darker, down the back and on the ears. The shading must be variations of the same body color and may include darker hairs throughout the coat. The following colors are disqualifications: Albino; Not a solid color, i.e.: Brindle; Parti-colored; Spotted; Patterned in any combination of colors.

See Coat Colors for more information on coat colors.

GAIT

The movement of the Shar-Pei is to be judged at a trot. The gait is free and balanced with the feet tending to converge on a center line of gravity when the dog moves at a vigorous trot. The gait combines good forward reach and a strong drive in the hindquarters. Proper movement is essential.

Shar-Pei should be gaited on a loose lead at a moderate trot.

TEMPERAMENT

Regal, alert, intelligent, dignified, lordly, scowling, sober and snobbish essentially independent and somewhat standoffish with strangers, but extreme in his devotion to his family. The Shar-Pei stands firmly on the ground with a calm, confident stature.

The Chinese Shar-Pei may be aloof with strangers.

RING PRESENTATION

When judging the Chinese Shar-Pei, as with all dogs, it is important to approach the dog from the front so that the dog is fully aware of the judge's presence. It is also important to remember that forehead, side wrinkles, and the desired sunken eye combine to limit Shar-Pei peripheral vision. A sudden approach toward a dog from outside his field of vision may startle the Shar-Pei. The dog should recover quickly and resume his confident stature.