The Many Colors of the Chinese Shar-Pei

“Effective 12 June 2002. This is the list of colors available to register a Chinese Shar-Pei with AKC.”

STANDARD COLORS (17)
Black
Cream
Brown
Red
Red Fawn
Fawn
Black Sable
Fawn Sable
Red Sable

Dilutes:
Apricot Dilute
Blue Dilute
Lilac Dilute
Cream Dilute
Chocolate Dilute
Five Point Red Dilute
Isabella Dilute

Alternate Colors: (3)
White

Marking/Patterns: (7)
Mask Sable
Spotted on White Markings
Pointed: Tan or white.
Cream Points

Keep in mind that no one color is preferred over another. If you run across someone selling a Shar-Pei that is a color that is not on this list, then chances are that they are trying to promote their dog as rare, so they can charge you more money. Please do not fall for those schemes. Only a solid colored dog can be shown in the AKC show ring. Do not let anyone tell you that a flowered dog (dog with two different distinct colors is show quality, because it is not. Nor is it a rare occurrence.

No matter what color of dog you like, please be sure to check for health clearances on any dog that you are considering purchasing. Breeders that are trying to improve the Breed always do some health testing on their dogs before they breed them. The reason is so that they can eliminate any dog that doesn’t pass the testing from their breeding program. There is a cost for this testing, and many breeders that are out to make a buck, will not spend the money for the testing. Beware of those breeders. Hip dysplasia and patella problems can make a dog a cripple, and dogs with poor
eyes and allergy problems can cost a lot of money to correct not to mention making the dog miserable.