The Shar Pei is a unique and charming breed that is easily recognizable due to its distinctive wrinkled skin and the “hippopotamus” shape of its face. Originating in China, the Shar Pei was traditionally used for hunting, herding, and guarding. However, today, it is primarily known as a companion dog.
What makes the Shar Pei so special, aside from its physical features, is its wide variety of coat colours. These colours have fascinated dog enthusiasts and potential pet owners, especially when considering the rarest colours.
In this article, we will delve deep into the rarest colour Shar Pei, examining what makes these colours so rare, the genetic factors behind them, and why certain colours are so highly prized among Shar Pei lovers.
Shar Pei Coat Colours: An Overview
Before we discuss the rarest colours, it’s important to have an understanding of the various coat colours that are found in Shar Peis. The breed standard allows a wide range of colours, including:
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Fawn (the most common)
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Red
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Black
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Chocolate
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Blue
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Lilac
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Cream
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Cinnamon
Each of these colours can appear in various shades and combinations, but some are more frequent than others. While fawn and red are the most commonly seen colours, others like blue, lilac, and chocolate are considered rarer.
The rarest Shar Pei colours typically come from special genetic variations that affect pigmentation. These colours are harder to find and often require careful breeding practices to produce them.
What Makes a Colour Rare?
In dog breeding, the rarity of a colour often depends on the genetics behind the pigmentation. Canine coat colours are influenced by multiple genes, and some combinations are much less common than others.
For Shar Peis, the most influential genes are those that affect:
The “D” gene (dilution) – This gene dilutes the original colour, producing lighter shades.
The “B” gene (brown) – This gene can create brownish hues in the coat.
The “E” gene (extension) – This gene determines the presence of dark pigments like black.
Some colours are rarer because the genes responsible for them are less frequently passed down. For instance, a gene that causes the unique lilac or blue colours is recessive, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to be expressed in the offspring.
The Rarest Colour Shar Pei: Lilac and Blue
While many Shar Peis come in common colours like fawn or red, the lilac and blue variants are considered the rarest. These colours are often the result of a genetic dilution of darker colours like black or chocolate.
Lilac Shar Pei: The Purple-Hued Wonder
The lilac Shar Pei is a rare and striking colour that stands out among other colours in the breed. The lilac hue is the result of a dilution gene acting on a combination of chocolate and blue, producing a unique, soft purple-grey tone.
The lilac colour is produced when the dilution gene interacts with the chocolate gene. This combination creates a soft, almost smoky purple-grey appearance that is highly sought after by Shar Pei enthusiasts.
Lilac Shar Peis are rare because the genetic combination required to create the lilac coat is less common. Both parents must carry the dilution gene and the chocolate gene for the lilac colour to appear in their puppies. This makes lilac Shar Peis harder to breed and therefore more expensive and rare in the market.
Physical Appearance of Lilac Shar Pei
Coat Colour: Soft purple-grey tone, often with hints of blue or pink undertones.
Eyes: Lilac Shar Peis typically have lighter eyes, ranging from pale amber to a soft, golden hue.
Skin: The wrinkles are as pronounced as in any other Shar Pei, giving the breed its signature look.
Blue Shar Pei: The Cool, Steel-Hued Beauty
The blue Shar Pei is another rare and highly prized colour. The blue coat results from a dilution of black or blue-black pigment, creating a greyish-blue appearance. It’s important to note that the blue Shar Pei is not entirely blue, but rather a diluted black that gives off a cool, steel-like hue.
A blue Shar Pei is the result of the dilution gene working on the black pigment. This breed’s blue coat can vary in intensity, with some blue Shar Peis appearing darker or lighter depending on the genetic makeup of both parents.
Physical Appearance of Blue Shar Pei
Coat Colour: Ranges from a soft, dusty blue to a more intense grey-blue.
Eyes: The eye colour can vary, but they often have darker eyes compared to lilac Shar Peis, with deep amber or dark brown hues.
Skin: Like other Shar Peis, the skin is heavily wrinkled, and the blue shade enhances the distinctive look of the dog.
Why Are These Colours So Rare?
Both lilac and blue Shar Peis are rare because they result from a specific genetic combination that must occur for the colour to be expressed. The dilution genes that create these colours are recessive, which means that they are not as likely to appear in every litter.
For a lilac or blue Shar Pei to be born, both parents must carry the dilution gene and, in some cases, other associated genes, such as the chocolate gene for lilac. This makes the breeding process more complicated, and as a result, these colours are seen less frequently in the Shar Pei population.
The rarity of these colours increases their value in the market. Pet owners who are looking for a Shar Pei with a rare colour often have to pay a premium price. Moreover, because the genetic lines producing these colours are so specialized, there are fewer breeders who focus on producing lilac or blue Shar Peis.
Other Rare Shar Pei Colours
While lilac and blue are the rarest Shar Pei colours, there are other shades that are considered uncommon but not as rare. These colours include:
Chocolate Shar Pei
Chocolate Shar Peis have a rich, deep brown coat that is the result of the chocolate gene. The chocolate coat is rarer than the common fawn or red Shar Pei, but not as rare as the lilac or blue variations.
Coat Colour: A rich, deep brown.
Eyes: Dark amber or brown.
Skin: The typical Shar Pei wrinkles, making this breed look even more distinctive.
Cinnamon Shar Pei
Cinnamon is another rare colour variation that can be found in Shar Peis. This colour is a warm, reddish-brown, which can often look like a faded red or rust. It results from a specific gene combination that produces a unique reddish hue.
Coat Colour: A warm, reddish-brown colour.
Eyes: Usually dark amber or brown.
Skin: Wrinkled and soft, with a unique cinnamon tint.
Are Rare Colours Healthier?
One common misconception is that rare-coloured Shar Peis, like the lilac or blue, might have health issues due to their rarity. However, the colour itself does not directly affect the dog’s health.
That said, the genes responsible for these rare colours can sometimes be associated with certain health conditions. For example, the dilution gene can sometimes cause coat and skin issues, such as alopecia (hair loss) in some breeds. This is not a guarantee, but it is something to consider when looking for a Shar Pei of rare colours.
It’s important to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over colour. Rare colours should not come at the expense of the dog’s overall well-being. Health tests for conditions like hip dysplasia, skin issues, and eye health should always be part of any responsible breeding program.
Conclusion:
The lilac and blue Shar Peis are the rarest colours in the breed, captivating dog lovers with their stunning, unique appearances. These colours, created by the complex interaction of specific genes, are harder to come by and often come with a higher price tag. However, their rarity makes them highly sought after by collectors and Shar Pei enthusiasts.
While rarer colours like lilac and blue are appealing, potential dog owners should always prioritize the health and well-being of the dog. A rare colour should never overshadow important factors like temperament, genetics, and health testing.
In the end, whether you choose a common fawn Shar Pei or the rarest lilac or blue variation, this breed’s distinct wrinkled look and charming personality are sure to make it a beloved companion for years to come.