A short story about one of the rarest breeds of dogs.

• A short story about one of the rarest breeds of dogs.

"Like a cat with a dog" - an ancient and familiar to all expression that is used to refer to hostile and not finding understanding personalities. But is it?

Meet Sharpe and his best cat friend named Butler. This is perhaps the cutest couple you have ever seen. They live on the south coast of Australia, in Tasmania.

Shar Pei - literally "sand skin".

It is a breed of guard and hunting, as in ancient times, and fighting dogs originated in China, one of the oldest breeds.

The folds on the skull and shoulders, small ears and "hippopotamus" muzzle impart Sharpay unique look.

In 1978, Sharpe was listed as a "Guinness Book of Records" as the rarest breed in the time in the world.

On the Origin of Chinese dogs very little is known, moreover, most of the documents that could help to clarify the origin of the dogs in China, along with other books were destroyed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 213 BC. e. Two main theories suggest that Sharpe comes either from gladkoshorstnyh chow or from the ancient mastiffs.

DNA analysis confirms that Sharpe at least 3000 years - that is, it belongs to the most ancient dog breeds.

is almost certain that the Chinese Shar Pei or one of its ancestors were fighting dogs. This "sport" corresponds to the addition of the breed, especially powerful jaws that can seize and hold enemy. Barbed wool protects against damage Pei, as the enemy is unpleasant to hold it in his mouth. Therefore, there is an assumption that the ancestors of modern Chinese Shar-Pei - is fighting dogs.

Over time, Shar Pei has become a universal peasant dog suitable for home security, and for hunting. He is a strong and intelligent, able to catch up and grab even large prey.

a nasty blow to the Chinese dogs, including Shar Pei, caused the Chinese Communists, who came in the 1940s to power. They considered a luxury pet and imposed on the owners of dogs exorbitant taxes.

Later, Mao Zedong issued a decree declaring pets "symbol of the futility of the privileged class," and ordered to start their mass destruction - so during the "Cultural Revolution" this breed (along with everyone else) was almost completely destroyed.

In the official breed standard in 1981 Sharpei described with the words: "Regal, alert, intelligent, dignified, noble, gloomy, dark and arrogant".

The Chinese describe the dog as "The head is shaped like a pear or melon. Ear clam shell like, a thick and small. Face resembles a wrinkled face of an old man. Language blue-black color. Neck, like a buffalo ... ".

Shar Pei Appearance is so exotic that the French even had a saying: "If you go to visit and take imprudent with a Shar Pei, do not be surprised that you simply do not notice."

Calm, independent, loyal and devoted family. Sharpay has high caution and distrust of outsiders.

Due to the deep-set eyes of his peripheral vision is often limited, so many shar pei scared sudden movements.

All successful weekend!