The curiosities of dogs introduce us to one of the most adorable species on the face of the earth. Whether it’s a mighty German Shepherd, a familiar Golden Retriever or an adorable Poodle, dogs have earned the status of man’s best friend. At Supercurious we simply love them. And precisely for this reason, on this occasion we want to talk to you about a nice breed that steals glances and curiosities. We tell you why Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled. Can you come with us? Well, let’s get started.
What are Shar Pei dogs like?
The Shar Pei is a breed of dog native to China, noted for its unique appearance and distinctive temperament. With their wrinkled skin and compact body, these dogs attract attention and captivate animal lovers around the world..
In this article, we’ll explore the general characteristics of Shar Pei dogs, from their physical appearance to their personality and specific needs. There are records of its existence from the year 206 BC. and were once the symbol of the Han dynasty.
What stands out the most about them is that Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled, but they also attract attention due to their temperament. Shar Peis are known to be loyal, independent, and protective dogs of their family.
They are courageous and reserved around strangers, making them good watchdogs. Although they can be somewhat aloof with people they don’t know, they are loving and affectionate dogs with their loved ones. However, their strong character requires early socialization and consistent leadership to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, balanced dogs.
Why are Shar Pei dogs wrinkled?
Now we will answer the question of why Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled. A group of researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has discovered the origin of the mucinosis present in Shar Pei dogs: a hereditary disorder is responsible for the characteristic wrinkles of this breed.
The study details the genetic alteration in these dogs that multiplies the activity of an enzyme responsible for a excessive production of hyaluronic acida substance that collects under the skin and causes wrinkles.
Thanks to the findings of this investigationwith which it will be possible to understand this molecular mechanism, it will be possible to start new breeding programs aimed at improving the health of these animals. It will also be used to learn more about human disorders such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) or mucinosis, and to gain insight into the aging process.
The history of the Shar Pei
Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled as a unique feature. Let us remember that the breed originated in the south of China more than two thousand years ago with the Han Dynasty and was used as guard dogs and shepherds.
After Mao Tse-Tung’s communist revolution, the Shar Pei breed almost disappeared. However, in the early 1970s, a Hong Kong breeder, Matgo-Law, sent a series of Shar Pei to the United States and began the process of bringing back the breed, considered the rarest in the world.
Shar Peis became a popular breed in Europe and the United States in the early 1990s.. During the recovery process, the characteristic wrinkles of the early Shar Pei dogs were improved and the offspring of these dogs appeared with thicker skin and a greater number of wrinkles.
Cutaneous Mucinosis in Shar Pei
Shar Pei dogs are wrinkly and look adorable for it. However, this also has consequences for your health. This increased thickness and excessive wrinkling are the cause of the hereditary skin disorder mucinosis cutis, in which there is an accumulation of mucin in the layers of the skin. The mechanism that produces this excess of mucin was unknown until now.
Mucinosis in Shar Peis is due, as we mentioned, to an accumulation of hyaluronic acid (one of the main components found in the space between tissue cells) in the skin structures. This causes them to have high levels of hyaluronic acid in their bloodstream as well. Research using cell cultures of fibroblasts isolated from Shar Pei skin has enabled scientists to show that hyaluronic acid synthesis occurs in abnormally high amounts due to excess activity (overexpression) of the enzyme HAS2, one of the three enzymes responsible for acid synthesis in mammals. Now the researchers are working to find the exact location of the genetic mutation that causes this metabolic alteration.
And in addition to the fact that Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled, they also have other charming curiosities. For example, their tongue is between blue and black. It is a rarity in the canine world and distinguishes them from most other breeds. This particularity is due to the presence of dark pigmentation on the tongue and gums. They also have peculiarities in the color of their fur. Although the most common shade is beige or cream, they can also be found in a variety of shades, including black, chocolate, blue, red, and sand. Some even have dilute colored fur, giving them a unique look.
And you, Did you know why Shar Pei dogs are wrinkled? What do you think of this adorable breed? What do you think of the scientific advances that are taking place, and that they claim will improve their quality of life? Go ahead and leave us all your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you! And if you are as fanatical about dogs as we are, do not miss the article in which we tell you about the most interesting myths about dogs. Until next time!