Wheaten Pei

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog that presents a square, compact silhouette when viewed from the side, embodying both strength and elegance. Males typically stand eighteen to nineteen inches at the shoulder and weigh thirty-five to forty pounds, while females are slightly smaller at seventeen to eighteen inches and thirty to thirty-five pounds. The breed possesses a sturdy, athletic build that reflects its working heritage as an Irish farm dog, with sufficient bone and muscle to perform demanding tasks while maintaining a graceful appearance that belies its hardworking origins. The breed's namesake coat is its most distinctive characteristic, setting it apart from all other terrier breeds and making it instantly recognizable. The single-layered coat is remarkably soft and silky with a gentle wave, falling in loose curls that cover the entire body including the face and legs. Unlike most terriers with harsh, wiry coats designed to repel water and debris, the Wheaten's coat has the luxurious texture of silk and requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Two coat types exist within the breed: the Irish coat, which is silkier and wavier with a flowing quality, and the American coat, which is thicker and more abundant with fuller coverage. The coat color ranges from pale beige to shimmering reddish gold, with any shade of wheaten acceptable in the show ring. Puppies are born with dark coloring, often appearing brown or reddish, that gradually lightens as they mature, typically reaching their full wheaten color by two to three years of age. The head is moderately long with a flat skull and a well-defined stop that gives the face character. The muzzle is strong and should be no longer than the skull, with a large black nose and dark reddish-brown or brown eyes that convey warmth and intelligence. V-shaped ears fold forward at skull level, framing the face attractively, and a distinctive beard adorns the muzzle. The tail is docked in countries where permitted and is carried upright with confidence. The overall expression should be alert and happy, reflecting the breed's characteristically cheerful temperament.

The Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog instantly recognizable by its distinctive loose, wrinkled skin, particularly abundant around the head, neck, and shoulders. Adults typically stand seventeen to twenty inches at the shoulder and weigh forty-five to sixty pounds, with males being somewhat larger and more muscular than females. Two distinct types exist within the breed: the traditional bone-mouth type with fewer wrinkles and a more streamlined muzzle, and the Western meat-mouth type featuring more exaggerated wrinkling and a fleshier, broader muzzle that has become popular in show rings. Puppies display significantly more wrinkling than adults, as the loose skin becomes less pronounced as the dog matures and grows into it. The breed's coat is another defining characteristic, with the name Shar Pei translating to sand skin in reference to its unique texture. The coat is short, harsh, and bristly to the touch, standing off from the body rather than lying flat against the skin. Two coat lengths are recognized: the extremely short horse coat, which is rough and prickly like sandpaper, and the slightly longer brush coat, which can reach up to one inch at the withers and feels somewhat softer. Solid colors are standard and include black, red, fawn, cream, chocolate, blue, apricot, and various dilute shades. The Shar Pei shares the distinctive blue-black tongue with only one other breed, the Chow Chow, reflecting their common Chinese ancestry and ancient origins. The head is large and appears somewhat disproportionate to the body, featuring a broad, flat skull and a distinctive hippopotamus-shaped muzzle that is wide, padded, and full. Small, triangular ears sit high on the head and fold forward toward the eyes, contributing to the breed's unique expression. The eyes are small, sunken, and dark, often appearing almost hidden within the facial folds. The high-set tail is thick and round at the base, tapering to a point and carried in a tight curl over the back or to either side. The overall impression is of a dignified, compact, and powerful dog with an unmistakably unique appearance.