Pottery remains from the Han Dynasty of China (about 206 BC) show a wrinkly big dog. Could this be a representation of one of the earliest Shar Peis? It is unknown for certain exactly when the Shar Pei popped into its wrinkled existence, but it is known that they are distinctly Chinese.
Originally from China, the Shar Pei can easily be distinguished because of its wrinkles and a tongue that is blue-black. This particular breed has a very rough and coarse coat and that is how it got its name, which in the Chinese language means sand skin. When you first get your Shar Pei puppy, you will notice that it has a lot of wrinkles, though once your puppy begins to grow older and matures, many of these wrinkles will have faded away, and its coat will have become smoother.