The Mini Pei,  or Miniature or Toy Shar-Pei as this breed variety is often referred to by Chinese Shar-Pei Breeders,  was Imported from China along with the original  Chinese Shar-Pei Imports and is one of the foundation components for that breed. Mini Pei are NOT a cross breed or designer dog in anyway. They are not just bred down or genetically unsound. They are an existing genetic size variation within the Chinese Shar-Pei  dog gene pool at this time. Therefore, our enrollment dogs that meet the standard below, with exception of  foundation only dogs, shall be accepted from AKC and its International affiliates for an open initial registration period along with all dogs currently registered in the MSPCA. This may be done by application to the registrar and upon completion of the registration applications and  payment of the applicable registration fee. A good historical example of one of the most famous show dogs of all time in the old CSPCA would be CSPCA CH. Shir Du Bang, who would himself fit into the definition for todays MINI PEI.  When the Chinese Shar-Pei became  AKC recognized the original breed definitions changed along with the breeds direction and development to suit those who preferred the larger dogs that often had less type as adults. The International Mini Pei Club of America was founded to both celebrate this ancient breed history and to allow this wonderful foundation component to keep from being lost as the AKC Chinese Shar-Pei evolves in another direction. By overall comparison, The Mini Pei is a smaller, more compact variety than it's larger cousin and is bred with serious emphasis on Type as well as Movement. In short....the original WRINKLE DOG LIVES HERE. The Mini Pei is well suited to a variety of Companion homes. The breed is a devoted yet flexible companion with few special needs other than careful nutrition. They are loved by their owners for their "follow you anywhere" attitude. They are both adept active companions and equal parts couch potato. They do well with children, other pets and dogs. They require little grooming. Like their bigger cousins, they can be very misunderstood by Veterinarians and great care should be given to the choice of your breeder, as many inherent genetic breed problems present in the Standard Shar-Pei are present in the Mini Shar-Pei. To this end, our CODE OF ETHICS was developed. Welcome to the home of the Perpetual Shar-Pei Puppy.   General Appearance The Mini Pei should be short and broad with good bone. A Mini Pei should be almost square in proportion of body length to height. The most notable characteristic is the abundant, tight wrinkling about the head, body and legs. In comparison to the Standard Chinese Shar-Pei, the Mini Pei should look a bit like a perpetual puppy. Abundant Breed TYPE is preferred. Size Height will not exceed 17 inches where the neck joins the back, excluding the wrinkles. Over 17 inches in height is a disqualification. Head The head should be larger in proportion to the body. Eyes should be clear and almond shaped, not sunken or protruding. In dilute dogs, the eye color may be slightly lighter. A darker eye is preferred  on a non-dilute dog.  Eye tacks will not be allowed in the ring. Ears should be small, triangular, thick, lying close to the head and preferably curled back at the edge on wrinkled. They should set wide apart and forward on the skull with a perceivable angle toward the eye. They may show a degree of mobility but must not stand upright. Prick ears are a disqualification. The skull should be flat and broad with a moderate stop, with the plane of the forehead and top of the muzzle parallel. The muzzle should have adequate bone with enough padding to give a square appearance to the head with no degree of snipiness. The flews should be slightly flared. The nose is large and wide and may be darkly pigmented or conform to the general coat color of the dog. On lighter colored dogs, a brick nose is acceptable. Tongue and inside of the mouth is preferably bluish-black. The tongue may lighten somewhat due to heat stress and appear more lavender in dilutes. Teeth - a scissor bite is preferred.  Neck, Topline and Body The neck is of medium length, muscular, set well into the shoulders with abundant dewlap. Topline dips slightly behind the withers and rises somewhat over the loin. The chest is broad, deep, with the brisket extending to the elbow, rising somewhat under the loin. The croup curves slightly downward to the high set tail. Tail The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point and should curl. A short tail is preferred. Tail carriage should be up and over the back. The absence of a complete tail as determined by a distinct taper from base to tip, is a disqualifying fault. Forequarters The shoulders are muscular, sloping and well laid back. Forelegs when viewed from the front should be straight, moderately well spaced with elbows close to the body. Viewed from the side, the forelegs are straight with adequate bone, the pasterns strong and flexible. Front dewclaws may be removed. Feet The feet are proportionate to size, and in all coats they should appear like a tight cat paw that is well padded with a shorter nail. They should be well knuckled up and good arch to the metatarsals is preferred. The Horsecoat variety may exhibit a less tight paw and will not be penalized for a bit less but the toes may not be flat or splayed out.  Hindquarters Thighs are muscular, full and well defined with moderate angulation. The well let down hocks should be short and perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear. Rear dewclaws must be removed. Coat The acceptable coat length may be short horse coat up to a brush length not to exceed 1 inch at the back of the neck. Texture may range from moderately harsh to soft without being wavy or excessively thick. Moderately harsh is preferred. Color A wide variety of colors are acceptable. A solid color dog may have darker shading down the back and on the ears or darker hairs throughout the coat as in the sable. Non-solid dogs must be shown in Variety under the color specific standard below and are not eligible to take points in regular competition at this time.  At  this time, the two variations to color qualifications would be the Chinese Flower Dog pattern (with a solid head and NO face markings with  an inverted  "V"  in the back of the neck. The body is to be 60% white with distinct ticking in the white areas in adults) or a solid Brindle ( no white and a mask is preferred ). Gait The gait is balanced and free flowing. Both front and rear legs should tend to converge on a center line with strong forward reach and rear drive. Gait should match the overall size variation. Toy dogs may have a less pronounced stride. Type is to preference over gait if both dogs are of equal quality. Temperament The Mini Pei should be alert, confident, readily playful, adaptable, affectionate, easily trained and naturally clean and quiet. Size Variation The Mini Pei shall compete in two size variations. Miniature which shall not exceed 17"  where the neck joins the back. The dogs back must fit under a stationary wicket to enter the ring for competition. The second variation is the TOY which shall not exceed 15" where the neck joins the back and the back must  fit  under a 15" stationary wicket to enter the ring for this size variation competition.  Both sizes will compete for Best of Breed.   Weight Weight may vary, and a dog of substance is preferred.     Major Faults Spotted Tongue Disqualifying Faults 1. Pricked ears. 2. Over 17 “ in height at the back excluding the wrinkles. 3. Solid pink tongue. 4. Absence of a complete tail. 5. Spotted (including spots, ticking or roaning) with out a solid head, White makings on just the legs, face, chest or tail with a solid body or Tan-Pointed or Black & Tan or Saddle Pattern. 6. A wavy or trimmed coat or one in excess of 1 inch at the withers 7. Overtly aggressive       ... .