Why do Shar pei's have loose skin?

I heard from someone that they had the loose skin because people used them for fighting back then. I'm not sure if I think this is true....I'm leaning more toward they have the loose skin for a unique characteristic. Any info on this? It has just been bugging me that last couple of days.

Why do Shar pei's have loose skin?
My understanding is that when bit by another dog they'd just get a mouth full of skin instead of other tissue.
Reply:Shar pei where first bred by the chinese as farmers dogs , later on they where bred as fighting dogs because of the coat and the loose skin made it very difficult for the opponent to get a firm hold on the skin.
Reply:They were bred to protect the emperor of China the loose skin means they can be bitten and it won't hurt them as much, and yes they were bred for fighting.
Reply:The loose skin I believe is actually purely cosmetic. It can give them health problems because it can cover their eyes. The loose skin is just the way people bred them to make them look cuter. Kind of sad if you ask me.
Reply:Shar-Pei have loose skin due to their breading. Yes, Shar-Pei were once used for fighting other dogs. The loose skin prevented another dog from being able to bite and provoke a serious injury. The other dog would only get skin, not a major / minor muscle group. Highly desirable if you are into that. Shar-Pei can still be dog aggressive, breeders have done a wonderful job of breeding out people aggression, however in many lines, dog aggression is still there. Most Shar-Pei are friendly and wonderful pets. They are extremely devoted to the family, are wonderful with children, loyal and somewhat couch potatoes.
Reply:Shar Pei:





Country of Origin = China 1500's. Height 46-51cm.





The bristly coat of this dog is quite distinctive, but the folds of loose skin covering its body and especially its head, giving it a permanent from are by far its most striking feature.





This ancient breed is thought to result from crosses between Mastiffs and a certain Nordic breed. It was in danger of extinction until a Hong Kong fancier established stock in the USA and elsewhere.





The loose skin was originally developed for the gruesome purpose of making the animal impossible to pin down in a dog fight.
Reply:Well, I don't know WHY, but I do know that they grow into it as they get older. It's just loose on their bodies as puppies, but when adults only their faces are very wrinkled.
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