Chinese Shar Pei

People say that owners and dogs have a way of looking alike. Now let me set matters straight right off the bat: I do not have a curly tail; however, if we're talking about wrinkles, then that theory may be true!

Here's the difference: Shogun was born with wrinkles and I wasn't. He has wrinkles over a good portion of his body; mine are confined to the facial area, at least as for now... although I must admit that both of our skins are loose and can be stretched and played with, if you're into that kind of thing. Oe is that TMI?

Shogun is a great family dog and he enjoys being with us, but he isn't near as cuddly as I am. I actually enjoy snuggling with my wife and being held; he doesn't. Just not that kind of dog. He'd rather stay a bit aloof and display his stoicism. Well, to each his own, I guess; that's the role he wants to play, and it's common for this breed.

I guess the biggest drawback in having some of the same characteristics as Shogun is the confusion it causes. More than once my wife has called Shogun to come for dinner and turned to me with a dog bone and said, "Here Boy!." She always apologizes and eventually allows me to sit at the table, but the damage has already been done to my ego. I generally give her a frown; that separates us visually, since the face of a Shar Pei doesn't ever show much change of expression. I imagine this is all very funny to Shogun -I can see the smirk on his face - that's one emotion that shows up just fine!