8. Shar Pei
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Shar Peis are instantly recognizable by their inky blue tongue and heavily folded skin. This distinctive dog comes from China’s Guangdong region. Specialists emphasize the importance of intensive early social exposure to reduce the risk of developing overly dominant or territorial behavior. Shar Peis are known for their self-reliant nature, firm temperament, and self-assured attitude. They usually prefer solitude and are not enthusiastic about sharing their environment with other dogs, often attempting to claim additional space as their own. This breed excels at keeping watch and tends to be quiet, sounding the alarm only when truly necessary. Grooming is often stressful for them, so it is recommended to introduce routines such as nail clipping and ear care during puppyhood to build tolerance from a young age.