How did the Shar Pei get its name?

As there are mainly oral and no written traditions about the chinese Shar Pei, we only know for sure about the last 100 years. 

In southern Chinese provinces, the Shar Pei was known for a long time under two names. Shar Pei (沙皮狗 = sand skin dog) or grapevine dog (藤 狗).

The first name refers to the incomparable short and very harsh coat of the breed.

The second name refers to the long and slender body shape of the breed, which is often compared to the shape of a grapevine.

Since the 1950s, however, the name Shar Pei has prevailed and is now used throughout China for the breed.