My kennel

"South of the clouds"

"云的南方犬舍"

I registered my kennel "South of the clouds" with the China Kennel Union (CKU) in March 2019. The name refers to our long time home in Yunnan, often referred to as "South of the clouds". That's where my love for the breed came from and my first Shar Pei was also from this region.

Why CKU?

Since 2006, the CKU is a full member of the FCI and thus has the same functions and tasks as other country organizations that are members of the FCI.

Why did I register my kennel with the CKU and not with my own national association, when all have the same tasks, goals and responsibilities?

On the one hand, for quite sentimental reasons, we have lived in China for many years and continue to have close ties to the country. Also, it is the country of origin of the breed and I wanted to recognize this through my kennel registration.

But the main reason is another one. Even though I live and will be breeding in Switzerland, the main focus of my work with the breed will continue to be in China. CKU operates a genetic database, in which all current and future registered dogs are recorded. Not only does this database ensure proper pedigrees, it could also be a source of science and research in the future. Since our dogs come exclusively from China, I would like to see them and their offspring partly remain in this community.

Health tests

Most countries have very different requirements for breeding dogs. The Swiss SKG only requires the HD / ED certificate. But there are plenty scientific testing options available for breeders to have their dogs tested voluntarily. It is possible to have the number of copies of the underlying mutation determined, the so-called CNV test. Another mutation of the same chromosome can now be tested and determined, the so-called SPAID test. With the POAGL test, the dog can be tested for primary lens luxation and glaucoma.

In China, most of these tests are currently unknown, unavailable or simply not affordable..

All my Shar Pei are CNV, POAG/Pll and HD/ED tested. Further, their spines were x-rayed for hidden „kinks“. In addition to these tests, all my Shar Pei took part in a study for genetic diversity. 

I do not only want to breed visually correct Chinese Shar Pei but also to give the future puppies the best start in life.