First I must say that the correct plural of Shar-Pei is Shar-Pei~ never Peis as some unfamiliar with this breed have listed on here. To say "Peis" is akin to saying "fishes"~ Pei is always Pei whether speaking of 1 mini Pei or 5 mini Pei. If I had a serious question about either I am not sure I would take the advice of someone informing me about "fishes" or "Peis"
Okay for all those out there that would like some correct answers about the a minature Shar Pei and what exactly the AKC's role is, here is a bit of educated info for you,
ALL PUREBRED breeds recognized by AKC were first founded by BREED CLUBS such as the CSPCA (Chinese Shar Pei Club of America) for twenty years Shar Pei were NOT AKC RECOGNIZED. Yet they showed and had a stud book and had Championships and clubs. AKC does not create dog breeds. They keep records once they own the stud books and incorporate the breeds which they usually do after a breed club is big enough ..... The MSPCA uses all AKC sanctioned processes to put on shows and record dogs, litters and Championships in it's own registry.
Whether they become AKC or not has nothing to do with whether or not they are a breed or purebred. AKC does not create dog breeds...breeders do. They buy stud books and take over that process once a dog breed is recognized. . The MSPCA have an organized parent club, Code of Ethics, a registry and ARE A BREED CLUB. Championships can be earned and they are purebred.
They do not compare in any way with Labradoodles but hey...one day those could be in an AKC ring if breeders keep the right records and the breed becomes big enough. BREEDERS create dog breeds. Dog breeds are man made. Every one of them.
A mini Pei is a smaller sized Pei that is created by downsizing only healthy, quality and complimentary versions of the standard Pei. No good breeder would repoduce a sickly or subpar Pei ~ this is where ethics and reputation come in. The smaller gene is a recessive one such as the blue in the blue Pei. Taking two healthy quality lines of the smaller Pei and breeding produce a smaller Pei. The smaller Pei is often times more suited for apartment lifestyles, life on the road (such as truck drivers who prefer a companion) and families with children tend to desire a Pei who is not large enough to knock a child down when playing. These are just a few examples of why this breed was downsized and continues to be a popular choice as a family pet. Finding a pet that fits your lifestyle and is better suited to life changing situations such as moving from a home to an apartment is one of the keys to resolving the huge rate of turnover in pets. Too many people view pets as disposible commodities especially when the puppy grows up into a larger dog. So the mini Pei does have it's definite pros and bonuses. It was created out of demand and need. Miniature Shar-Pei as well as toy Shar-Pei can both be registered with the AKC they must however show and compete in the Mini ring with the MSPCA at this time~ however when competing for time on your couch for a little love they often times win the show!
In response to the edit above on fishes and fish "fish" is the plural form when concerning the same species of fish. "Fishes" is correctly used when concerning different species of fish. "The fishes we are studying are trout and clown." ~ No need to consult the dictionary I know this I am a homeschool teacher and my children are bilingual. I don't consult on something unless I know my info. My husband's second language is English, he doesn't have an attitude with constructive criticism or knowledge.
I think people have a hard time accepting new knowledge. About the mini Shar Pei and there being no such thing most of the people responding do not own nor breed the Pei. Nor have they done the research in the line. Miniature Shar Pei are a classification of Pei. Don't just take my word for it but educate yourself check with other Shar Pei breeders ask them if the miniature Shar Pei exists, ask them if the gene is in some of the lines.