The Miniature Shar Pei or Mini Pei is a breed of dog with slightly smaller proportions than the larger Standard Shar Pei. They have been bred to be smaller in size through a recessive gene carried in their DNA. The reduced size of this breed creates a versatile dog that is unique yet small, making for a good family companion. The appearance and shape of the breed can be described as broad and square in proportion to height and body length. Their physical attributes are much the same as their larger brotheren having a large head, wide padded muzzle, highly set ears, blue black tongue, with wrinkled head, neck and shoulders. The height of a Miniature Shar Pei does not exceed 17 inches high at the whithers; over 17 inches is a disqualification and does not meet the breed standard. In terms of weight, they range from between 25 and 40 lbs. The coat can be classified as one of three types.