What Matgo Law’s Letter Actually Asked For
It's hard to imagine a world without the unique face of a Shar Pei, isn't it? Yet, there was a time, not so long ago, when this incredible breed teetered on the very edge of extinction. This guide will take a deep dive into the desperate plea that saved them, specifically detailing what Matgo Law's famous letter actually asked for, and the lasting impact it had on the breed we cherish today.
The Bleak Reality Facing the Shar Pei in the 1970s
Picture this: it's the 1970s, and in mainland China, a once-proud and ancient breed, the Shar Pei, was vanishing. This wasn't a gradual decline; it was a precipitous fall, driven by political upheaval, economic shifts, and a general crackdown on dog ownership. The situation was truly dire, pushing the breed to the brink of non-existence.
A Breed on the Brink of Extinction
During the mid-20th century, particularly after the establishment of the People's Republic of China, dog ownership became seen as a bourgeois extravagance. Strict regulations, heavy taxation on pets, and even outright culling campaigns meant that keeping dogs, especially larger breeds like the Shar Pei, became incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for the average citizen. Many dogs were confiscated or slaughtered, and breeding efforts dwindled to almost nothing. The cultural landscape changed dramatically, and with it, the place of dogs in Chinese society. It's a stark reminder of how quickly a breed's fortunes can turn due to external forces beyond their control. This wasn't about health or popularity; it was about survival in a hostile environment. We know that by one account, as few as Sixty Shar Pei Were Left in 1978, a number that would send chills down the spine of any dog lover.
Imagine the crushing weight of that reality for anyone who knew and loved these dogs. To watch a lineage, generations of carefully developed traits and personalities, simply disappear. It wasn't just losing a pet; it was losing a piece of living history, a unique animal companion with roots stretching back centuries. This fear, this very real threat of total extinction, was the backdrop against which a crucial intervention would soon take place.
The Hong Kong Lifeline
While the situation was devastating on the mainland, small pockets of Shar Pei managed to survive in more insulated areas. Hong Kong, then a British colony, served as a crucial sanctuary. Here, the political and social pressures against dog ownership were less intense, allowing a tiny, isolated population of Shar Pei to persist. These dogs were not numerous, nor were they necessarily representative of the full genetic diversity the breed once boasted, but they were there. They were a flicker of hope in an otherwise dark landscape, a fragile thread connecting the past to a potential future.
These few remaining Shar Pei in Hong Kong were the last vestiges of a once-thriving breed. Without them, the story of the Shar Pei as we know it would likely have ended. The individuals who kept these dogs alive, often in secret or under difficult circumstances, were inadvertently holding the key to the breed's future. It wasn't an easy task, as maintaining a healthy breeding population from such limited numbers presents its own set of challenges, but their perseverance meant that the Shar Pei wouldn't disappear entirely without a fight. Whether Hong Kong Preserved the Shar Pei became a question answered with a quiet, determined 'yes' by a handful of dedicated individuals.
Matgo Law's Desperate Plea to the World
It was out of this desperate situation that Matgo Law, a Hong Kong businessman and Shar Pei enthusiast, felt compelled to act. He recognized that time was running out and that the traditional methods of preserving a breed were no longer sufficient. He needed to reach beyond local borders, to a global audience, to ensure the survival of his beloved breed.
The Call to Arms in Dogs Magazine
In 1978, Matgo Law penned a heartfelt article that would change the destiny of the Shar Pei forever. He didn't send it to a local Hong Kong paper; he aimed for a larger, international audience, choosing Dogs magazine, a prominent American publication at the time. This choice was strategic, targeting a readership of dog lovers, breeders, and enthusiasts who might possess both the means and the passion to intervene. It was The Year Matgo Law Wrote His Letter that the world first truly heard the Shar Pei's plight.
The article wasn't just a historical recounting; it was a passionate appeal, a stark warning, and a hopeful cry for help all rolled into one. He didn't sugarcoat the situation; he laid bare the harsh realities facing the breed. The urgency in his words resonated deeply with those who read it. It was a call to conscience, asking fellow dog lovers to consider what it would mean to lose such a unique and ancient creature from the canine world. The power of his writing, coupled with photographs of these rare dogs, created a compelling narrative that captured the imagination of readers far beyond Hong Kong. It's truly incredible to think that the future of an entire breed hung on a single article in Which Magazine Published the Shar Pei Appeal.
What the Letter Explicitly Asked For
So, what exactly did Matgo Law's letter ask for? At its core, his request was simple yet profound: to save the Shar Pei from extinction. He wasn't asking for personal gain or for fame. He wasn't even, initially, asking for the breed to become widely popular. His primary goal was preservation.
Here's a breakdown of his key requests and implicit hopes:
- Secure new homes for remaining Shar Pei: Law's most immediate concern was finding safe havens for the few dogs left. He wanted to ensure these genetic treasures didn't simply vanish due to lack of care or resources in Hong Kong. This meant identifying individuals or groups outside of China who understood the gravity of the situation and were willing to take on the responsibility of these rare animals.
- Establish breeding programs outside of China: This was critical. With the breed's numbers so low, and the political climate in China unfavorable, the only way to ensure long-term survival was to create new, viable populations elsewhere. He sought out individuals who would commit to responsible breeding, focusing on expanding the gene pool from the precious few remaining specimens. He envisioned these new breeding efforts being conducted ethically, with the aim of increasing numbers, not necessarily altering the breed's appearance.
- Preserve the breed's unique characteristics: While the focus was on sheer survival, Law also implicitly asked for the preservation of what made the Shar Pei distinct – their loose skin, their distinctive muzzle, their "hippopotamus" head, and their blue-black tongue. He wasn't advocating for exaggeration of these traits, but for their retention as part of the breed's identity. His aim was to pass on the authentic Shar Pei to future generations, not a modified version.
- Avoid exploitation: Although not explicitly stated as a bullet point, there was an underlying hope that those who responded would be genuine preservationists, not opportunists looking to cash in on a "rare" dog. He understood the potential for a rare breed to become a novelty, and he undoubtedly hoped for serious custodians rather than collectors.
It was an appeal that struck a chord, and the response was overwhelming. How Many Replies the Shar Pei Letter Drew truly showcased the global passion for dogs and the desire to help a breed in peril. Law's letter laid out a clear path: get these dogs out, find good homes, and start breeding programs to bring them back from the brink.
The Implicit Hopes and Fears
Beyond the direct requests, Matgo Law carried profound hopes and, perhaps, fears. His primary hope was simply for the continuation of the Shar Pei lineage. He wanted this ancient breed, a living piece of Chinese heritage, to endure. He likely envisioned a future where the distinctive Shar Pei would once again walk the earth in healthy numbers, its unique charm appreciated by generations to come. He wasn't asking for show champions or an immediate surge in popularity; he was asking for a lifeline, a chance for the breed to just be.
However, with such a desperate appeal, there would also have been implicit fears. The most significant would have been the fear of failure – that his letter would go unnoticed, or that any efforts would be too little, too late. Another fear, perhaps less immediate but equally potent, was the concern about how the breed might be saved. Would the people who answered his call truly understand the breed's specific needs, its temperament, and its inherent health predispositions? Would they prioritize its health and welfare over fleeting trends or commercial interests? These silent anxieties about the quality and direction of future breeding efforts, particularly concerning the One Mutation Gave the Shar Pei Its Wrinkles and Its Fever, would unfortunately prove to be prescient in the years that followed. He was entrusting the future of an entire breed to strangers across the ocean, a massive leap of faith born of desperation.
The Global Response and Its Unforeseen Consequences
The international community, particularly in North America, responded with immense enthusiasm to Matgo Law's plea. This outpouring of interest was precisely what the Shar Pei needed for its immediate survival, but it also set in motion a series of events that would profoundly shape the breed's future, for better and for worse.
The Influx of Shar Pei to the West
Following Law's article, a flurry of interest generated inquiries from individuals eager to help. It wasn't long before the first precious few Shar Pei made their way from Hong Kong to the United States. These dogs were not cheap, nor were they easily obtained, but their rarity and the story of their near-extinction fueled a fervent desire among dedicated dog enthusiasts to acquire them. These early imports formed the foundation of the Western Shar Pei population, a truly heroic effort to pull a breed back from the brink. How Many Shar Pei Reached America First was a very small number, emphasizing the delicate nature of this foundational stock.
Imagine the excitement and responsibility felt by these pioneering owners and breeders. They weren't just getting a pet; they were guardians of a global genetic treasure. The logistical challenges alone were immense, from navigating international travel for live animals to ensuring their health and well-being upon arrival. These individuals, driven by a genuine love for dogs and a desire to contribute to a conservation effort, stepped up at a critical moment in the Shar Pei's history, preventing it from fading into obscurity.
The Boom and Its Health Implications
What happened next was a bittersweet paradox. The Shar Pei, once on the verge of extinction, experienced a meteoric rise in popularity. Its unique appearance – the abundant wrinkles, the blue tongue, the scowling expression – captured the public's imagination. Demand soared, and with it, prices for puppies skyrocketed. While this effectively saved the breed from its initial threat, this rapid boom also introduced significant challenges. What Being Saved Did to the Shar Pei's Health is a complex topic, and sadly, not all aspects were positive.
The problem lay in the limited genetic pool from which the Western population was founded. When breeders prioritize appearance and attempt to meet overwhelming demand quickly, health often takes a back seat. The distinctive wrinkles, which had always been a feature of the breed, became exaggerated as people sought out the "wrinkliest" puppies. This push for extreme wrinkling unintentionally intensified a genetic predisposition. We now understand that the gene responsible for the Shar Pei's abundant wrinkles is also linked to their propensity for Familial Shar Pei Fever (FSF) and a condition called SPAID (Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disease). So, while the breed was rescued, it was also, in some ways, placed on a new, precarious path. Whether the Shar Pei Boom Damaged the Breed is a question many devoted owners and ethical breeders grapple with today, as they work to reverse some of these unintended consequences.
| Aspect of Law's Letter | Explicit Ask | Implicit Hope | Implicit Fear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Save the breed from extinction | Ensure the breed's healthy, long-term survival | Total disappearance of the breed |
| Immediate Action | Secure homes for existing Shar Pei | Find responsible, dedicated custodians for the breed | Dogs falling into the hands of neglectful or exploitative owners |
| Breeding | Establish breeding programs outside of China | Expand the gene pool ethically and healthily | Irresponsible breeding, loss of genetic diversity, focus on fads |
| Breed Traits | Preserve unique Shar Pei characteristics | Maintain breed integrity without exaggeration | Alteration or exaggeration of traits leading to health issues |
| Long-Term Outlook | Ensure global survival of the Shar Pei | The breed thriving and being well-understood globally | The breed facing new, man-made health challenges |
The Ongoing Legacy of a Single Plea
Today, the Shar Pei is no longer an endangered breed. Its numbers are robust, and it enjoys a devoted following around the world. This enduring presence is a direct testament to Matgo Law's courage and foresight in writing that fateful letter. However, his plea also initiated a journey where the breed's health became a significant concern, directly tied to the very characteristics that made it popular. This journey has been a challenging one for owners and ethical breeders who now tirelessly work to balance the breed's distinctive appearance with its health and welfare.
The legacy of Matgo Law's letter is a powerful lesson in unintended consequences. It highlights how quickly a breed can swing from the brink of extinction to overwhelming popularity, and how that popularity, if not managed carefully, can introduce new problems. Dedicated Shar Pei fanciers continue to strive for a healthier future for the breed, focusing on genetic testing, responsible breeding practices, and educating prospective owners about the unique needs and challenges of these dogs. Many owners explore pet insurance options or ensure they have a good online resource like Chewy for their specialized care products. The conversation around Whether the Shar Pei Should Still Be Bred is ongoing, but one thing is certain: Matgo Law's vision gave this incredible dog a second chance, and for that, every Shar Pei lover owes him a debt of gratitude.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
