Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei breed is loyal and committed to their family but can be wary around strangers, and they respond better to older children who understand how to play calmly with dogs. Because the Shar-Pei dog was bred for guarding livestock and hunting, they don’t enjoy sharing their home with cats or other dogs. It’s important to socialize your pup to numerous new people, situations and other animals early in life when they’re puppies to help them be used to guests as they grow up. A Shar-Pei who hasn’t been properly socialized might try to bite if they feel unsafe or threatened.

The Shar-Pei needs socialization early in life to be a well-adjusted, happy adult dog. They love their family deeply, but you’ll want to be cautious around strangers, young children or other animals. While they may be higher maintenance in their socialization needs, they’re very low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They’re also adaptable to a large or small home and have moderate exercise needs, enjoying short daily walks at a brisk speed and lots of time relaxing with you.

Shar-Peis have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. By watching out for the health issues that can affect the Shar-Pei breed, you can help your dog have a full lifespan and a happy life.

• Skin Issues: Because of the folds in their skin, Shar-Peis can develop skin infections more easily than non-wrinkly breeds. This is why it’s so important to make sure their skin dries thoroughly after a bath or any time they’re in water. Pododermatitis refers to infections between the toes caused by short hair follicles. Treatment options include topical treatments, oral antibiotics or anti-fungals, depending on the cause. The Shar-Pei’s short hairs can also be a breeding ground for mites that cause Demodectic Mange. Demodetic mange occurs in pups with weakened immune systems, and the dog will lose hair in patches (starting around the eyes). Depending on the severity, it can be treated with topical ointments, shampoos or oral medication. The breed can also develop interdigital cysts, which are painful nodules between the toes. Treatments range from topical ointments to surgery, depending on the severity.
• Shar-Pei Fever: Shar-Pei Fever is a genetic disease that can be challenging. Dogs may have 107-degree-Fahrenheit fevers for one or two days, with kidney issues and joint swelling. (A dog’s normal temp is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.) Some breeders can test to see if parents are carriers of the disease. Medications are often prescribed for to minimize recurrences.
• Ear Infections: The Shar-Pei’s ears are very small, making them more prone to infections. In worst-case scenarios, they may require surgery. However, some veterinarians may provide ear disinfectants to help prevent infections.
• Hypothyroidism: As many as one in five Shar-Peis may have a thyroid deficiency. Sometimes skin issues are the first sign of a problem. Hypothyroidism can be managed through medication.
• Eye Issues: The Shar-Pei can develop eye problems, such as keratoconjunctivitis (KCS) or dry eye. Pawing at the eye or squinting, a reddened eye or discharge can indicate a problem. Your vet may recommend eye drops that sometimes can be decreased over time. Shar-Peis can also develop entropion, which occurs when the folded skin around their eyes becomes puffy, and the hair rubs their eyes. This can scratch the cornea or even lead to blindness in worst-case scenarios. Your vet may recommend eyelid tacking for puppies or other eyelid revisions as adults. They can develop other eye disorders, including glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and SARDS; all three can cause blindness. Only glaucoma can be treated, but a dog can still lead a happy life with vision loss. It’s best to have regular veterinary appointments to watch for any eye issues that may develop.

The Shar-Pei breed originated in China, and, as with many breeds from China, the dog’s history is mysterious. Some say the dog can be traced back to the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, pointing to figurines from around 200 B.C. that resemble the Shar-Pei. Some say the pups were the dogs of peasants and bred to be hunters or herd and guard livestock. Others say the dogs once guarded Chinese royal families. At one point, the dogs were even used in fighting pits until other dog breeds replaced them.

When the Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949, it disapproved of families having dogs as pets and slaughtered many breeds, almost leading to the Shar-Pei’s extinction. Guinness World Records even listed them as the rarest dog breed in the world through the mid-1970s. A Shar-Pei breeder in Hong Kong, Matgo Law, was so worried about the rare dog’s future, he pled with the world to save the breed. His plea, along with an article published in Life Magazine, helped increase the dog’s popularity in the United States.

The Shar-Pei and the Chow Chow both have blue-black tongues, which might be due to having shared distant ancestors in China. Some Shar-Peis also have a softer, longer bear coat that isn’t considered a standard trait. Some believe this is a result of past breeding with Chow Chows. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Chinese Shar-Pei in 1992.

Are you looking to add a Shar-Pei puppy as a pet? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. What’s the average Shar-Pei puppy price? Depending on the breeder, the cost can be anywhere from $1,000 to even more than $3,000. But for that price, you’re likely getting a puppy who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may include pedigree papers. Shar-Pei rescue organizations and local shelters can also help you find Shar-Pei dogs to adopt.

The Shar-Pei is a loyal breed who makes a good family dog; they love their family immensely. They may not be excited about strangers or hanging out with little kids, but they’ll be thrilled to have a short walk with you followed by lots of together time at home.