The Chinese Shar-Pei is a walking advert for the beauty of wrinkles. One-of-a-kind, Shar-Peis were born to stand out. Which is a little ironic as Shar-Peis are reserved dogs and can be stand-offish when it comes to meeting new people and animals. Early socialisation and training will help you get the most out of this smart yet sometimes stubborn and strong-willed dog. Without this, you’ll quickly find yourself and your home ruled by your Shar-Pei who believes they’re in charge. However, a well-mannered and well-adjusted Shar-Pei makes a delightfully devoted and loyal companion for life.
Chinese Shar-Pei Facts
A Chinese Shar-Pei stands proud, even if they’re not the largest dogs. Standing up to 50cm tall, Shar-Peis are compact, strong dogs with distinctive wrinkles and a short, smooth coat that comes in a range of colours.
- Breed Group: Non-sporting
- Height: 45-50cm
- Weight: 20-27kg
- Life Span: 8-12 years
- Coat: Smooth, short
- Colour: Various including black, brown, blue, red and cream
What Does a Chinese Shar-Pei Look Like?
A Chinese Shar-Pei is entirely unique and completely distinctive - there’s no missing a Shar-Pei! A medium-sized dog, a Shar-Pei is compact and solid looking. Their short broad muzzle looks a lot like a hippo’s. They have small, sunken eyes that give them a permanent scowl. Their ears are like tiny triangles, folded down flat against their head.
When they open their mouth, you’ll see a blue-black tongue (see, unique!). Then of course there are the wrinkles - lots of deep folds of loose skin across their head, neck and shoulders.
Shar-Peis have a high-set tapered tail that curls proudly over their back. Even their coat is one-of-a-kind. Although it looks soft and fuzzy, it actually feels like harsh sandpaper - not surprising as their name translates to ‘sand skin’.
Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament: Aloof yet Loyal
If you want a pup that’s steadfastly loyal and committed to you and the family, look no further than the Chinese Shar-Pei. The history of these ancient pedigree dogs is slightly mysterious, with some saying Shar-Peis belonged to peasants and were hunting or herding and guarding dogs. Others say they used to guard Chinese royal families.
Whatever the truth, a Shar-Pei is a regal looking dog that’s known for being an independent guardian. They’re also known for their intelligence and loyalty. Although that loyalty and love extends to their people, Shar-Peis can be standoffish with strangers - don’t expect them to welcome strangers into their home with open paws.
Shar-Peis are naturally suspicious of strangers and other dogs. Although they’re generally calm, reserved dogs, if they feel threatened, these strong dogs will respond vigorously. Early socialisation and training is absolutely essential. An adult Shar-Pei without the necessary training and socialisation can become dominant, aggressive and a biter.
Dignified dogs, you won’t find a Shar-Pei rough-housing with kids or other dogs. They’re best in homes with older children who can play calmly with them. They’re also best in homes where they’re the only pet.
Keeping Chinese Shar-Peis Healthy: 5 Issues to Watch Out For
Chinese Shar-Peis don’t have the longest life span for their size (8-12 years) and that’s sadly because they’re prone to some unusual health concerns that are specific to Shar-Peis. Learn more about them.
Skin Issues
A Shar-Pei’s wrinkles can cause them to develop skin infections. You can help avoid these by ensuring their skin is thoroughly dried after a bath or a watery dip.
Other skin problems Shar-Peis can experience include pododermatitis (infections between the toes thanks to short hair follicles), demodectic mange (caused by mites and a weakened immune system) and interdigital cysts (sore nodules between the toes).
All can be successfully treated and managed. Pododermatitis by antibiotics and anti-fungals, demodectic mange by ointments, shampoos or medication, and interdigital cysts by ointments or surgery.
Eye Problems
Eye problems are very common in Shar-Peis and they’re prone to a wide range of them. These include keratoconjunctivitis (KCS) or dry eye. Signs include pawing at the eye, squinting, a reddened eye or discharge. Prescribed eye drops can help.
Shar-Peis are also at risk of entropion. This is when the folded skin around their eyes becomes puffy, causing the hair to rub their eyes resulting in a scratched cornea and even blindness. Minor surgery on their eyelids can help with this.
Other eye issues Shar-Peis can develop are glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS). All three can lead to blindness, although glaucoma can be treated. A lot of Shar-Peis adapt well to their vision loss and go on to lead happy, full lives. Regular vet check ups can help monitor your Shar-Pei’s eye health.
Shar-Pei Fever
Specific to Shar-Peis, Shar-Pei fever causes a very high fever over 41℃ for a few days (a dog’s normal body temperature is between 38 - 39℃), alongside kidney problems and joint swelling. Medication can help reduce how many times it happens. It’s a genetic disease so breeding dogs should be screened for whether they’re carriers of the disease.
Ear Infections
With their tiny folded ears, Shar-Peis are prone to ear infections. Depending on how severe they are and how often they happen, treatment options include medicated ear washes and surgery.
Hypothyroidism
It’s thought that about one in five Shar-Peis have hypothyroidism, which is when they don’t have enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone impacts on basically every function of the dog’s body, causing it to slow down. The first thing you might notice is hair loss or dandruff. Other symptoms include weight gain (without eating more than usual), lethargy and dull, dry hair. Treatment for hypothyroidism is normally daily thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Caring for Your Chinese Shar-Pei Dog
Caring for your Shar-Pei is about thorough early socialisation to help them learn how to behave around other animals and humans that aren’t their family. Although their socialisation needs are high, their grooming needs are low. Their exercise needs aren’t too high either, they’ll be happy with short daily walks.
Grooming
A Chinese Shar-Pei only needs a little grooming. A weekly brush will help get rid of any dead hair and encourage new growth. Give them a bath every month, if needed. You might find you only need to bathe them every few months. Shar-Peis are naturally clean dogs, mostly taking care of their own cleaning needs (there’s that independence again!). It’s really important to make sure their skin folds are completely dry after they get wet. If they’re not, they can develop infections.
Trim their nails and clean their ears every week. There aers are so tiny and close to the head, it’s easy for dirt and debris to build up. Use ear cleaning fluid to gently clean them.
Finally, aim to brush their teeth every day to avoid plaque and tartar building up. Not only is this expensive to fix but dental decay can lead to other health problems. They’ll benefit from yearly vet deep teeth cleans too.
Nutrition
Shar-Peis do well on top quality dog food that’s tailored to their life stage - puppy, adult or senior.
Because Shar-Peis require daily training, factor in treats to their daily calorie intake. You could leave some daily calories for enrichment activities that a smart Shar-Pei will love. Slow feeders and treat toys are a good way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Exercise
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to exercising a Shar-Pei. Adaptable, Shar-Peis can be happy with an active owner and daily long brisk walks. Or they can be equally happy living in an apartment with a few short walks.
It’s still important to exercise a Shar-Pei every day though. Think 30-60 minutes of walking, plus some at-home playtime. Interactive toys that they can play with their families are a great idea.
Training Your Chinese Shar-Pei
The key to a well-adjusted, well-mannered Chinese Shar-Pei is early obedience training that lets them know you’re the boss, not them. Sure, they’re smart dogs who are willing to learn. But they can also be stubborn and a bit too smart, constantly finding ways to do things you don’t want them to do.
However, Shar-Peis respond well to positive, patient, consistent and loving training and can only benefit from puppy training classes where they can meet a wide range of puppy pals. Socialisation can start even before they’re 12 weeks old. Shar-Peis have to spend plenty of time around other people (big and small) and animals. This helps them learn to make positive associations with strangers and other pets.
Talking to an experienced trainer is a good idea, to help you handle your cautious and potentially slightly aggressive Shar-Pei. This will help you build a strong foundation for a happy, accepting adult Shar-Pei and also build a strong relationship between you and your pup.