Shar Pei: Your Complete Guide
A breed with mysterious origins and a wildly distinct appearance, the shar pei is a one-of-a-kind pooch. Their thick double coat and loose hanging skin reflect their guard dog past, where the excess fluff helped them fend off attacks from other animals. They have less violent jobs nowadays, usually spending their time lazily looking after their home and lounging about.
The breed is unique, though they have a lot of tendencies that can make them difficult to impossible for novice owners. They have very powerful, vocal barks and a tendency to show the entire neighborhood how gifted their pipes are. They can also be standoffish towards strangers, resulting in an injury if the dog is not correctly handled.
Read the following paragraphs to learn if the goofy and aloof shar pei is right for you. We will look at what goes into training, how to care for the breed, and who would make a good owner for the wrinkly watchdog.
Quick Look at the Shar Pei
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 45 – 60 pounds, 18 – 20 inches |
| Coat Type | Loose, Dense, Short |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Confident, Devoted, Watchful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 9 – 12 years |
What Is the History of Shar Peis?
While it can’t be officially proven, there is a lot of belief that the shar pei breed originally worked as guard dogs during the Han Dynasty in China. They share a very striking physical resemblance to canine effigies at the time, which may have also been an ancestral breed for Chow Chows. Regardless, they are, at the very least, a few centuries old.
Like many dogs during the previous century in Europe and Asia, war and economic problems caused the breed to face serious population issues. By 1973, it looked like the shar pei would soon face extinction. Thankfully, the pleas of an enthusiast and businesswoman, Matgo Law, helped save the breed by raising awareness in foreign countries.
Despite this, by 1978, the breed was officially named the rarest dog breed by the Guinness Book of Records. This resulted in several breeders crossbreeding the few purebreds they had left and selling them to clueless foreigners, particularly Americans.
Eventually, the crossbreeding started creating the squared heads we see today, also known as “meat-mouth” shar peis.
The meat mouth shar pei has become the standard in the United States and is what many in the Western world picture when they think of a shar pei. While the bone-mouth purebreds have not gone extinct, it is estimated that the breed variety has less than one hundred dogs left. Recognition for the shar pei came in 1992 from the American Kennel Club.
What Do Shar Peis Look Like?
Shar peis have deep, dense skin that falls loose on the body (particularly around the neck) and insulates a muscular, stout frame. They have thick, square heads and squat snouts with a characteristic black nose and a blue-black tongue. They have small, folded ears on either side of a broad forehead typically framed by charming wrinkles.
Their coat can come in various colors (except white) and will feature different patterns of black, blue, brown, cream, fawn, or red. White markings are found within the breed, though an all-white colored shar pei is not considered purebred.
What Size Is a Shar Pei?
Pictures may trick prospective owners into thinking the breed tops out in the triple digits, but its muscular frame is deceiving. Shar peis are a medium-sized breed that will stand between 18 – 20 inches when fully grown and weigh 45 – 60 pounds. Despite this, they make excellent guard dogs and can perform as well as much bigger breeds.
What Is a Shar Pei’s Coat Type and Length?
Easily one of the most unique coats found among dogs, the shar pei has a dense double coat of coarse, straight hair that sits snug on the skin. They are not problematic dogs when it comes to grooming, though they can shed somewhat if not groomed regularly. Their blanket of wrinkled fur can make baths difficult, not considering the dog’s willingness to enter a tub.
What Is a Shar Pei’s Temperament?
A dog that knows what it is, the shar pei is a stubborn mule of a pooch that can take a lot of getting used to. They are independent, bullheaded, and wildly confident, making them impossible for owners unprepared for a strong-willed dog. They can be challenging in smaller homes, where their barking can result in noise complaints and sleepless nights.
Thankfully, they are also incredibly devoted animals that can prove profoundly loyal and protective of their family. They are also a lazier breed that likes to lounge about, which is great for those who can’t devote hours to agility training. Similarly, they are very low energy and unlikely to dance at your knees for an hour every time you return from the store.
Are Shar Peis Good With Kids?
Because of the shar pei’s size and strength, it is essential that owners get the shar pei around others early and often to lessen social anxiety, in addition to understanding that this breed is not the ideal dog for raising around children. The breed is not known for its gentleness around kids, and they will need to be trained to live and interact with children from a young age into adulthood.
To lessen the likelihood of an incident with a shar pei and a child, ensure the child is aware of a few key factors:
- Don’t touch a dog that is sleeping or eating.
- Don’t be around the dog without an adult.
- Don’t pull on a dog’s ears or tail.
- Leave discipline to adults.
If a child and dog can learn to interact safely and gently with one another, there is no reason a shar pei can’t be a valuable part of your kid’s childhood.
Are Shar Peis Good With Other Animals?
Because of a past that had dog fighting and other violent tasks, the shar pei has an uneasy relationship with other canines. From day one, they must be introduced to other dogs and taught how to interact and coexist with other pets. Owners bringing a shar pei into a house with other pets will need to monitor interactions between the two throughout their lives.
Smaller animals and pets may have better luck with the shar pei, who will likely not see them as a threat. For cats, hamsters, parrots, and whatever else you own, the shar pei is less likely to bother the animal, but they may give chase if they have a higher prey drive. Owners should watch their animals interact and only leave both in a room under human supervision.
Are Shar Peis Aggressive?
Because of their history of being protectors and pit fighting dogs, the breed tends towards aggression when they feel they or their families are threatened. To lessen this defensive nature, owners must take their shar pei outside from adolescence to learn to remain calm and collected around new faces and animals.
The shar pei is not known to attack humans and will likely push their aggression onto other dogs. However, a poorly trained shar pei can lash out at strangers if it is not taught how to interact with new people. Because of its size and power, owners must train the dog to lessen the likelihood of an incident.
Do Shar Peis Bark?
They are a vocal dog, despite what their aloof personality may suggest. The guard dog in them wants to inform everyone of potential threats, and newer shar peis will be very vocal in homes they are unfamiliar with. As the dog gets accustomed to its surroundings and gets some time around the neighborhood, this tendency will lessen considerably.
To get some assistance curbing your dog’s barking habit, check out Dog Academy’s class on ending excessive barking.
Are Shar Peis Affectionate?
While some may have an independent attitude that has them sitting off to the side for a few hours of quiet contemplation, they tend to become attached to family. The first few weeks with a shar pei will be like having an unsure roommate, though they will grow more cuddly as they get situated. They won’t butter you up for affection, but they are a gentle, big-hearted buddy.
Are Shar Peis Intelligent?
Shar peis are not stupid animals, but they are difficult to rein in. They tend to wander around and be inattentive or unfocused, making them a challenging prospect for newer owners and inexperienced trainers. They can get a grasp on basic commands and household rules, though they won’t be outperforming border collies anytime soon.
If a shar pei has a more attentive, task-driven personality, they may prove to be more capable than the average wrinkly wanderer. They are sharp enough dogs, though their stubborn, self-confident attitude may make them seem distracted or slow to catch on.
Are Shar Peis Energetic?
They will need exercise like any dog, but they won’t be whining about it if you forget to. The shar pei is more than happy to sit around like the regal royalty they used to protect. However, for their long-term health, a daily walk is recommended. For low-maintenance owners who want a big, bulky dog that requires limited playtime, the shar pei is an excellent bet.
Are Shar Peis Easy to Train?
They will take a lot of persuading at first, which may still be followed by them walking away or looking confused. The breed is hard to attune to training and may even initially reject the idea. Owners need to be patient with the breed or, even better, look to professional courses and trainers to help them get their dogs accustomed to domesticated living.
Because of the shar pei’s lazier personality, agility training may be difficult for your dog to get its head around. While they have the athleticism for agility training, they may not have the enthusiasm.
Are Shar Peis Good Watchdogs?
Despite their reputation for being idle and independent, the shar pei is a phenomenal watchdog that should be considered by anyone looking for a mid-sized breed. They have a terrifying bark, an imposing physique, and a natural ability to pick up scents and sounds in and around their home.
If you plan to get a shar pei as a watchdog, you must ensure they are sociable when friends, family, and neighbors visit. A good watchdog can turn into a violent animal if an owner does not train the canine to identify a genuine threat over an afternoon brunch with friends.
Are Shar Peis Good Service Dogs?
Shar peis have the natural aptitude and physical gifts to fulfill almost any service position. Unfortunately, most do not possess the personality and character traits needed to be considered ideal for service roles. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be considered. If your shar pei is more diligent than the average wrinkled bear, it could prove invaluable to someone.
For emotional support, other breeds may be more devoted to their owner. While shar peis can be affectionate and loyal, they are not considered the most emotionally empathetic dogs and may not fit the job description. Every dog is unique, however, and if your shar pei brings you peace of mind, consider getting it ESA certified.
How to Care for a Shar Pei
When it comes to the shar pei, it depends on what you want out of a dog. The breed has serious upsides and considerable downsides, and each owner must prepare for a pooch that requires some dedicated work.
First, the shar pei must be socialized to lessen the likelihood of aggression towards canines or strangers.
They will need to be looked after for health problems, of which the breed has quite a few. They can grow very vocal, making it hard for the dog to get used to apartments and townhouses. Finally, they are natural leaders and require an owner who can rule the house with a gentle but firm fist and commit to lifelong training to help reign in the dog’s wilder side.
If you want a low-maintenance dog, the shar pei is nearly unrivaled. Their grooming needs are minimal; they shed a decent amount but never enough to bother anyone, and they don’t need much exercise. They make great watchdogs and will be fantastic, dopey companions to those who can handle their less desirable traits.
Do You Need to Groom a Shar Pei?
Looking after a shar pei is a good introduction to other animals who require far more from their owners. Trim their nails once they grow too long or start making audible noise on hardwood, check their ears when they come in from the outdoors, and give them an infrequent bath. Brush them weekly to minimize shedding, and you have a good handle on grooming your shar pei.
The one big issue is when you bathe the dog (every couple of months), you must get into all the deep folds of their skin. Failure to do so can breed an infection, and it is easy to forget a damp spot in their endless wrinkles.
Do Shar Peis Shed?
The breed will shed a fair bit, though brushing the dog once a week will severely cut down on errant hairs throughout your house. If you find more dog hair than you planned, brushing can increase to a few times a week. Despite their agreeable coats, they are not hypoallergenic and unfit for people with severe canine allergies.
What Health Problems Do Shar Peis Have?
While they can have long, fulfilled lives, the breed is not without a series of common health concerns. You must maintain regular vet checkups if you get a purebred shar pei. Similarly, it can help to be aware of the health concerns that can arise in a shar pei’s life and how to prevent them.
The most common health problems a shar pei can have are:
- Swollen Hock Syndrome
- Cancer
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Demodectic mange
- Patellar Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Cutaneous Mucinosis
- Bloat
- Entropion
Because of the breed prevalence towards health concerns, it is crucial to get a shar pei from a trusted breeder who has a medical history available. Similarly, a healthy diet and daily exercise can minimize several medical issues later.
How Long Do Shar Peis Live?
A shar pei’s average lifespan will be between 9 and 12 years. Smaller shar peis may have slightly longer lives, though they will usually sit within the three-year window.
What Should a Shar Pei Eat?
For almost all shar peis, it is heavily recommended that you do not feed them one large portion daily. This daily feeding can cause bloat, mainly if they just came from outside, and it can be potentially fatal for the dog. Instead, go for 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups of nutrient-rich dog food split into two meals, depending on the canine’s size and daily exercise.
Is a Shar Pei the Right Dog for Me?
One of the most iconic dogs of all time, the shar pei is a breed that will fit a certain lifestyle very well. If you are a passive person who wants a bigger dog that is lazy, low-maintenance, and quick to jump to action, the shar pei is a great pick.
If you want a social dog that is everyone’s best friend, a hundred other breeds fit that description perfectly. Similarly, if you are a newer owner who has not been around many dogs, the shar pei may be a genuine headache and potentially more work than you might be prepared for.