The Shar Pei is a loyal and playful breed. These dogs are, however, dominant and independent. They make great companions for confident handlers. Like cats, they hate water but are very clean animals. When selecting a Shar Pei, look for skin problems and signs of kidney failure.
Common Name(s)
Chinese Shar Pei, Shar-Pei, Chinese Fighting Dog
Breed Type
The Chinese Shar Pei is a non-sporting breed. An ancient and rare breed, the Shar Pei was originally bred to be a fighter and guard dog. This breed does best in climates that are not too hot.
Background
The Shar Pei hails from the Guangdong province of China. Originally sleeker and less wrinkly, the breed has changed substantially in its time.
Varieties include the traditional type of Shar Pei, the “bone-mouth” Shar Pei, which has with fewer wrinkles and a smaller head, Western style of Shar Pei is the “meat-mouth” Shar Pe, which is most common in the Western world. Hybrids include the Ba-Shar (Basset Hound and Shar Pei mix) and the Bull Pei (English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix).
Description
The Shar Pei may have wrinkly skin and a large head, or it may have tighter skin and a smaller head. They may have a rough, prickly coat (horse-coat), or a longer, smoother coat (brush-coat) in any solid color or sable. Puppies are very wrinkly, but they lose their wrinkles to varying degrees as they age. The average Shar Pei is 18-20 inches tall and weighs 40-55 pounds.
Care and Feeding
The Shar Pei needs a diet high in fiber and carbohydrates. Recommended foods include pork, poultry, and rice. Wheat may cause allergies to develop. Shar Pei Puppies eat heavily due to their quick growth. Shar Peis require regular brushing, but no trimming. Horse-coated Shar Peis should be bathed weekly and brushed regularly during molting.
The Shar Pei needs annual checkups in order to ensure its health. Vaccinations are due as follows:
- 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
- 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
- 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
- Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
The brush-coat Shar-Pei sheds lightly year round, and the horse-coat only during molting. Regular vacuuming is advised.
Housing Your Dog
Shar Peis can live indoors our outdoors. If kept outdoors, they will need adequate shade and plenty of water. They do well indoors as long as they get plenty of exercise.
Social Behaviors
Shar Peis are loyal companions, and they tend to tolerate strangers well. They can get along with children and other pets, including dogs, with proper socialization.
Handling and Training
The Shar Pei’s stubbornness may cause difficulties in training if the owner is not firm enough. Consistency is a must. House training is usually quite easy with this breed.
Activities
Chinese Shar Peis need lots of exercise, including a daily walk. It is important to keep in mind that they are sensitive to heat, so care should be taken not to over-exert them in warm weather.
Breeding/Reproduction
When selecting a mate for your Shar Pei, it is important to be aware of any hereditary disorders. Skin problems and kidney failure are two of the most common in this breed.
Common Health Problems
Kidney failure in the Shar Pei is thought to be sometimes caused by Shar Pei fever or amyloidosis. Some skin problems can be attributed to allergies, which can often be treated or prevented.
Availability
Shar Peis are somewhat hard to find in many areas, but they are available through breeders online. Prices vary greatly, and can be upwards of $1,000.
References
“Chinese Shar-Pei”, Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
“Chinese Shar-Pei”, Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., “What to Feed a Chinese Shar-Pei”, Referenced online, 2008
“Chinese Shar-Pei Puppies for Sale”, Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
