Dog Breeds > Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei

This wrinkled and bulky dog that became very famous because of its distinguishing features. This dog is very dependable and affectionate pet and companion that would truly make your day awesome.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The existence of the Chinese Shar-Pei can be dated back to the Han Dynasty in 200 BC. It is believed that this breed and the Chow Chow share the same ancestry. The exact origin of the Shar-Pei though is hard to trace back because all records pertaining to the development of this breed are difficult to attain especially when China became Communist.

The primary function of the Shar-Pei in Chinese society was to assist hunters in hunting wild boars, guarding peasant’s properties and wild dog fighter. Since China became a communist nation, most of the Shar-Peis were eliminated in the cities. The remaining Shar-Peis however remained on the outskirts of far flung areas of China. 

Physical Appearance

The Chinese Shar-Pei grows 17 – 20 inches and weighs 45 – 60 pounds. The Shar-Pei has wrinkled skin all over its face giving it a distinct look. The head is composed of a round skull with a muzzle of moderate length. The muscular neck has dewlap or excess wrinkled skin as well. The triangular-shaped ears are small and folded on both sides of the head. The eyes are round and dark.

The name of the Shar-Pei came from the coat’s distinct texture; rough and sandy. Most Shar-Pei owners describe it as sandpaper texture. There are three kinds of coat for the Shar-Pei – the bush-coat, the horse-coat and the bear-coat. There are occasions wherein a spotted or tri-colored and double-coated Shar-Pei appears but according to the standards of AKC, it is a disqualifying feature.

Grooming

The Shar-Pei’s coat should be easy to maintain as long as it is brushed regularly. The horse-coat needs extra attention especially when it is shedding.  Bathe only if necessary. Check the wrinkles all over the body to ensure that no fleas and burrs are thriving.

Mood

The Shar-Pei is a playful and intelligent pet for the family. This dog is a perfect companion especially during outdoor exercise such as walking and running. This breed can be trained not to be tough with strangers. The Shar-Pei is very dominant with other animals and imposes its authority with other household pets. This can be remedied if the dog is socialized well with other animals as early as puppyhood.

There are owners/trainers/handlers that tend to spoil or over pamper their Shar-Pei. Spoiled Shar-Pei could have uncontrollable behaviors like guarding furniture, picking fights with other animals or pets, barking excessively and even attacking strangers. Make sure that you exert calm but firm authority over the pet for it to remember its rightful place on the house.  

With Children

The Shar-Pei is a friendly and active playmate for children as long as it recognizes them. Other children should have proper introduction and socialization with the shar-Pei so that it would not act timidly around them. Parents should accompany the small kids when playing with the Shar-Pei to avoid untoward incidents. 

Training & Exercise

The Shar-Pei has large amount of stamina and it needs to be depleted properly in order to make it happy. Daily exercise such as walking and jogging together with its master are the recommended exercise for this breed. There are owners/trainers/handlers that put heavy back packs on the dog to easily deplete its stamina.

When it comes to training, you can expect great things on the Shar-Pei. This breed is very obedient and easy to train. Owners/trainers/handlers should use calm and gentle words only to motivate it otherwise it would become independent and mindful. This breed responds well to food-reward training techniques and challenges.

Health & Life Expectancy

The Shar-Pei has a normal lifespan of 10 years. This breed is very susceptible to renal failure that results to swollen hock syndrome and fever. You need to watch out for skin problems that are caused by hereditary factors.

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