Chinese Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China and has been known since 200 B.C. The communist government of the People’s Republic of China has on more than one occasion tried to eradicate dogs, and although these efforts have, at times, driven the Shar-Pei close to extinction, breeders in Hong Kong and Taiwan kept the breed alive prior to its introduction to the western world.
The Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed has a unique look. The head is large, the muzzle is padded (or meaty), the eyes are small, and the ears are small and folded against the head. The body is square, while the tail is set very high and curls over the back. Chinese Shar-Pei Puppies’ skin is loose and wrinkled, while adults keep wrinkles on the head, neck, and forequarters.
The Chinese Shar-Pei coat is harsh, short (up to 1 inch in length), and stands out from the skin. Solid colors are acceptable, with some shading down the back and on the ears. The Shar-Pei is easy to groom. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more care than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning, and toenail clipping. The Shar-Pei is usually quiet in the house but loves to run and play outside. Long, brisk walks morning and evening and a chance to play will keep this breed satisfied. Early socialization is important to this breed, as the Shar-Pei is wary of strangers. Training should also be started young.
This bright breed can be independent and stubborn; training can help the dog become more compliant. The breed was initially a peasant’s dog—versatile and hard-working, used for guard duty, hunting, and herding. The Chinese Shar-Pei needs an experienced dog owner who understands this breed’s temperament. The breed can be good with children who treat the dog with respect. The breed is not social with other dogs. Health concerns include cancer and immune system problems.
6 replies on “Chinese Shar-Pei”
We also have a male Shar pei/ mixed with boxer. His name’s Mister Magoo and is exactly like a Shar pei!! He’s the best dog we’ve ever owned and never would change a thing about him !!! Mr’s sooooo smart and a big bed hog lol!! Here’s a picture of our boy we love him dearly!
This sober, dignified dog with the wrinkled skin, “hippopotamus” head, and scowling expression stands firmly on the ground with a calm, confident stature.
Naturally clean and easy to housebreak, quiet and mannerly in the home, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an impressive companion if you can establish a relationship of mutual respect, i.e., admiring his independent character while consistently enforcing household rules so that he respects you as well. This can be a challenge, though, as this breed is dominant and obstinate — definitely not the choice for a first-time dog owner.
Chinese Shar-Pei need only moderate exercise (several brisk daily walks), so they do quite well in the city or suburbs. In fact, unless they are securely fenced, they are not the best choice for a farm or rural setting, for they have strong hunting instincts and may run deer or molest livestock if they get loose.
Aloof with strangers, Chinese Shar-Pei must be accustomed to people at an early age so that their natural territorial instincts are properly discriminatory.
Though he usually minds his own business unless provoked, some Chinese Shar-Pei are aggressive with other dogs, and some individuals are predatory with cats.
I got my Chinese Shar Pei through a local breeder about a year and a half ago. My pup was about 8 weeks when I got her. The first couple months was rough, as she went through the potty training process. However, Shar Pei learn that very quickly. My Shar Pei is just hilarious. She is willful and stubborn at times, obeying when she wants to, but she is truly a great member of the family. She is an excellent apartment dog because she rarely barks and is happy with one or two good, long walks a day. Often, she’ll need to romp around the house for a bit, too. Aside from that, she’s happy as a clam napping for the rest of the day. My Shar Pei, while not a guard dog, is great at notifying us if anyone stands too close outside our door. As for medical problems, she’s been healthy so far. No eye or skin issues. However, her ears can be a problem. They need daily cleaning.
Remember:
firm but loving obedience training
go to a reliable breeder
if socialized from puppyhood, chinese Shar Pei can be great around children; mine is
do not be lazy with daily care such as eye and/or ear cleaning
Hi can you send me the name and contact of your breeder, I’m looking to get a little boy. Please let me know if it’s at all possible. Thanks in advance for your time.
Danielle
I got Oscar and Bruno Shar-pei puppies at 9 weeks old. I found a few breeders on-line and interviewed them all. They flew to me on a plane from FL to CA. I would never do that again. It’s very traumatic for a dog, let alone a puppy. They survived! I was luckily right there to pick them up, so they didn’t have to hang out in cargo.
These dogs need a lot of attention. They need love and they need someone who will work with them and be firm, but gentle at the same time. They are sensitive critters!
These dogs have a rich history that is facsinating! They herd. They all look different from one another. There are 3 coats, horse, brush, bear. I’d Describe my dogs as my favorite guys in the whole world. They protect me, love me, they snuggle. They are goof balls and makes me laugh constantly.
You need to have money to have a Shar Pei. While you may get a healthy one, you probably will not! This is an important point! Too many are ignored and neglected and/or given up just for this point alone.
Yes! Shar-pei sheds ! They do not do well in heat. Mine were very puppy like until they were about 5 years old!
My Chinese Shar-Pei is a beautiful dog with a wonderful personality. I adopted my Chinese Shar-Pei from one of our local pounds – 5 months ago after our wonderful dog passed away. She had just come up for adoption the day we walked in. She was the first one that we saw and she just kept barking at us the whole time. We went and spent time with her so she would get to know us a little and she fit right in. Warmed up pretty quickly.
I’d Describe My Dog As… A wonderful addition to our family. She is very stubborn at times but so our we. She can sniff out anything anywhere. She keeps us laughing every day and she is always giving away the kisses. She really loves playing with her squeeky ball and will pick it up and throw it around herself and chase it to let us know its time to play again. She whips around the house full speed when we are playing inside. She is very loving, loyal, and protective and she is very very smart. She puts smiles on our faces everyday and we are so lucky to have her in our lives. She has no medical problems so far. She is just a great dog to have. She loves to go on walks and explore everything. My advice would be to give this dog a chance they will protect you, play with you and most of all they will love you with no questions asked. They are very loyal dogs who just love you to love them. They would be okay with children I think. We have a 15 yr. old neice and she is fine with her.