Breed Info

An alert, dignified, active, compact dog of medium size and substance, square in profile, close-coupled, the well proportioned head slightly but not overly large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the “hippopotamus” muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone.

Weight

40- 60 pounds

Height

18 - 20 inches

Lifespan

8 - 12 years

Personality

Regal, alert, intelligent, dignified, lordly, scowling, sober and snobbish, essentially independent and somewhat standoffish with strangers, but extreme in his devotion to his family. Through dedicated breeding, the Shar-Pei can be much less aloof and more accepting of strangers.

Health

With Shar-Pei, you should expect to see health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, and patella certification. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA website (offa.org). Conscientious breeders are testing for Shar-pei autoinflammatory disease (SPAID) and Primary open angle glaucoma / Primary lense luxation (POAG/PLL).

Care

Shar-Pei do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many Shar-Pei enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise.

Feeding

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Grooming

Shar-pei are fairly easy to groom and need only occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average/seasonal shedders. Begin grooming your Shar-pei at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you.

Important

They are very intelligent and easy to train but need consistent and firm methods of obedience and plenty of socializing to make them good members of your family. Most Shar-Pei hate having their nails trimmed; start young & be persistent.

Not big joggers!

They are a bit of a “couch potato” and most don’t enjoy water. They are generally easy to groom and care for with little maintenance and bathing needs.

Great indoor pet

They do not do well in extreme heat or extreme cold and do absolutely the best as a loved companion in your home.

Excellent housekeeper

Shar-Pei make excellent watchdogs and will alert their people to approaching strangers, but it’s not their style to bark without cause.