The Chinese Shar-Pei is a large dog known for its wrinkled head and face. They typically stand around twenty inches tall and weigh about sixty pounds. Interestingly, this unique-looking pup shares a similarity with the Chow-Chow breed, as they both have blue-black tongues. As a result, these two breeds are often mistaken for one another.
Originally, the Chinese utilized the Shar-Pei as a farm dog for various purposes such as hunting, tracking, herding, protecting livestock, and serving as guard dogs. Unfortunately, some owners even trained these powerful dogs for dogfighting, believing that their wrinkled skin and spiky coat made it harder for other dogs to grip onto them. This practice almost led to the breed’s extinction after the Communist Revolution.
However, thanks to a businessman from Hong Kong, the breed gained attention in America. Since being officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992, the Chinese Shar-Pei has become one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Ahead, we look at Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Chinese Shar-Pei, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Chinese Shar-Peis!
| Dog Breed | Chinese Shar-Pei |
| Size | |
| Weight | 45-60 lbs (average) |
| Height | 18-20″ (average) |
| Location | China |
| Ancestry | Chow Chow |
| Date of Origin | 206 BC |
| Group | Multipurpose Working Dog |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Chinese Shar-Pei is believed to be a descendant of the Chow-Chow due to its distinctive blue-black tongue. This breed can be traced back to pottery from 206 B. C. Known for their strength and hardworking nature, these dogs were used for hunting, guarding families, herding livestock, and catching rats. They were highly resilient and capable of working alongside their owners all day long. The Chinese believed that the wrinkles and dark mouth of the Shar-Pei protected them from evil spirits.
At one point, the Chinese Shar-Pei was on the verge of extinction. However, in 1992, it gained recognition as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which led to its rapid increase in numbers. Today, there are more than 70,000 registered Chinese Shar-Peis with the AKC. These dogs still possess the traits deeply ingrained in their instincts. They are extremely loyal and make excellent watchdogs. However, it is crucial for human handlers to establish themselves as the leaders. If a Chinese Shar-Pei perceives their handler as “soft” or “inconsistent,” they will try to assert dominance. Hence, establishing a consistent leadership role is of utmost importance.
🐕 Chinese Shar-Pei Appearance
The huge body, broad, square head, and wide snout of the Chinese Shar-Pei are distinctive features. They bite with scissors and have a blue-black tongue. Their narrow, sunken eyes are surrounded by a sea of wrinkles. They have tiny, triangular ears with rounded ends that are high set. This breed’s puppies typically have more wrinkles than its adult canines do. Horse, brush, and bear coats are the three different coat types seen on Chinese Shar-Peis. It is believed that the bear-coat is an uncommon variation with Chow-Chow heritage. The American Kennel Club does not accept the bear-coat as the breed standard, thus show dogs should not have the oddity. Additionally strange, unpleasant to the touch, highly prickly, and off-standing is the horse-coat. The brush-coat feels smoother and has longer hair. All types have coats that are up to an inch long, and sables and plain coat colors are also considered typical.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Fawn, Cream, Red |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Chinese Shar-Pei
These furry friends are not just intelligent, lively, energetic, and brave, but they also tend to be rather domineering. Early on in the partnership, handlers should make an effort to establish continuous leadership. These dogs are laid-back and tranquil. Because they are so dedicated to their owners, they make excellent watchdogs. Depending on whether they perceive the family member to be too unsure, meek, or mild-mannered, they may or may not obey directions from family members other than their primary handler. Masters or handlers must treat their charge with the utmost consistency and firmness. Due to their natural tendency toward dominance, they may attempt to “take over” if they believe that the human handler is not authoritative enough. Fortunately, the Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the breeds that is simpler to housebreak, albeit they dislike water. This dog would easily welcome them into their family unit because they were raised with cats and kids. Strong-willed and needing early socialization with other dogs, they frequently take the lead in partnerships amongst dogs.
🤝 Are Chinese Shar-Peis Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 Chinese Shar-Pei Care & Maintenance
This breed of wrinkled dogs has to be brushed everyday and bathed once a week since they are prone to skin infections and other problems. The breed’s many folds should be cleaned and dried carefully since they can collect dirt and moisture, which can serve as a haven for yeast and germs. Chinese Shar-Peis should always be kept cold since they are heat-sensitive. Their skulls have creases that act as insulators. Always give shade for the dog if it is outside. They must be physically active every day, but handlers must be careful not to overdo it. The curious puppies do appreciate time in the backyard and especially prefer human company, which is usually the case when a pet is outdoors, so exercise is nice. Additional activities like leash walks and socializing with other dogs in dog parks have to be a regular part of their day.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or around $34.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 8 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 Chinese Shar-Pei Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed can be:
- Entropion
- Hip Dysplasia
- Kidney Problems
- Chinese Shar-Pei Fever
- Mast Cell Tumors
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Demodectic Mange
- Skin Problems
- Heat Sensitivity
🤧 Important: Is Chinese Shar-Pei hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Chinese Shar-Pei.
⚡ Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Chinese Shar-Pei a great choice for families with young children?
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be easygoing and calm. They are also raised with cats and children, so they accept them into their family group with no problems.
Is the Chinese Shar-Pei breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Chinese Shar-Pei breed is not considered suitable for apartment living. This breed requires space to roam and exercise, so a large yard or open area is more suitable for them.
How much exercise does a Chinese Shar-Pei require compared to other breeds?
The Chinese Shar-Pei requires moderate exercise compared to other breeds. They are active dogs that enjoy walks and playtime, but they do not require excessive amounts of exercise like some high-energy breeds.
Is the Chinese Shar-Pei breed known for being good with other pets?
The Chinese Shar-Pei breed can be good with other pets if properly socialized from an early age. However, they tend to be dominant in dog relationships, so early socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other animals.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei include the Bulldog, Pug, and Basset Hound. These breeds have similar low-maintenance grooming needs and are known for their easygoing nature.
What are the common health issues that Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to?
Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to several common health issues, including skin problems, eye diseases, hip dysplasia, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these health issues.
Are Chinese Shar-Peis known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Chinese Shar-Peis are not known to be particularly easy to train compared to some other breeds. They can be independent and stubborn, so consistent and firm training methods are necessary to establish consistent leadership.
Are Chinese Shar-Peis more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Chinese Shar-Peis can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. However, with proper training and socialization, they can adjust well to being left alone for reasonable periods of time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei that are suitable for people with allergies include the Portuguese Water Dog, Bichon Frise, and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller-sized dog breeds similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei that are best for individuals or families with limited space include the French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds are compact and do well in smaller living spaces.
Is the Chinese Shar-Pei breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Chinese Shar-Pei breed can be good with children with special needs if properly trained and socialized. However, it is important to supervise interactions between the dog and child to ensure safety and teach both how to interact appropriately.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Chinese Shar-Pei?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Chinese Shar-Pei are moderate compared to other breeds. They have a short and prickly coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They are moderate shedders and may require occasional baths to keep their skin and coat healthy.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
