Shar Pei temperament: Are you wondering about the character hidden beneath the loose skin of these distinctive dogs?
The wrinkled dog with the ancient Chinese pedigree is sure to make a lasting impression on anyone who sees him.
But before you make a decision about this breed, it’s important to understand how their origins have shaped their view of the world.
In this article we’ll take a close look at the temperament and personality of the Shar-Pei so that you’ll know if this dog is a good fit for you.
The Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei is a curious fusion of unusual physical characteristics.
As if the broad “hippopotamus” head, small sunken eyes, blue-black tongue, and scowling expression weren’t unique enough, this dog’s sandpaper-like skin covers him in folds that fit like a bulky coat.
The Shar-Pei is a medium-sized and sturdily-built dog who stands from 18 to 20 inches and weighs between 45 to 60 pounds.
Almost as unique as their appearance is their long and singular history.
Origins of the Shar-Pei
Like the Chow Chow and the Pug, the Shar-Pei is a distinctly Chinese breed. The Shar-Pei’s origins date back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty.
This intelligent, rugged canine was believed to have been a peasant’s dog. This accounts for his versatility and ability to take on various roles over the years including: hunter, herder, guard dog, and pit fighter.
When the communist regime took over China in 1949 they slaughtered much of the dog population. Luckily, a few of these dogs survived in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
When the breed was nearly facing extinction, a 1971 magazine article featured a photo of the Shar-Pei.
It described the dog as “one of the last surviving specimens of the breed.”
This caught the attention of a Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law who wrote a letter to the magazine and urged Americans to save the breed.
Dog lovers responded and thankfully ensured the Shar-Pei’s survival.
The Typical Shar-Pei Temperament
Despite his hard-working history and turbulent past, today’s Shar-Pei is primarily a loyal and beloved companion.
Calm and confident, the Shar-Pei is an intelligent and independent animal.
However, they’re known to be dominating and may have a stubborn streak.
They’ve also held onto their fighting fierceness. This can lead to aggression towards both people and other dogs.
Needless to say, this is a breed who needs to be socialized and trained early to avoid becoming dangerous.
Although they’re not typically prone to barking, these dogs can make other loud noises.
Snoring, snorting, grunting, and grumbling are in their catalog of sounds.
Are Shar-Peis Easy to Train?
Training can go either way with this breed.
On the one hand they’re extremely intelligent, but they can also be very willful and want to do things their own way.
Consistent, positive reinforcement that uses plenty of treats and praise is the best way to get your Shar-Pei to see things your way.
Using harsh words or punishment won’t get you anywhere and could even trigger aggression.
Early socialization, that exposes your puppy to a wide variety of experiences, people, and other pets in a controlled and pleasant environment, has proven to play a large role in the development of a well-adjusted adult dog.
When it comes to potty training, the Shar-Pei is known for practically training themselves.
That’s because they’re a naturally clean dog who will instinctively not want to soil their living environment.
Are Shar-Peis Friendly?
Friendly isn’t a word normally associated with the Shar-Pei breed.
They can be loyal and devoted to their family, but are generally aloof with strangers. The Shar-Pei is known for singling out one family member and making that person their own.
Due to their history, the Shar-Pei has a natural instinct to protect their home and family. For this reason they make excellent watchdogs and guard dogs.
Socializing them early is the best way to discourage any territorial behavior.
This is not a breed normally recommended for a family with children; especially little ones. However, if he’s raised with children from a young age it will be less of a problem.
That being said, children also need to be taught how to approach a dog and to steer clear if they’re eating or sleeping.
Even very friendly dogs should always be supervised around young children.
Are Shar-Peis Protective?
These are dogs who will be devoted to their owners and often forge a very tight bond with one family member in particular.
Their instinct to protect can kick in if they sense the slightest danger to their loved ones.
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Even an unusual sound or an unfamiliar person can cause them to react.
This makes them excellent guard dogs, but they can be overly defensive if not properly socialized and trained.
Are Shar-Peis Aggressive?
Because of the Shar-Pei’s pit-fighting past, he may become aggressive in defending himself.
In fact, poorly socialized dogs can be downright dangerous. This study found the Shar-Pei to be very aggressive
Generally this aggression is directed towards other dogs, especially if they’re of the same sex.
His standoffish demeanor and natural suspicion of people he doesn’t know can also be interpreted as aggression.
Ensuring your dog is getting enough exercise can go a long way in reducing unwanted behavior. Moderate activity can sometimes be enough to burn off energy that could otherwise result in aggression.
Alternatively you could give this intelligent dog a job to do. Whenever he performs the tasks you’ve assigned him correctly, make sure to reward him.
This 2016 study shows that poor health can also affect fear and aggression in dogs.
Unfortunately, the Shar-Pei is a breed with a multitude of genetic health concerns.
Shar-Peis and Their Wrinkles
Regrettably, the physical characteristics that make the Shar-Pei so distinctive also cause the breed some serious health problems.
At one time their thick, loose skin served a practical purpose. It would allow them to keep fighting while being attacked by another dog.
However, the original Chinese Shar-Pei is far less wrinkly than the American version we see today.
That’s because when the breed became popular some breeders enhanced their excessive wrinkles and thickened the skin without regard for the dog’s well-being.
Their faces, in particular, now have increased folds so that the eyes are almost completely obscured.
Shar-Pei Health
The aforementioned increased number of folds can lead to numerous eye conditions including the following:
- Entropion, in which the eyelid rolls inward toward the eyeball,
- Lens luxation
- Glaucoma
- Mucinosis is a hereditary disorder that’s responsible for their characteristic wrinkles.
- Shar-Pei fever is also linked to their wrinkled skin.
Distinguishing features of Shar-Pei fever include recurring fever and swelling of the hocks. It also causes liver and kidney failure. This affects an estimated excess of 20% of these dogs.
As if this weren’t enough, the Shar-Pei’s flat muzzle makes them a brachycephalic breed which can cause serious breathing issues.
Do Shar-Peis Like Other Dogs?
The Shar-Pei is not a dog who likes to hang out with his own kind.
For that reason, bringing them into a home with another dog can lead to trouble.
Cats and other small animals won’t fare much better as the Shar-Pei’s hunting instincts can kick in and cause them to chase and grab any creature that tries to get away.
Properly socializing a Shar-Pei from a young age can prevent the assumption that all other dogs are a threat.
Taking your puppy to the dog park or obedience classes are good ways to expose them to a variety of other breeds.
However, this is never going to be a dog who’s crazy about other canines in his face or his space.
Natural Instincts
Although the Shar-Pei is essentially calm, cool, and confident, they retain their fighting instincts and won’t back down when confronted.
Remember, their famous loose wrinkled skin enables this dog to continue fighting, even while another dog attacks.
Early socialization is essential for the Shar-pei. Aggression towards other dogs, and in some case strangers, is not uncommon in this breed.
Their instinct to guard can make him an excellent watchdog. However, it’s important to teach your Shar-pei that not every person he doesn’t know is a threat.
Shar-Peis also have hunting and herding in their heritage. As a result they may try to chase and catch smaller animals.
Are Shar-Peis Good Family Pets?
The Shar-Pei can be a loyal companion. Proper socialization can result in a calm and confident dog.
However, there are certainly some things you should consider before bringing this dog into your home.
Children, other dogs, and pets of any type, will not be a good mix with the Shar-Pei.
These dogs simply have too many aggressive and protective tendencies.
The breed’s long list of hereditary health problems is perhaps more concerning. Owners can expect expensive trips to the vet.
If you have your heart set on a Shar-Pei, choose an adult dog from a shelter rather than getting a puppy. This allows you to see what kind of dog you’re getting.
Do you have a Shar-Pei? Let us know about your dog in the comments below!
Make sure you also take a look at the bear coat Shar Pei!
References and Resources
Howell, TJ, et al., “Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior,” Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 2015
Stafford, KJ, “Opinions of veterinarians regarding aggression in different breeds of dogs,” New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 1996
Zapata, I., et al., “Genetic mapping of canine fear and aggression,” BMC Genomics, 2016
Read, RA, et al., “Entropion correction in dogs and cats using a combination Hotz–Celsus and lateral eyelid wedge resection: results in 311 eyes,” Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2006
Lazarus, JA, et al., “Primary lens luxation in the Chinese Shar Pei: clinical and hereditary characteristics,” Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2002
Morris, RA, et al., “Light‐microscopy evaluation of zonular fiber morphology in dogs with glaucoma: secondary to lens displacement,” Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2005
Zanna, G., et al., “Hereditary cutaneous mucinosis in shar pei dogs is associated with increased hyaluronan synthase‐2 mRNA transcription by cultured dermal fibroblasts,” Veterinary Dermatology, 2009
Olsson, M., et al., “A Novel Unstable Duplication Upstream of HAS2 Predisposes to a Breed-Defining Skin Phenotype and a Periodic Fever Syndrome in Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs,” PLOS, 2011
Patricia says
I visited a friend one day. Her Shar pei was running loose in the house. She asked me to come in . After a few minutes it attacked me and put me in hospital. It was touch and go. This was an unprovoked attack from a normally laid back dog. I had see her only a couple of times previously. I was treated intravenously with antibiotics as the poison tracked up the arm. I am baffled and not well yet!
Patricia says
Ps. I am a 72 year old dog lover.
Camile Whitmore says
We have had a few Shar Pei. Yes socializing is the key. However you assessment is deeply flawed. None of mine have every been aggressive. None have been animal or dog aggression. Primarily loyal and affectionate. Yes they tend to imprint on one family member but they also are fiercely loyal to the remainder of the household. This is especially true of the children in the household. My girls will protect any child in the household. Health problems mentioned in the article is accurate. The emphasis on the aggression myths not so much. These dogs are not golden retrievers. They require training and socializing. You have to work with them. That’s it otherwise you will have a protective dog who you have to introduce to guest before you allow them in. We have never had one who bit or attacked other dogs.
Hannah says
My five year old Sharpei female has always been amazing with other animals. She was born in a household with a cat. When she came home to me at seven weeks old, she was already gentle and kind with my rabbits as well as our other dogs and horses. I’ve had zero issues her entire life when it comes to other animals and aggression.
She is the first dog that I’ve owned (the others belonged to my family) and I got her at 17 years old. When it comes to training, she is stubborn and a bit lazy. She does bark at people coming through the door, and will sit in her bed and be grumpy for a while if its the first couple times shes met them. If its someone she knows, she’ll be happy and come up for plenty of petting. She does not like strangers putting their hands over her head to pet her, but she has never bit anyone.
My daughter is 19 months old and she and Pancake (my Pei) are best buddies. She is the first baby and/small child my dog has really been around. From day one Pancake has been great with my daughter. She gives her treats and Pancake takes them gently. My daughter is able to walk her on a leash in the house or yard. I did once catch my daughter with her hands in the food bowl while Pancake was eating, she was pulling kibble out and having Pancake eat out of her hand. I don’t advocate letting your kids mess with dogs while they eat, but its another example of how well they do together.
Health wise, Pancake has had the short end of the deal. At a year old she needed surgery for medial patellar luxation. Then a year and a half later she was hit by a car and broke her hip on one side and now has a disfigured foot with nails that grow in all directions. This makes things like walks very difficult, even with boots and keeping the nails trimmed, they’ll break completely off and the quick will fall off too. Lots of vet trips for this girl, over five years I’ve spent at least $5,000 on vet bills for her. She is sensitive to most kibbles, and will lose hair if shes on one that doesnt agree with her.
Based on my experience, I don’t agree that Sharpeis aren’t good with other animals or kids. You have to base it on individual temperament. We have one other dog in the home (Rottweiler/Retriever mix) who was a rescue and extremely dog aggressive, but liked Pancake from the first time they met. Pancake helped make Coco the dog she is today. She is also great with our daughter, and has learned to be accepting of other animals. In a couple years, I hope to add another Sharpei to our mix but for now we are a perfectly happy family.
Kaz Forbes says
We currently have 3 rescued Shar Pei and over the years have had 2 others as well. All of them have had very distinct and very different personalities! Boris was our first, he came to us as a puppy and grew up with 2 golden retrievers so was well socialised and very calm. He didn’t tolerate strangers and needed to be introduced to people if they were regular visitors. Katie was our next. At 4 years old, she came to us from a tough life of constant breeding and took several months to settle in. She learnt to walk in the dog park but stayed way from people and other dogs. Sadly, she passed away suddenly at age 10. In the mean time we rescued Tammy who is deaf and has only 1 eye, all due to neglect. Tammy loves a run in the park and like Katie, she doesn’t bother with other dogs or humans! Baz joined us after being saved from a life on the streets. He is the calmest and most gentle dog we’ve ever owned. They all came to live in the desert in the Northern Territory with us for 2 years (we usually live on the east coast of Australia- just north of Sydney) but sadly at 15 years old, Boris passed away up there. However not before Albert joined the family, so at one stage we had 4 Shar Pei all living happily (mostly!) together. Baz is now 13 years old, Tammy is around 8 and Albert is still young at about 4 years old. We love this breed and will go on rescuing them for as long as we can. We’re back on the coast now and all three dog settled back in to home and live with a beautiful chocolate lab named Chief. They get along really well with Albert and Chief behaving like naughty toddlers together most days! Shar Pei are a wonderful breed but they need to know their place in the pack so they can get along together. They are also pretty lazy…but maybe that’s just our spoilt ones!
Jackie says
I had my sharpei for 15 years her name was Ming Ming. Passed 2years ago. She was heaven sent and somewhat stubborn but did listen 95% of the time. Hated bath time. Was a snorer. Came potty trained , never had one accident in my home no matter how long I left her alone. She was excellent with my three children , we also had a cat in the home and she got along with her just fine. Strange cats no , other dogs no. Never food aggressive never
My kids were play in her food bowl when they were little
She never showed aggression to strangers and was friendly
She did bark madly when someone would come to the door though
But that’s a great thing.
I’m looking for another sharpei
I loved that dog like she was one of my own children.
Mindy says
Oh I should add this is our first ever puppy we owned and we could not have asked for better he’s been an angel to potty train learn to sit give high five and lay down happened in literally three days! And has never even
So much as chewed one shoe or anything in our home xo
Mindy says
We have a 3 year old boy shar-pei he is wonderful! We have a small child and two grandchildren who are only 4 years old and 4 months. He’s never been to a trainer but has always been unreal good and easy to potty train and so wonderful with any kids!! He doesn’t like new adults and is quite aggressive when someone tries to come in or come near our immediate family! So wonderful we just adore him with all our hearts! He’s never been in a kennel and has full reins of our home and outside and learned very quick to not leave the yard he does what he wants when we are home and when we are not lol and eats cheeseburgers on the daily! He’s our family and he’s perfect aside from the aggression with new people but some say it’s a good thing he is protecting us xo
Carol says
I am having trouble getting my Shar to follow any instructions. I can get him out doors far potty and eating but he refuses to come back in side usually have to pick him up. He is now anot 7 months old and weigh a ton any suggestions
Di says
My Mu can be like this sometimes. Just because she wants to go in on her terms and not mine..she can be stubborn (she is whip smart, loving, loyal, playful and stubborn). I realized, years ago, she would display herding tendencies (with people and the cats), so this is what I do with her. If she doesn’t want to go in, I get behind her and tell her to go. She may give me a look, and grumble, but she goes in the door. FYI, she’s the best dog I’ve ever had and we love her to pieces!!!
Annie English says
I too have a five 1/2 yr old female shar-pei, love her so much. But she is very protective of me and my home. She doesn’t care for noisy entergic childern. I do not have any. She lets me know when anyone or anything is outside. My adult son loves that I have her and that she protects me. She will growl at people who get to close. You have to turn you back on her and ignore her and she will walk away. She is a great guard dog. She likes to sit on the porch and watch the traffic. No one gets in without letting me know.
Haili says
I am a first time shar pei owner and mine is now 2 and half. The training had not been easy. We registered her in a puppy school, hired a professional dog trainer on weekly basis for a while, and take her to local parks to reenforce the training and to socialise twice a day every day. The time, energy and financial investment has paid off. She is now a happy and healthy dog loves people and dogs (although she does growl at some dogs whilst playing with them). Key thing I have learned is that the dog training is more important for the human. Once you understand your dog, you will establish bond and leadership with your shar pei. Life then becomes joyful for both the dog and the owner.
Heidi Adams says
I have a shared pei, he was easy to train and is well socialized. He ignores other dogs. A shared pei is not a dog for a first time owner. You have to understand dog behavior in order to train one. I would definitely get another one. Mine hasn’t had any health issues. He is not extremely wrinkled. He is very healthy and is now nine years old.