The Shar Pei is a medium sized breed. The breed is well known for their extreme wrinkled skin, which comes in a variety of colors. The Shar Pei is a loyal and confident breed, which stems from their guard dog origins. They need regular moderate exercise, but can make good pets for city dwellers.
What’s In This Guide
- Shar Pei At A Glance
- In-depth Breed Review
- Shar Pei Training And Care
- Pros And Cons Of Getting A Shar Pei
Shar Pei FAQs
Check out the answers to our readers’ top questions about the Shar Pei.
- Are Shar Pei dogs aggressive?
- Is a Shar Pei a dangerous dog?
- How much does a Shar Pei puppy cost?
- Do Shar Pei make good family pets?
Now it’s time for a quick overview of their vital statistics!
Breed At A Glance
- Purpose: Guard dog
- Weight: 45 – 60 lbs
- Temperament: Loyal, confident, stubborn
- Lifespan: 6 – 7 years
Shar Pei Breed Review: Contents
- History and original purpose
- Fun facts about Shar Pei
- Shar Pei appearance
- Shar Pei temperament
- Training and exercise
- Health and care
- Do Shar Pei make good family pets
- Rescuing a Shar Pei
- Finding a Shar Pei puppy
- Raising a Shar Pei puppy
- Popular Shar Pei breed mixes
- Shar Pei products and accessories
To truly understand this breed, we need to start at the beginning.
History and Original Purpose
The breed is thought to have originated around the small village of Tai Lin in the Kwangtung Province, China.
The first references to them can be found in the form of tomb statues and clay figurines.
These date back to the Han Dynasty period (roughly 200 B.C).
Although whether the dogs are Shar Peis or Chow Chows is still a matter of debate.
We don’t know very much about the Shar Pei during the medieval period.
However, references to a ‘wrinkled dog’ that sounds quite similar to the breed have recently been found in a 13th century Chinese manuscript.
20th Century Shar Pei History
Things took a turn for the worse during the 20th century.
More ferocious dogs started to be imported into China from Western countries.
As the breed was smaller and less aggressive by comparison, their breeding was neglected and their numbers began to decline.
Then in 1949 Mao Zedong and the communist party took over China.
Then in the early 1950s they began to round up and exterminate pet dogs as well as strays!
World’s Rarest Dog
In the late 1970’s the Shar Pei was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘world’s rarest dog’.
It was estimated that very few of these dogs were still alive in China and there were only around 30 living in the USA and Canada.
The breeds plight was not well known until it was illustrated in an American magazine entitled ‘Dogs’ in May 1971.
They published an article about rare dog breeds.
This included a photograph of one. It described the dog as ‘one of the last surviving specimens of the breed’.
On the Rise
This article caught the attention of a young man called Matgo Law.
He was a Shar Pei collector and enthusiast.
Law went on to write a letter to ‘Dog’ magazine, in which he stressed the need to ‘Save the Chinese Shar Pei.’
His letter was published in April 1973 and it was a big success.
Over 200 people wrote letters to the magazine, most of which came from people who wanted to buy these dogs.
Soon the orders were pouring in.
How The Breed Has Changed
It is a sad but true fact that dog breeding is not always in the dog’s best interest.
With the rise of dog shows and certain ‘breed standards’, many people have chosen to breed for appearance rather than health.
Sadly, it is the dogs that suffer as a result.
This is quite obvious in the Shar Pei because they have significantly exaggerated features.
Did Their Wrinkles Have a Purpose?
Their wrinkles are thought to have historically served a purpose.
The loose skin enables the dog to keep fighting even if another animal has grabbed hold of their skin.
But it is undeniable that the dogs you’ll find in America are a far cry from the originals.
Original ‘bone-mouth’ Chinese Shar Peis were less wrinkly (especially in the face), they were also more athletic.
They had a narrower head, and their eyes were mostly unobstructed.
In contrast, American bred Shar Pei’s have very wrinkly faces, they have a distinctively large ‘hippopotamus head’.
They also tend have obscured eyes, and they are heavier and stockier.
Increasing Shar Pei Wrinkles
When the breed first became popular in America it was subjected to inexperienced breeders.
They were focused on making their dogs as wrinkly as possible rather than concentrating on the dogs quality of life.
In 2011 scientists found a link between their wrinkles and Shar Pei fever.
This is a condition that causes up to one in five dogs to develop kidney, liver, spleen and/or intestinal problems.
Did Original Shar Peis Have the Same Health Issues?
The original had only has small wrinkles around the face.
Barely recognizable from the dog we know, it is not predisposed to Shar Pei fever.
It has a lower risk of developing serious health problems.
One of the biggest problems with pedigree dogs is that they tend to have a small gene pool which allows hereditary health problems to thrive.
Selective breeding encourages people to breed the dogs with the ‘best’ physical characteristics multiple times.
Without allowing dogs with less exaggerated characteristics to breed at all.
Even if the second dog is actually healthier.
What do Shar Peis look like?
This breed has a very unique appearance.
The name ‘Shar-Pei’ translates into ‘sand skin’ and this makes sense because the Shar Pei’s coat is coarse and prickly to touch.
They are normally medium sized dogs, they have a large flat heads, they will have a wide muzzle and a blue-black tongue.
They also have small and sunken dark eyes, and little high-set triangular ears.
Shar Pei puppies tend to be very wrinkly, but as they get older their skin straightens out somewhat.
The ‘bone-mouth’ Shar Pei which is also known as the ‘original’ is much less wrinkled.
They are taller and generally more ‘normal’ looking than more exaggerated examples of the breed.
The western Shar Pei’s may have wrinkles around the face, legs and arms and skin folds on the stomach, chest and back.
Shar Pei Size
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium sized dog which is typically around 18-20 inches tall.
Their weight will usually be around 45-60 pounds.
A sturdy dog, they are normally more stocky then fat.
Types of Shar Pei Coat
There are three main coat types which you are likely to come across.
Horse-coat Shar Pei
These dogs have a harsh, ‘horse hair style’ coat.
These dogs are very wrinkly as puppies, but as they get older the wrinkles largely disappear apart from around the face.
Brush-coat Shar Pei
These dogs retain their ‘puppy-ish look’ into adulthood and they tend to keep more of their wrinkles.
They are normally a little less active than horse-coats.
Bear-coat Shar Pei
The Bear coats are fluffy little creatures with a top coat which is longer than 1 inch.
These dogs are not currently recognized by the Kennel Club, but they are probably the cutest type you will ever find.
Colors
These dogs can be found with a variety of different colored coats.
Including red, black, cream, apricot, chocolate, brown and blue.
They also have a thick, short, curled tail.
Shar Pei Temperament
The Shar-Pei may have altered in appearance over the years, but they have not lost their natural guard dog instincts.
This is good in the sense that they will be protective of their owner and they are often very loyal pets.
It is very important to socialize them as early as possible because they can be aggressive both towards strangers and other dogs.
Are Shar Pei Dogs Aggressive?
Shar Peis were bred at one point to be aggressive, to other animals and even to people.
Their role as a watch dog and pit fighter meant that it was beneficial to have a strong temper and a confident demeanor.
But what about today’s Shar Pei?
Is the Shar Pei a Dangerous Dog?
Any dog improperly raised or handled has the potential to be dangerous.
A dog with a guarding and fighting background, who is confident and independent, is going to be a higher risk.
Not every Shar Pei will be dangerous, but the odds may be worse than with other breeds.
Despite their relative rareness the breed still comes up in studies looking at facial bites in children, for example.
They have also been classified by veterinarians as ‘very aggressive’.
However, positive reinforcement training and great socialization can help improve your odds.
Training your Shar Pei
It is refreshingly easy to house-train a Shar-Pei because they are naturally clean animals and they are unlikely to relieve themselves in their home environment.
In fact, they have been known to train themselves!
The breed is naturally independent and you will need to start training and socializing the dog as soon as possible.
Make sure there are plenty of positive interactions with other dogs and humans.
Practice positive reinforcement rather than punishment-based training.
Sharpei dogs can be a handful and they are not recommended for first time dog owners or those with young children.
Socialization
They are not the friendliest of breeds and, unless they are socialized well from an early age, they can be aggressive towards other pets.
A good way to ensure they grow into a well adjusted adult is to take them outside as much as possible.
Ensure they can interact with other dogs of various shapes, sizes and breeds.
Try to enroll your puppy in a training class where they will be around new dogs and new humans at the same time.
Your dog should also be introduced to a variety of humans at an early age including men, women and children.
Although make sure that the children don’t become too boisterous as they won’t put up with it.
Have guests over regularly.
Shar Pei Exercise
This dog needs regular moderate exercise, but this involves a few brisk walks rather than hours of running around the park.
He is perhaps better suited for city living.
Due to their hunting instincts it’s not a great idea to let them run wild in the country, unless they have great recall.
They may also suffer in hot weather due to their loose skin and shortened muzzle.
Health and Care
This breed is prone to a wide variety of health problems.
Joint Problems
The breed often suffers from problems in their joints, especially their hips and elbows, and this may develop into hip or elbow dysplasia.
Dysplasia will cause the dog to have problems with movement and tends to be quite painful, and it may require surgical treatment.
Hip and Elbow dysplasia are hereditary conditions.
If you are looking to buy or adopt a Shar Pei it is important that you have access to their ancestry records so you can check to see if dysplasia runs in the family.
Joint problems will normally become apparent by the age of two years old.
If they don’t seem to have it by then, they are unlikely to develop dysplasia or related conditions later in life.
Ensure that both parents have good hip and elbow scores.
Shar Pei Fever
Shar Pei fever is normally a short lives inflammatory condition which can cause high temperatures and aching joints.
This fever is not normally life threatening, but it can be the first step towards the dog developing amyloidosis.
This refers to a build up in the dogs liver, kidneys, spleen and/or gastrointestinal tract, and this can prove fatal.
This condition is linked to the same gene which causes the wrinkles.
So, if you buy the less wrinkly ‘bone-mouth’ variety you may have less health concerns to worry about.
Eye Problems
Shar Peis are known to suffer from a variety of eye problems.
These include:
- Chemosis – puffiness of the white area surrounding the eyeball)
- Cherry eye – red and inflamed eyes
- Entropion – eyelids seem to roll into the eye
If your dog has difficulty opening their eyes then you may need to take them to the vet for a temporary ‘eye tacking’ procedure.
Shar Pei Wrinkles
Their loose and wrinkly skin may be one of their biggest selling points, but it can also cause a multitude of problems.
They often suffer from a condition called demodectic mange which is caused by mites.
All dogs have mites living in their skin and it is normally harmless.
However, if the dog’s immune system becomes weak the demodectic mange can result in hair loss, itchy skin and sometimes even total baldness.
This is a treatable condition, although it can be hard to fully eradicate, and treatments involve shampoos, ointments, antibiotics and other forms of medication.
It is very important to clean and dry his skin very carefully, especially within the loose skin folds.
If regular grooming is neglected it can result in irritations, sores and even mold.
Ear Problems
The breed typically has narrow, folded-over ear laps and thick ear canals which limit air circulation and typically result in excessive wax and ear infections.
Breathing Difficulties
Shar Peis typically has a small, squashed and tightly pinched nose which means that not only will they get out of breath easily but it may be hard for them to breath in general.
Brachycephalic problems are not as extreme as the Pug or other breeds with smaller noses, but it is still a valid concern.
Other Health Concerns
This dog also has a heightened risk of blood clotting, bone inflammation, arthritis and certain cancers.
How long do Shar Peis Live?
This breed’s average lifespan is reported as 8 to 12 years. Sadly, this is not backed up my scientific research.
The real figure looks to be closer to 6 to 7 years on average. A sign of their ongoing health problems.
Do Shar Peis Make Good Family Pets?
It is possible to have one make a good family pet in certain scenarios.
However, they aren’t ideally suited to the role. Especially when kids are involved.
This is a dog that is fiercely loyal and bold.
And that has been known to be aggressive if improperly socialized.
You can improve your odds by picking a puppy from two friendly parents, and devoting yourself to socialization from the day you bring your puppy home.
However, they are still not the best candidate for those with young families.
If you have small children or are planning them in the near future, another breed may be better suited to you.
(paid link) Rescuing
If you would like to own a Shar Pei dog you might want to look into adoption.
There are many dog rescue homes which take in dogs for a multitude of reasons and all of these dogs need a secure and loving home.
The dogs will normally have fairly detailed personality charts which will help you determine whether that particular dog is right for you.
The one thing that may turn someone off adopting is that the dogs are likely to be adults rather than puppies.
But this does mean you may not have to train them as intensively and you’ll be more aware of any potential health concerns.
In some cases it is better to adopt a dog in need instead of promoting the breeding of a type of dog that has severe health problems.
You will find a list of rescues at the bottom of this page.
However, not ever home is suited to a rescue dog.
Finding a Puppy
If your heart is set on a this breed, then find a puppy from bone mouth parents. With a narrow muzzle and minimal loose skin folds.
Make sure you meet both parents, and that they are confident and at ease around strangers.
Only use a breeder that is happy to show you clear health tests, and is clearly knowledgeable about the potential problems.
How Much Does a Shar Pei Puppy Cost?
These pups don’t come cheap.
Depending on where you are buying from you could be looking at well over $1,500 USD per puppy.
Raising a Shar Pei Puppy
Caring for a Shar Pei puppy comes with a lot of responsibilities.
Socialization and special care of their skin are vital.
They also come with the some training needs as any other breed.
Fortunately, there are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training.
Here are a few to get you off on the right foot:
- Puppy potty training
- How to stop a puppy biting
- Puppy training stages
- Positive puppy training
- Puppy Development Stages
Although Shar Pei puppies have a lot of appeal, they aren’t healthy and they do have temperament concerns. One way around this is to look at mixes.
Popular Shar Pei Breed Mixes
Love the breed, but want to dampen down some of their health problems? Then a possible approach is to look at a mix.
Although mixes don’t guarantee less loose skin, if you pick the right one then the likelihood is reduced.
Just make sure both parents are health tested for conditions relevant to their own breed.
- Cocker Spaniel Shar Pei mix
- Shar Pei Lab mix
- Pitbull Shar Pei mix
You can find even more Shar Pei mixes here.
Similar Breeds
Sadly, the severe structural health problems mean that many owners consider alternative breeds.
Here are some with similar personalities but better structural health.
- German Shepherd Dog
- Belgian Malinois
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Doberman
Trying to decide the best dog breed for you can be tricky.
Pros And Cons
Let’s break down the pros and cons of bringing home this distinctive dog.
Cons
- Skin infections
- Eye problems
- High maintenance care routine
- Guarding tendencies
- Not well suited to young families
Pros
- A distinctive appearance
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Confident
Decided this breed is for you? Then you’ll need some kit!
Products and accessories
This is a heavy set, medium sized dog. Here are some products that suit him well:
- Best Dog Ear Cleaner
- Dog Dandruff Treatments
- Best Dog Beds For Chewers
- Best Shampoo for Wrinkly Dog Breeds
You can find lots more products in the Supplies section of our site.
Breed Rescues
Many potential owners worry about buying a puppy that is bred to have conformational problems.
Thus encouraging an industry around breeding puppies that aren’t in the best health.
However, there are lots of Shar Pei and their mixes waiting for homes already, in shelters around the world.
USA
UK
Canada
References And Resources
- Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
- O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Dogs Owned In England. The Veterinary Journal
- Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
- Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science 2008
- Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal 2004
- Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne
- Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America, Inc
- Cunliffe J, Chinese Shar Pei: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog, i5 Publishing 2012
- Ernest Albright’s Chinese Shar-Peis Are the Rare New Wrinkle in Watchdogs
- Chinese Shar Pei History
- New Hope For Shar Pei Coming Soon
- Shar Pei Wrinkles Have To Go
- Metzger, J and Disl, O. 2014. A study of Shar-Pei dogs refutes association of the ‘meatmouth’ duplication near HAS2 with Familial Shar-Pei Fever. Animal Genetics Journal.
- Narojek et al. 2008. Canine elbow dysplasia in different breeds. Bull Vet Inst Pulawy
- North American Shar Pei Rescue
- Olson et al. 2011. 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 Genetics.
- Rettenmaier, J et al. Prevelance of canine hip dysplasia in a veterinary teaching hospital population. Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound.
- Royal Shar Pei Website
- Tellier, LA. 2001. Immune-mediated vasculitis in a shar-pei with swollen hock syndrome. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
- The History Of China’s Anti Dog Campaigns
- The Shar Pei Club of Great Britain
- Familial Shar Pei Fever
Alison Campbell says
I have Million who is just 5. He is perfect and typical shar pei traits. My son is the apha male of the pack but I am his owner and mummy and he follows me everywhere and definitely reads my mind. I have grandchildren and Million understands and took on the role himself of being there protector. When we are all in the house million will walk from room to room making sure everyone is ok. He is massively spilt and gets lots of cuddles. I made the biggest mistake ever of letting him on my bed now I can’t get him off so he sleeps with me and sometimes wakes me to lift the duvet up for him so he can go under. He hates cats but my cat of 18 rules million and Million is in awe of him. I let him off the lead and he is ok with most dogs but he has had a few growls, so can’t 100% trust him. He loves company and as long as we invite people in he is fine with them but at night any noise outside and he will bark do perfect guard dog. His personality is amazing and he can be childishly naughty looking for attention and he has sometimes answers back when he’s been told off. Definitely hunting dogs as always chasing squirrels and on loom out for foxes at night. He has had a fever few times but we get him checked . He gets quite a few ear problems too. He is on a raw meat diet and very healthy coat and teeth. He is the most well known dog where I live and everyone comments on his gorgeous he is. The family revolves around million and we live it and get so much love back from him
josephine forsyth says
My granddaughter has a Shar pei pup, he’s 9 months old she has been feeding him raw minced meat and poultry for the past 2 months, but he now doesn’t want to eat it, has anyone got any suggestions please?
Elaine says
I was given the last 2 puppies from a litter out of a Great Pyrenees. If I had not seen the mother, I would not have believed it. One puppy was black and white. Utterly gorgeous. He was larger than the other puppy with a strange personality that was nothing like either parent breed. He was completely smitten with humans. He craved attention. He would fetch a ball. I taught them not to jump on people. He got around the rule by standing on his hind legs. He was so eager for my attention, he would reach out and lightly touch my shoulder. If he had been even a mediocre livestock guardian, I would still have him. At 13 months, he weighed 125 pounds. He was beautiful, but drove me crazy teaching himself new tricks. I found him an excellent home with a half acre fenced backyard. They picked him up and took him straight to a groomer and sent me photos of him in bed with them that night. He was stretched out taking up 1/3 of a king-size bed. That was his version of heaven.
The day after I brought them home, my husband (not an animal lover) was telling me how he finally understood why/how dogs could be taken into places where there was a tragedy to help people cope with the emotional toll of a disaster, Winston could be in a psychiatrist’s office and the doctor wouldn’t even have to talk. Winston would just stare into people’s eyes and listen, and you could just tell him all about your troubles and feel better just talking to him.
My reply was “who’s Winston?”
Made me wish I’d been there for that conversation.
The next day I got photos of the second dog .my husband ever named at over 40. The first dog he named is in the picture too. A Shar-pei/Rat Terrier. The Best Rat Hunter on the Planet: Dagmar.
Winston is the perfect height to put his head under my hand. I don’t have to pet him. He’s perfectly content to just be there. He likes new people and I know I can trust anyone that he sits beside. If he doesn’t trust them, he super glues himself to my leg. He can be 1/8 of a mile from me, If he is doing something I need him to stop, he stops. The cows don’t like me close to brand new calves. Winston is allowed to come right up to them and touch noses. One day he did a Lasse thing. He was barking at me. When I put down what I was doing, he took off to the fence. Stop, bark at me. Come back to me. Bark at me. Go back to fence. Bark at me. When I got closer to the fence, he disappeared, popped up on the other side, barked at me. I didn’t have a gate with that neighbor. I had to climb over. He finally stopped. I almost tripped over a baby deer. It flicked it’s ear, and I saw it. So perfectly camouflaged I could have walked right past it. Winston sat down like he was asking
“well what are we going to do about this?”
Took me 20 minutes to find the place he got through the fence. 20 minutes to get him back on my side and 20 minutes to stack rocks in the washed out hole under the fence. I think the deer mom moved that fawn. The next week another fawn was inside our fence. He had to show it to me the same way. He touched noses with it every morning. That one stayed pretty close to the new calves for several months. Now Winston let’s me know when new calves are born.
Winston proved my husband correct at Christmas 2019. He came inside, which he rarely does. He found my mother in law. I came in the kitchen and he was sitting with his head in her lap. She was petting him and tears were rolling down her face dripping on his head. I found my husband. He went to her and found out her sister had died that day. Somehow Winston knew she needed him. Again, she is not an animal person. I have never seen her pet any of my animals.
Except Winston. As soon as she was not crying anymore, Winston came to me. After everyone had told him what a good boy he was, he went to the front door and waited to be let out.
The only stubborn thing he does, is follow us to the gate to the street are refuses to come back to us. It’s driving us crazy. We now have to hold him while the gate opens and closes. Or we lock him in garage while we’re gone, if we leave separately.
Valerie says
My 9 year old shar pei is blind and seems to be sleeping a lot I am a bit concerned should I be
Brett Hall says
i am thinking of buying a Sharpei, from a shelter just worried about aggression and shedding?
Scott Monteith says
As an owner you have great control over how your dog acts, however, dogs can be either good or bad. Having a dog that was bred for fighting is like owning a gun, it is your responsibility. If I were less aware and courteous I would buy a muzzle if I had any concerns. My dog is the traditional variation with a mix but is very much a Shar Pei. His hair is fine and short and doesn’t shed much beyond his bed. He has only gone to the bathroom inside a couple times when he was alone and feeling ill and he felt terrible about doing it. I think the dog foods I bought were too rich, I have cooked rice and mixed it with tuna and canned vegetables for many years now. He is very smart and I only had to tell him things once. Sometimes I just have to snap my fingers and he stops doing whatever it is that is wrong. He was not socialized like he should have been but also has a past. If I tell him to sit or lay down when a larger dog is around he is fine. He really wants to play but it comes across too aggressive so I tell him to lay down.
I got my Buddy almost 13 years ago from a friend whose doorsteps he showed up on in 29 Palms, California. I am not sure how long he was in the desert by himself but he was attracted to my friends dog. I didn’t think he even liked me when we met, he didn’t seem to care until I would get ready to walk away and then he would watch me. He is the same with strangers; if they want to pet him he is not always keen on it but if its not about him he wants the attention. He looks a lot like the headshot of the only non Americanized wrinkle dog on this page. He is the best dog I have ever had!
He gets along well with smaller dogs unless he is feeling ill from something he should not have eaten. He lives with 4 rotten pugs who devour everything in sight, while he would pick at his food for hours when it was just him. He was not exposed to people or dogs much in the desert and prefers women. Likely either the single breeder in the area or a marine being deployed dumped him – he likes car rides but gets so nervous he shakes, same with men in their 20s. He minds very well but now with belligerent pugs around he sometimes doesn’t think he should be the only one to follow rules but he does.
For several years he had a sore in the fold of his ear that wouldn’t heal completely, it would stay red and irritated. After putting some athlete’s foot cream on it it totally healed and has never bothered him again. I have had German Shepard’s, Dobermans, Labs, Boxers, Beagles, mutts and small dogs… Buddy is the best by far!
Meg Garrett says
I have a friend that wants to give me a female sharpei. She is a female, 6 months old and very timid and sweet. She is laid back and a very nice dog. i have 2 dogs of my own that are not aggressive but do play rough with each other. I would love to have her but I love her personality as she is now. I am in my 60’s and ready for a more laid back large dog. Do you think my dogs will change her personality?
Sam says
Female Shar peis can be very dominant and protect I’ve over new owner I would say no to a girl but. Boy
Celeste says
after a while she will grow to concider your dogs family. I have a 9 yr old shar pei and when we got her she was 7 (a recue) and we had two cats, after a while she grew to love them. Now she even sleeps with one of them, thier a magnificent breed and i think you should accept.
Cece says
As a owner of a sharpei, it is so rare to find such a rare dog at a shelter. You would need to find a breeder. a breeder that you know that you can trust And you know they know what their doing.
They may have aggression because of old owner at first. But as you grow a relationship, and build trust, a sharpei is a good choice. They don’t shed that much but still shed a little of course. We have a blue dilute sharpei and his name is Smokey (gray colored). Just turned one years old now and we’re getting another pup this coming December 16th 2020. (Same breed) but he’s gonna be a cream.
Tony says
Crying now. Thanx for the loving messages. A really great breed!
Kim says
I have a Shar Pei….my first but not last. He’s so mean but he can’t be blamed. I didn’t understand how important socializing him was because I’ve never had an aggressive dog before. It’s important to do your homework when getting any type of dog and understanding what their needs may be. He loves his family but we can’t have around other animals or people. I’m very happy he’s in my life but would do things differently for him had I known and understood his needs but I don’t regret ever having my sweet pea.
Susie says
I have had sharpei for many years, 5 different colors at the same time, my Minga lived to be 16 years old, my bridgette was born blind due to trying to get a tea cup, didn’t work but she lived to be 14, my MarCedez was blue and the largest at 156 pounds lived till age 13, harley was black he died at age 7 kidney issues, and Izabella died at 18 month because the first owner abused her and we tried but it was too late. I loved them all and they went to tje vets for shots but we did not have too many issues at all.. they were all great and my kids and grandkids were raised around them, we watched their diet and skin and ears but you would do that with childern
Susie says
I have had sharpei for many years, 5 different colors at the same time, my Minga lived to be 16 years old, my bridgette was born blind due to trying to get a tea cup, didn’t work but she lived to be 14, my MarCedez was blue and the largest at 156 pounds lived till age 13, harley was black he died at age 7 kidney issues, and Izabella died at 18 month because the first owner abused her and we tried but it was too late. I loved them all and they went to tje vets for shots but we did not have too many issues at all.. they were all great and my kids and grandkids were raised around them
M. Reeves says
Thus is a very good document on Shar Pei.
At all, but a lot of American BREEDERS HAVE CAUSED these sad health problems in Shar Pei.
I’m 62 and have only had Shar Pei for 15 years.
I wished i knew able them in my twenties because i would have faught hard to stop the bad breeding habitats in the country.
I now have bone month Shar Pei and they are family not pets.
Humanity has done a great miss service to thi breed and a lot of things on our planet.
Its going to come back on us unless we change our selfish ways.
Bonnie L Lewis says
I just lost my Macey girl shar-pei in October of cancer I had her for almost 14 years and she was the best, most loyal, sweet personality companion you could ever hope to own. I now have her four year old grand-daughter Magik who like her grandma Macey is just as sweet and lovable companion and quite the cuddler. All in all with Magik I have had five shar-peis in the last fourteen years, which I feel very fortunate to have had such wonderful, loveable pets and companions. They have and still are my life, they bring such joy and unconditional love that makes all of the vet problems and expense worth it! Yes I have had skin problems, ear problems and skin allergies, but we humans have doctor bills too, and those are just the facts of life. My advice is you want a loyal, sweet and well mannered pet or companion, the shar-pei fits the bill, don’t be scared off about their health issues they may or may not have, they are worth the risk!
Susan Schroeder says
Bonnie Lewis: I enjoyed your letter. I just adopted a 4-year old Shar-Pei mix from the local shelter after losing my long term Lab to cancer. “Duke” has lots of skin problems and I wonder if you have experience with curing them. We’ve been to the vet of course but so far none of the medications seem to have helped. He has very swollen paws that must be very painful. They crack and bleed and seem to have infections in the nail bed. He takes Amoxicillin and I’m also trying other foot soaps and creams per the vet’s advice. I’m planning on getting him some dog shoes. Have your dogs experienced foot problems? Do you have any advice? Thank you.
Craig says
Change to a fish based diet, no other protein and it should go away as well as shar pei smell. Yep gone forever 🙂
Jeffrey cosma says
I’m looking for sharpei puppy
Olivia Morrissette says
Please, please check out animal shelters. I’ve gotten both my shar-peis from county shelters in my state. Both wonderful dogs. But they’ve both been very “typey”, and my first one had multiple health problems that are common in the breed. My current one has such narrow nostrils, she she snores and blows bubbles. I would never buy from a breeder, and I wish people would stop breeding them.
Jeffrey, you could do some shar-pei a huge favor by adopting one from a shelter (or check out one of the many online pet-finders). Yes, it will be spayed or neutered, but it’ll be a sweet and devoted friend.
Brenda Beaver says
I own a Shar Pei dog & i have owned her for 9 yrs now.She is the best dog i have ever owned, she is so gentle with the elderly and is great around kid’s too. Her name is “Seika Sue” she is Fawn color is beautiful to me.
Ann says
We have had our shar pei since he was 5 weeks old. In November he will be 15. Other than a benadryl every night. He is fine. He came housebroken! He will not even poop in our yard. He has to be walked. He’s always been good with people , children and other dogs and cats. I would never have any other kind of dog!!! We love our Rocky.
melissa b says
my sharpei ( black ) her ears stand straight , she is a registered sharpei, This is my 2nd.here is my question am i going to have a hard time finding another registered to breed her because of her ears?
sara says
I have never had such a loving sweet to everyone calm mannered dog whom just wanted to ve cuddled . Now suffering from some kind of cancer in her leg. Doctor says 30 dys to live. Cali is the best chow shar pei mix dog whom has lived a long life spoiled rotten!
Paul says
I have just got a shar pei 4 months old Floyd. Iam so sorry for your bad news.
Mommy and Marley says
I had a Shar Pei..named Marley. He was my big baby. I Loved him so. It was just he and i .. I Miss him so much i lost him in Nov. I’m so sorry for your lost. “Love Lives forever” And ther always in our hearts…
Diane Jenkins says
I have raised my sharpei doggies Hershe lived for 13 years, Magnolia lived for 12 years. We bought 3 other sharpei doggies LeLe Blu and he is going to be 9 Meiling she is black and will be 9 like her brother and then there was Willow Bei she was 7 years old and passed away on Thursday, her little heart stopped beating she was cream with green eyes and was my Willow,,,I miss her so much. I will continue taking care of LeLe and Meiling…I fed them baked chicken and rice..I love this bread of doggies and so did my Husband, they are special dogs that love their owners. I know they have illnesses but we are here to take care of them.they all have their own personality thank you for reading about all of my beautiful Sharpei doggies.
Katalin Gaal says
What a beautiful comment. Yes we are here to take care of them and love them. I have a beautiful blue Shar Pei, she’s almost 3. I love her to bits. She’s the light of my life.
Yolanda Lowther says
I enjoyed reading your article. I raised Shar Pei rescue dogs from 1985 until 2013. Our last Shar Pei lived to be 15 years. It broke our hearts when she past.
We have a Motorhome and traveled with our animals. Even rescues learn to adjust and enjoy traveling. I found that understanding our pets was the key to having healthy happy pets.