The Shar Pei stands out not only visually from other breeds due to its many wrinkles but also distinguishes itself through its composed character. While other dogs play ecstatically or are sports enthusiasts, the Shar Pei remains unaffected, balanced, and calm. This makes it suitable for a variety of individuals or small families. But how do I care for the wrinkles, and what other peculiarities are there? The following article provides insights into the breed portrait of the Shar Pei.

History of the Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese breed of dog. Its origins are traced back to pre-Christian times. However, it is not known with absolute certainty when or where the first Shar Pei existed, nor which breeds it genetically descended from. It is probable that the Chow Chow, the Neapolitan Mastiff, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier contributed to the Shar Pei’s lineage, but clarity only exists in the fact that it belongs to the Nordic/Asian molosser breeds (large and muscular dogs).

Back then, the Shar Pei lived on farms, keeping the premises free of mice and also guarding the lands and livestock. However, interest in the Shar Pei gradually waned. The population reached its lowest point around the middle of the 20th century. It was only through global breeding programs that they were able to gradually stabilize again, yet the Shar Pei remains a true rarity even today.

Nature and Character

The Shar Pei is a human-oriented animal. It approaches its owner with calmness and peacefulness. When it trusts, it forms a strong team with its human. The Shar Pei doesn’t like to be alone but prefers to belong to a close family circle. Although not easily amused by games, it gets along well with children, as they neither irritate nor disturb its peace.

However, it prefers families that match its temperament, where there is no constant hustle and bustle. When it feels part of its family, it stands up for them and acts as a brave protector, just like its ancestors. In contrast, in everyday situations, it tends to be reserved towards strangers and builds trust with them in small steps.

When it comes to interacting with other dogs, the Shar Pei reveals a completely different aspect of its character and shows dominance. To avoid problems with dog encounters, it is advisable to socialize your dog as early as possible. Otherwise, the Shar Pei is a stubborn companion. It reveals only certain aspects of its personality, keeping the rest firmly under wraps, even from its owner. Thus, the attributes of being reserved and willful particularly apply to its character.

Affection Level	Medium
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	Medium
Pet-Friendly	Low
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Low
Energy Level	Low
Trainability	Low
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquiring a Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a rare animal, so as a potential Shar Pei owner, you must consider a certain effort (waiting time, distance, and purchase price). They are purebred animals and therefore come with a hefty price tag. You may have to pay up to $2,000 for a purebred dog. Generally, there is hardly a way to obtain an inexpensive Shar Pei that does not come from illegal breeding practices, as they are also an absolute rarity in animal shelters, and Shar Pei mixed-breed dogs are mostly not available.

What should I consider when buying?

The Shar Pei is a dog characterized primarily by its many wrinkles. Healthy dogs have these wrinkles primarily on their backs and heads. Dogs whose wrinkles are purposefully bred often suffer from skin problems and are restricted in their freedom of movement. Therefore, genetically, the dog should not be predisposed to extreme wrinkle formation. However, Shar Peis always look wrinkled as puppies. Therefore, you should base your purchase decision on the body structure of the breeding animals.

You will primarily find healthy animals through certified breeders within the AKC (American Kennel Club). Breeders of this kind are strictly controlled and adhere to medical requirements and breeding standards. This reduces the risk of inbreeding and the spread of hereditary diseases. It is also important that you can visit the mother and her puppies and find a puppy that matches your character well.

Development and training of the puppy

The upbringing of the Shar Pei is essentially like that of other dogs. The earlier socialization begins, the better he will get along with his fellow dogs later, and the sooner he learns the household rules, the faster he will become familiar with them. The right balance between love, patience, and consistency is important, as well as a certain continuity. Additionally, Shar Peis tend to be sluggish and sensitive. Adapt the training speed to the temperament of this breed and the individual character of your dog so that he does not react to training content with frustration and overwhelm.

How do I care for a Shar Pei?

Today, there is not much left of the functional past of the Shar Pei as a guard and hunting dog. Occasionally, the hunting interest still breaks through, but that can happen with other breeds as well. Today, the Shar Pei is a companion and family dog, so it is important to integrate him well into his family. If he is spatially isolated or otherwise effectively marginalized, he emotionally withers and adopts self-destructive or disruptive behavior.

However, just as he does not like to be alone, he also does not enjoy hectic events. The busy everyday hustle and bustle in a large family with children is therefore not the ideal scenario, but in a manageable family constellation, he feels quite comfortable.

Shar Peis are indoor dogs and only tolerate outdoor conditions to a limited extent. In bad weather, they prefer to retreat to a sheltered place, and if they cannot do so, they may even become ill. Therefore, this breed is not suitable for exclusive kennel or yard keeping.

Activities with the Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a dog of average athleticism. Their interest in physical activity is sufficient for daily walks, but they show no great enthusiasm for engaging in competitive sports or learning elaborate tricks. Instead of sprinting, they trot leisurely alongside during walks and prefer to stay home altogether in bad weather. However, mobility can vary significantly depending on age (from puppy to senior). As the dog ages, its agility noticeably decreases in line with physical changes.

Health and Grooming

The healthy Shar Pei is very low-maintenance. You hardly need to do anything for grooming as the dog cleans itself, and superficial dirt dissolves on its own. However, for an overbred dog, care tasks may be more demanding, especially concerning the care of skin folds.

Dogs according to breed standard have prominent skin folds only on their backs and faces, but some individuals from hobby breeding may have folds everywhere. Inflammations can develop between the skin folds due to friction and moisture accumulation. Additionally, mites and fungi prefer dark, humid environments, which can quickly lead to parasitic skin diseases without hygiene precautions.

Moreover, the Shar Pei is susceptible to the following diseases:

Many of these diseases are hereditary and can be avoided through medical tests of breeding animals and associated breeding exclusions.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Although wrinkles in healthy amounts do not cause any problems for the Shar Pei, they can be detrimental in terms of social compatibility. The more wrinkled the face, the harder it is to discern facial expressions. This can lead to misunderstandings in body language when interacting with unfamiliar dogs, potentially resulting in serious confrontations. The Shar Pei cannot understand the reaction of the other dog, nor is it at fault. If it repeatedly experiences unjustified rejection or aggressive encounters, it may develop significant insecurity and a general fear of other dogs.

Do you have a Shar Pei or are you considering getting one? Tell me in the comments what you think makes them so special!