Chinese Shar-Pei
Find Chinese Shar-Pei Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Chinese Shar-Pei puppies available.
Find Chinese Shar-Pei BreedersGet to Know Chinese Shar-Peis
- Deep Wrinkles: The Shar Pei’s signature wrinkled skin was originally meant to help it slip away from predators or opponents during fights.
- Blue-Black Tongue: Like the Chow Chow, the Shar Pei has a distinctive blue-black tongue, which is rare among dog breeds.
- Extinction Survival: In the 1970s, the Shar Pei was labeled one of the world’s rarest dog breeds, and efforts from U.S. breeders saved it from extinction.
- Horse Coat vs. Brush Coat: Shar Peis come in different coat types—horse coat (very short and rough) and brush coat (slightly longer and softer).
- Natural Guard Dog: Bred for guarding, Shar Peis are naturally protective and can be suspicious of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.
Breed History
The Chinese Shar Pei is an ancient breed that dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty in China. Originally bred for guarding, hunting, and fighting, the Shar Pei was prized for its loose, wrinkled skin, which helped it resist injury in combat. The breed nearly became extinct during the mid-20th century under Communist rule in China, but thanks to dedicated breeders, especially in Hong Kong and the United States, the Shar Pei was saved from extinction. Its unusual appearance and loyal temperament have made it a recognizable and unique companion dog worldwide.
Personality and Behaviour
- Loyal: Chinese Shar Peis are loyal to their families and often form strong bonds with one or two people.
- Calm & Aloof: They are generally calm, quiet, and somewhat aloof, especially around strangers, due to their guarding background.
- Independent: While affectionate with those they trust, they are not overly needy, preferring independence and personal space.
Care
- Exercise: They need moderate daily exercise like brisk walks or light play sessions but are content with a relaxed lifestyle.
- Grooming: Though their coat is easy to care for, wrinkle and ear care is essential to avoid infections and skin issues.
- Training: Training should begin early, focusing on socialization and firm but positive reinforcement, as they can be strong-willed.
Chinese Shar-Pei Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Chinese Shar-Pei Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation with the results submitted to the OFA for recording. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| POAG - Primary Open Angle Glaucoma | DNA based POAG test from an approved lab with the results registered with the OFA. |
| PLL - Primary Lens Luxation | DNA based PLL test from an approved lab with the results registered with the OFA. |
| SPAID - Shar Pei Auto-Inflammatory Disease | DNA based SPAID test from an approved lab with the results registered with the OFA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Chinese Shar-Pei Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Chinese Shar-Pei is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Chinese Shar-Pei
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Chinese Shar-Pei puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Chinese Shar-Pei, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Chinese Shar-Pei is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
