Chinese Shar-Pei

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Get 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

45-60 lbs

Lifespan

8-12 years

Exercise

Moderate

Temperament

Reserved

Loyal

Independent

Trainability

Moderate

Grooming

Moderate

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

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.

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