Shar Pei
A medium-sized Chinese guardian with deep wrinkles, a blue-black tongue and a calm, independent nature.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 49–51 cm · Females 44–49 cm
- Weight
- Males 18–25 kg · Females 18–23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Smooth, short
- Colours
- Black, Red, Fawn, Cream, Blue, Chocolate, Isabella, Apricot
- Bred for
- Guarding, Companionship
- Country of origin
- China
- FCI
- Group 2, no. 309 · Pinschers, molossers & mountain dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 1/5 – Very low |
| Energy | 2/5 – Low |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 2/5 – Low |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 2/5 – Low |
| Shedding | 2/5 – Low |
| Grooming effort | 2/5 – Low |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a calm, quiet dog
- like an independent companion
- prefer a clean, low-shedding coat
Think twice if you …
- want a dog that loves every stranger
- are not ready for possible vet costs
- have other dominant dogs
Care
Temperament
Calm, dignified and independent, devoted to its own family and suspicious of strangers. Some can be dominant with other dogs.
Exercise
Moderate daily walks and play are enough; it enjoys sniffing walks and short training sessions.
Grooming
The short coat needs a weekly brush; clean the skin folds and ears regularly to prevent infection.
Training
Independent and sometimes stubborn; early socialisation and calm, consistent training are important.
Health
Known concerns include entropion, Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease (Shar-Pei fever) with possible amyloidosis, and skin-fold problems. Ask the breeder about eye and health history in the parents.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Eye examination
- Hips (HD)
- Elbows (ED)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Shar Pei comes from southern China, where it was used for guarding, hunting and, at times, fighting. The breed nearly vanished in the 20th century, and much of its modern history is tied to breeders in Hong Kong and the United States who rebuilt it from few dogs.
The Shar Pei is clean, quiet and devoted to its family. It is reserved with strangers and can be dominant with other dogs. Careful breeding and good care of the skin, eyes and ears help keep it healthy.
Did you know?
The name "Shar Pei" is usually translated as "sand skin", referring to the harsh feel of its coat.