For the Purrbabies

*Methodology: Average male weight, female weight and breed size are based on calculations from our database of more than 1,400,000 pets.
👉 No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some are better than others for allergy sufferers.
This unique breed is intelligent, independent, and loyal to family. Their distinct wrinkles and protective nature make them a one-of-a-kind companion and guard dog. Bred to protect the royal palace, these fearless dogs are filled with tenacity and vigor. They’re often suspicious of strangers and other animals, and are often best suited in single dog households. Due to their jealous nature, this breed does best with experienced dog owners and families with older children.
With early socialization and training, Shar-Pei can be well-mannered, loving, and generally quite calm. However, without proper training, they can develop severe anxiety and can be difficult to care for. This breed has some unique needs and may not be suited to first-time dog owners.
The Chinese Shar-pei is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive, wrinkled coat. The Shar-pei comes in many solid colors, including black, cream, brown, fawn, red, sable, and apricot, as recognized by the AKC breed standards. A solid color dog may have shading, primarily darker, down the back and on the ears. We teamed up with FidoTabby Alert, and according to their database, the common coat color for the Shar-pei is (87%) brown.
Originally bred in China, the Shar-Pei dates back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Famously known as guard dogs for the royal palace, these pups were surprisingly common among the people, too. The Shar-Pei is incredibly versatile, and Chinese farmers used these intelligent, fiercely loyal dogs as hunters, herders, and livestock guardians. But when the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, the communist regime frowned on dog ownership, killing off many purebreds and inflicting heavy taxes on dog owners.
Shar-Pei were first introduced to the United States in 1966. Not long after, a Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law worked with the U.S. to save the endangered breed from extinction. Naturally, the American people took to these lovable bundles of wrinkles and helped the breed multiply and thrive.
Adding a new member to the family can be stressful and overwhelming. Between your first trip to the vet, vaccinations, puppy-proofing your home, and preparing for teething, it’s a lot to handle. So, learn some basic information about Shar-Pei to make you and your pup’s transition a little easier.
The Shar-Pei is an incredibly adaptable breed. They can do well with active owners who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, or apartment living with short walks around the block. These dogs are naturally independent and generally quite calm, so they won’t need any extra attention besides some pets and love.
However, they’re incredibly smart, so mental stimulation like obedience training, tracking, puzzles, and games can help keep this breed happy and entertained. It’s also important to socialize your pup and sign them up for training classes early. This will help them be less anxious around other people and pets, and make them easier to handle throughout their lives.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Regular baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing will keep your pup happy and healthy. However, these dogs are prone to ear and skin infections, so clean their ears and wrinkles regularly and check them for any skin irritations or build up.
A high-quality, well-balanced dog food designed for your pup’s age will have all the nutrients they need. These dogs love treats when it comes to training time, but be careful not to overfeed them. Those adorable brown eyes like to beg for table scraps, so check which human foods are safe for dogs before giving your pet any extra snacks. Consult with your local veterinarians in order to determine the proper feeding amount and dietary needs for your Shar-Pei.
Shar-Pei are incredibly smart and willing to learn, but can be a bit too smart for their own good. With this in mind, they may find some interesting ways to get what they want. Shar-Pei often have a stubborn streak and independent nature, so these dogs are best for experienced owners.
Since Shar-Pei were bred to be protective, early socialization and puppy training are highly recommended to make sure your pet is comfortable in various situations. These dogs do well in many types of training, from basic obedience to agility, tracking, hunting, and more.
Not quite sure that a Shar-Pei is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
Chinese Shar-Pei can have some unusual health concerns. While these dogs may require a little more than your average vet checkup, the most important thing you can do is be aware of their breed predispositions. This breed is especially prone to eye disorders, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet right away.
While this breed may be prone to more than average health risks, signing your pet up for health insurance or creating a pet savings account can help you manage any unexpected costs up front. When it comes to the costs of caring for these dogs, there are a few things you’ll need to factor in.
Shar-Pei puppies from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500, depending on how well they match the breed standard. If you’d rather adopt a pup in need, there are several Shar-Pei rescue organizations to help you find your perfect pet. In order to be prepared for the arrival of your new puppy, you’ll have to buy routine necessities like a bed, collar, food, and bowls. You’ll also want to consider the costs of spaying or neutering your dog, training classes, getting them dewormed, and routine puppy vaccinations. These costs combined can reach around $1,500 or more in the first year.
You’ll also need to consider everything your dog may need over time. This includes routine and sick vet checkups, ear cleaner, medicated skin wipes, heartworm prevention, flea and tick medications, food, toys, and unexpected medical conditions throughout your pet’s life. When you combine all of these costs, you’ll likely spend around $600 to $700 per year to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
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👉 Coming up with a pet name can be fun but tricky. Search no further! According to PetScreening’s 2024 database, the majority of our users name their male Shar-Peis Bear; Max is the 2nd most popular male name. Meanwhile, most of our users with female Shar-Peis love Luna, then Nala.
The Shar-Pei is a great family dog that’s loyal and protective. However, due to their jealous nature, these dogs are better suited to families with older children and experienced pet owners.
The ancient Chinese Han Dog eventually led to two breeds, the chow and the Shar-Pei. The chow evolved into a bigger, more muscular breed, and the Shar-Pei became the smaller (and more wrinkly) guardians we know today.
Shar-Pei puppies from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500. However, if you’d rather adopt a dog in need, the North American Shar-Pei Rescue offers resources for finding your perfect pet.
Shar-Pei were originally bred for hunting and were once used in dog fighting, which means they can be a bit stubborn and territorial. Without proper socialization, they may become unfriendly to strangers and struggle with new environments or people. They can also become very anxious and difficult to handle, so an experienced owner is best for these dogs.