Chinese Shar-Pei

An ancient breed from southern China (notably Guangdong), the Shar-Pei worked as a farm guardian, hunter, and village watchdog. After dramatic declines in the mid-20th century, the breed was revived in the 1970s—famously promoted from Hong Kong—leading to preservation and global popularity. Modern Shar-Pei retain their self-possessed nature, distinctive skin, and loyal attachment to their household.

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A compact, square dog with substantial bone and a short, harsh coat.

• Weight: 40–60 lb (18–27 kg)
• Height: 18–20 in (46–51 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, bristly single coat in two show varieties—horse-coat (very short/harsh) and brush-coat (slightly longer); “bear-coat” (long) occurs but is non-standard
• Coat Colours: Many solid colours (cream, fawn, red, black, blue/dilute, chocolate, apricot, sable shading); small chest spot may occur; parti/merle not desired
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Loose skin and wrinkles (most pronounced on head/withers), small folded ears, broad muzzle (“meat mouth”), high-set tail curling over croup, blue-black tongue, efficient, free gait

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Low coat volume, high attention to skin and ears.

• Brushing: 1×/week; soft rubber curry or bristle brush
• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks; use gentle shampoo and rinse/dry thoroughly between skin folds
• Wrinkle Care: Keep folds clean and dry; avoid over-powdering or trapping moisture
• Ear Care: Narrow canals predispose to otitis—clean/dry weekly, especially after baths/swims
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 2–4 weeks; brush teeth 3–4×/week
• Shedding: Low to moderate; seasonal uptick possible

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Moderate needs—steady, joint-friendly activity.

• Daily Duration: 45–60 minutes (split walks + play/training)
• Great Activities: Power walking, hiking on soft surfaces, nose work, obedience/rally; short, fun fetch
• Climate Notes: Can be heat-sensitive; exercise in cool hours and provide shade/water

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Dignified, intelligent, and sometimes independent—make training clear and positive.

• Approach: Reward-based training; short, structured sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Focus Areas: Early socialization, leash neutrality, calm greetings, recall, “quiet” on cue, cooperative care (ears/eyes/skin handling)
• Management: Visitor protocols, good boundaries, and consistent routines help a reserved breed thrive

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Support skin and joints; keep lean to protect structure.

• Food Type: High-quality all-life-stage/skin-support formula or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~2–3.5 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to dog/food)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; consider omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; discuss allergy strategies with your vet if recurrent skin/ear issues occur; fresh water always

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Transparency on health history and temperament is essential.

• Breeders: Prefer CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who show orthopedic/eye results, discuss entropion/FSF management, and offer lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Shar-Pei and all-breed rescues; ask about eye surgeries, skin/ear history, and management routines
• Canadian Resources: CKC breeder directory; provincial obedience/nose-work clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training/community; locate a veterinarian experienced with Shar-Pei eye/skin care

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hoose breeders who screen and disclose honestly; partner with a Shar-Pei-savvy vet.

• Eyes: Entropion (inward-rolling lids) common—may need tacking in pups or surgical correction; corneal ulcers if unaddressed
• Autoinflammatory: Shar-Pei Fever (FSF/SPAID)—episodic high fever ± swollen hocks; chronic cases risk AA amyloidosis (kidney/liver). Some lines use HAS2/SPAID genetic risk tools—discuss with breeders/vets
• Skin/Ears: Pyoderma, Malassezia, demodicosis, allergies; ear canal stenosis/otitis
• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia; patellar luxation (some)
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism in some lines
• Life Expectancy: 9–11 (up to ~12) years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips (± elbows), annual ophthalmologist (CAER) exams, patellas; discuss family history of FSF/amyloidosis, ear/skin issues, and availability/use of SPAID risk testing

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Are Chinese Shar-Pei good apartment dogs?
Yes—moderate exercise needs and a calm home style suit them well with daily walks and enrichment.

Are Chinese Shar-Pei hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic; shedding is low to moderate.

Do Shar-Pei drool a lot?
Usually moderate—more after drinking or with heavy “meat mouth” lips. Keep a towel handy.

How much exercise does a Shar-Pei need?
About 45–60 minutes daily plus short training sessions or nose games.

What is Shar-Pei Fever (FSF)?
An autoinflammatory syndrome causing sudden fever (often with swollen hocks). Recurrent episodes can lead to amyloidosis; work with a vet on monitoring/management.

Do Shar-Pei have many skin problems?
They can—maintain a clean, dry coat, manage allergies promptly, and partner with a vet for flare plans.

Do Shar-Pei need eye surgery?
Entropion is common; some puppies need early tacking and some adults need corrective surgery. A reputable breeder will discuss eye history.

Horse-coat vs brush-coat—what’s different?
Horse-coat: very short, harsher/bristly. Brush-coat: slightly longer/softer. Both are low maintenance; bear-coat is non-standard.

Are Shar-Pei good with kids and other pets?
Typically devoted to family; early socialization and supervised, polite interactions are important due to their reserved nature.

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