Shar Pei
Also known as Sharpei
- Height at the withers
- 46 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- China
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- being left alone for a few hours during the day
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a home with cats
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
An ancient Chinese breed known for its distinctive deep wrinkles, its hippopotamus-like muzzle, its blue-black tongue and its compact, medium-sized build, with a calm and independent temperament.
History and origins
An ancient Chinese breed from the southern provinces, dating back to the Han dynasty, originally used as a versatile farm dog for hunting, guarding, herding and farm work. Nearly extinct by the mid-20th century, it was saved by an international rescue program.
Health
Life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Familial Shar Pei fever and renal amyloidosis
- Entropion
- Skin fold dermatitis and pyoderma
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very well, 5 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Very wary, 1 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Shar Pei FAQ
How big does the Shar Pei get?
The Shar Pei stands 46 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Shar Pei shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Shar Pei live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Shar Pei need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Shar Pei good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Shar Pei live?
Life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are familial Shar Pei fever and renal amyloidosis, as well as entropion.
