Shar Pei

Well-socialised Shar Pei are devoted to their families. They are loyal and can be playful and active but more often are rather aloof and can also be stubborn and territorial if not trained properly when young. They are naturally suspicious of strangers. They will be fine with cats if they have been introduced to them when puppies, but there can be problems mixing with other dogs. They often hate the cold.

Country of Origin:  China

The Shar Pei, also known as the Chinese Fighting Dog, is thought to be descended from the Han Dog, a ancient guarding breed that lived in China around 2000 years ago.The Han Dog gave rise to two different breeds - one a heavier, more bulky dog which went on the become the Chow and a smaller wrinkled dog who became used for fighting who became the Shar Pei. Both have the same unique blue tongue showing their linked ancestry.

The Shar Pei diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Shar Pei’s will take as much or as little exercise as offered as long as they have access to free play, but they are often happiest spending time in the garden. As a guide, an adult dog should be offered an hour of exercise daily, though he will happily accept more. As Shar Pei’s are often not keen on interacting with other dogs, long walks on lead are often best, so an active owner is needed.

The Shar Pei will suit an owner who enjoys their unconventional looks and who likes their aloof nature.

Health and common issues

The most common health problems affecting the Shar Pei are skin infections in the excessive skin folds, and various eye conditions. They also may suffer a particular condition which causes fever and joint swelling (familial Shar Pei fever).

Space requirements

The Shar Pei doesn’t need a large home but will enjoy a good-sized garden. As he is not always a particularly dog social, he will do well in a more isolated environment without close canine neighbours.

Training shar pei dogs

Shar Pei’s look on training as something very definitely beneath them and they are a challenge to train. At the very least they should be socialised with other dogs when they are puppies and trainer to walk on a lead and harness.

Best family dog breeds

Shar Pei’s do not make for good family dogs as they are not a lover of games or disruption, and they prefer a quiet household. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

Did you know?

• The Shar Pei’s wrinkles originated from his dog fighting days to prevent opponents being able to easily get hold of him and cause injury, while his prickly coat would feel unpleasant in their mouth causing them to quickly let go.
• If you read his original breed standard, you can discover why this dog looks as unique as he does. It says the Shar Pei should have a head shaped like a melon, a mouth like a mother frog, clam-shaped ears, a face like a grandmother, a neck like a water buffalo, a body like a fish, a back like a shrimp, all coupled with horses’ buttocks on dragon’s legs with feet like garlic!