Care Requirements for a Shar Pei

Also known as the Chinese Shar-Pei, the Shar-Pei is believed to have originated in China as far back as 200 B.C. and was bred as a multipurpose farm dog. The word Shar-Pei means "sandy coat" or "sand skin," referring to its loose, wrinkly skin and harsh coat. The Shai-Pei is an intelligent breed, but is considered stubborn, so it requires a confident owner.

  1. Temperament

    • A Shar-Pei have can have an "alpha" or "top dog" mentality if not properly trained to put its owners in the top of the pecking order. Shar-Pei owners must appear confident and remain consistent in training and disciplining, otherwise the dog will have a tendency to take over. All family members should establish a leadership role over the dog, as it may ignore commands from anyone it looks down on in the pecking order. Despite the breed's stubbornness, the Shar-Pei is considered easygoing, calm and loyal.

    Living Conditions

    • Shar-Peis are fine in an apartment setting as long as they get enough exercise. They should be taken on walks daily. When on walks, the dog should be trained to heel next to or behind the walker, in order to teach it that the person is the leader. Shar-Peis are sensitive to heat, so make sure they have shade and plenty of water when outdoors on warm days, and don't exercise them too much.

    Health Problems

    • Shar-Pei are susceptible to the following ailments: allergies, elbow dysplasia, histiocytosis, mast cell tumors, patellar luxation, protein-losing enteropathy, renal amyloidosis and Shar-Pei fever. While Shar-Peis do have skin problems, it is not because of their wrinkly skin. The skin condition is passed down through the bloodline, so make sure to get a Shar-Pei from a reputable breeder. Unique health problems for this breed are entropion and Shar-Pei fever. Entropion is a condition that causes the eyelashes to curl inward, while Shar-Pei fever is a hereditary disorder that causes periodic fevers, which can be triggered by stress. The fevers, which range from 105 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit and can last 12 to 36 hours, can be treated with regular strength adult aspirin.

    Grooming

    • Shar-Peis have one of three types of coats: horse coat, brush coat or the rare bear coat, which is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, because there is an undercoat and a topcoat of more than one inch. The horse coat is rough, extremely prickly and off-standing while the brush coat is smoother due to longer hair. Regardless of the type of coat, a Shar-Pei should be brushed at least once a week. Shar-Peis should be bathed only when necessary to prevent dry skin and a dull coat. More frequent bathing can be done when the dog is molting. Owners should check their dog's ears often for dirt and wax. The nails tend to grow fast, so they should be checked often and clipped when necessary.