Chinese Shar-Pei


The Shar-Pei is a proud dog who needs socialization early in life. Discover all the facts and information in our guide.

Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
8 to 12 years


Maintenance Level:


Shed Level:


Coat Color:

Best For

Shar-Peis are best for experienced pet parents without young kids and babies and do well in moderately active homes.

Chinese Shar-Pei Traits

What makes the Chinese Shar-Pei a Chines Shar-Pei? Let's find out how they stack up.

Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament

The Chinese Shar-Pei breed is loyal and committed to their family but can be wary around strangers, and they respond better to older children who understand how to play calmly with dogs. Because the Shar-Pei dog was bred for guarding livestock and hunting, they don’t enjoy sharing their home with cats or other dogs. It’s important to socialize your pup to numerous new people, situations and other animals early in life when they’re puppies to help them be used to guests as they grow up. A Shar-Pei who hasn’t been properly socialized might try to bite if they feel unsafe or threatened.

How to Care for a Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei needs socialization early in life to be a well-adjusted, happy adult dog. They love their family deeply, but you’ll want to be cautious around strangers, young children or other animals. While they may be higher maintenance in their socialization needs, they’re very low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They’re also adaptable to a large or small home and have moderate exercise needs, enjoying short daily walks at a brisk speed and lots of time relaxing with you.

Chinese Shar-Pei Health

Shar-Peis have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. By watching out for the health issues that can affect the Shar-Pei breed, you can help your dog have a full lifespan and a happy life.

  • Skin Issues: Because of the folds in their skin, Shar-Peis can develop skin infections more easily than non-wrinkly breeds. This is why it’s so important to make sure their skin dries thoroughly after a bath or any time they’re in water. Pododermatitis refers to infections between the toes caused by short hair follicles. Treatment options include topical treatments, oral antibiotics or anti-fungals, depending on the cause. The Shar-Pei’s short hairs can also be a breeding ground for mites that cause Demodectic Mange. Demodetic mange occurs in pups with weakened immune systems, and the dog will lose hair in patches (starting around the eyes). Depending on the severity, it can be treated with topical ointments, shampoos or oral medication. The breed can also develop interdigital cysts, which are painful nodules between the toes. Treatments range from topical ointments to surgery, depending on the severity.
  • Shar-Pei Fever: Shar-Pei Fever is a genetic disease that can be challenging. Dogs may have 107-degree-Fahrenheit fevers for one or two days, with kidney issues and joint swelling. (A dog’s normal temp is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.) Some breeders can test to see if parents are carriers of the disease. Medications are often prescribed for to minimize recurrences.
  • Ear Infections: The Shar-Pei’s ears are very small, making them more prone to infections. In worst-case scenarios, they may require surgery. However, some veterinarians may provide ear disinfectants to help prevent infections.
  • Hypothyroidism: As many as one in five Shar-Peis may have a thyroid deficiency. Sometimes skin issues are the first sign of a problem. Hypothyroidism can be managed through medication.
  • Eye Issues: The Shar-Pei can develop eye problems, such as keratoconjunctivitis (KCS) or dry eye. Pawing at the eye or squinting, a reddened eye or discharge can indicate a problem. Your vet may recommend eye drops that sometimes can be decreased over time. Shar-Peis can also develop entropion, which occurs when the folded skin around their eyes becomes puffy, and the hair rubs their eyes. This can scratch the cornea or even lead to blindness in worst-case scenarios. Your vet may recommend eyelid tacking for puppies or other eyelid revisions as adults. They can develop other eye disorders, including glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and SARDS; all three can cause blindness. Only glaucoma can be treated, but a dog can still lead a happy life with vision loss. It’s best to have regular veterinary appointments to watch for any eye issues that may develop.

Chinese Shar-Pei History

The Shar-Pei breed originated in China, and, as with many breeds from China, the dog’s history is mysterious. Some say the dog can be traced back to the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago, pointing to figurines from around 200 B.C. that resemble the Shar-Pei. Some say the pups were the dogs of peasants and bred to be hunters or herd and guard livestock. Others say the dogs once guarded Chinese royal families. At one point, the dogs were even used in fighting pits until other dog breeds replaced them.

When the Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949, it disapproved of families having dogs as pets and slaughtered many breeds, almost leading to the Shar-Pei’s extinction. Guinness World Records even listed them as the rarest dog breed in the world through the mid-1970s. A Shar-Pei breeder in Hong Kong, Matgo Law, was so worried about the rare dog’s future, he pled with the world to save the breed. His plea, along with an article published in Life Magazine, helped increase the dog’s popularity in the United States.

The Shar-Pei and the Chow Chow both have blue-black tongues, which might be due to having shared distant ancestors in China. Some Shar-Peis also have a softer, longer bear coat that isn’t considered a standard trait. Some believe this is a result of past breeding with Chow Chows. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Chinese Shar-Pei in 1992.

Are you looking to add a Shar-Pei puppy as a pet? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. What’s the average Shar-Pei puppy price? Depending on the breeder, the cost can be anywhere from $1,000 to even more than $3,000. But for that price, you’re likely getting a puppy who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may include pedigree papers. Shar-Pei rescue organizations and local shelters can also help you find Shar-Pei dogs to adopt.


Are Shar-Pei dogs hypoallergenic?

Shar-Peis are not hypoallergenic. In fact, they can actually cause more allergies than some other dog breeds. The name “Shar-Pei” translates to “sand skin” because of how their coat feels. Their coat is so unique that some people are allergic to them and can develop rashes. Shar-Peis also tend to produce more oil than other dogs, which can be difficult for someone allergic to dog oils or the protein in their skin cells.

Are Shar-Peis aggressive?

Shar-Peis can be aggressive, especially if they aren’t socialized from a young age. They love their families and are very loyal to them, but they may be protective or cautious around strangers, other animals or young children. This is why it’s so important to socialize Shar-Peis to a variety of situations, starting when they are young puppies.

How big do Shar-Peis get?

Shar-Pei dogs can get as big as 18 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds and are considered medium-sized dogs.

How long do Shar-Peis live?

Shar-Peis typically have a life span of eight to 12 years, which is a long time to create many happy moments with this pup.

What were Shar-Peis bred for?

Shar-Peis are traditionally believed to have been bred for hunting, herding and protecting livestock. Some people believe they even once guarded royalty! Unfortunately, they were also once used as fighting dogs, but now they are primarily companions, and they thrive with the families they love.

What are the most common Shar-Pei mixes?

The most common Shar-Pei mixes are:

  • Shar-Pei-Pitbull mix (Pit Pei)
  • Shar-Pei-Labrador mix (Lab Pei or Sharpay Lab)
  • Shar-Pei-German Shepherd mix (German Shar-Pei or Shepherd Pei)
  • Shar-Pei-Basset Hound mix (Walrus Dog or Ba-Shar)
  • Shar-Pei-Beagle mix (Sharpeagle)
  • Shar-Pei-Boxer mix (Box-a-Shar or Boxpei)

Top Takeaways

The Shar-Pei is a loyal breed who makes a good family dog; they love their family immensely. They may not be excited about strangers or hanging out with little kids, but they’ll be thrilled to have a short walk with you followed by lots of together time at home.

Expert input provided by veterinarian Jessica Fusch, DVM, of Key Veterinary Care, and certified dog trainer Melissa Thomas, MPC, VSA-CDT, owner of Training to a T, LLC.


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