Chinese Shar-Pei

Appearance

Details: The Chinese Shar-Pei is a slightly large, muscular, well-built dog with a heavily wrinkled coat and large head. The head has a blunt wide muzzle with a moderately defined stop. The puppies have more wrinkles than the adults do. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, and sunken. The ears are very small in comparison to the size of the head and triangular, rounded at the tips, and curled at the edges. The ears also have the capability to move.

Average height and weight (mature size and weight):  18-20 inches, 40-55 pounds

Color / coat variations: The coat color may be any solid color or any sable. The coat of the breed comes in three varieties – horse-coat, brush-coat, and bear-coat. The horse-coat is short, rough, and bristly while the brush-coat is longer and smoother. The bear coat is longer and softer than the other two types. The coat is wrinkled and forms dewlaps at many places across the body.

Care

Lifespan: 8-12 years

Litter size: 4-6 puppies

Grooming and shedding: The Chinese Shar-Pei sheds seasonally twice a year. During this time, the breed requires elaborate brushing and a weekly bath. The breed may resist cleaning of ears and trimming of nails.

Food habits: Puppies of age less than three months are usually fed thrice a day. After six months, they are fed twice a day. Dry dog food is suitable for these dogs.

Climate and environment: The breed does not tolerate hot or cold weather very well. Shar-Pei are best suited to a fenced yard with enough space for running.

Temperament

Behavioral aspects: The Chinese Shar-Pei has a low aggression threshold. An attempt to dominate it physically may make these strong-willed dogs aggressive. Early training, socialization, and dominance exercises are necessary to help the Shar Pei adjust with its surroundings. Shar-Pei tend to form strong bonds with their family members, and can be over-protective at times. They are easy to housebreak.

With children: The breed is good with children, especially if it has been socialized with them since puppy hood.

With other dogs and animals: The Shar-Pei tends to be aggressive toward other dogs and animals. They are best suited for dogs that do not challenge their dominance. Hence, proper breeding and early socialization is necessary.

Training and learning rate: The Shar-Pei is stubborn therefore, responds best to firm, gentle, and consistent training. The trainer needs to establish a strong leadership to be able to impart obedience training without using harsh methods. Shar-Pei benefit from early dominance exercises and socialization.

Activity Level

Agility: The Shar-Pei enjoys agility. Given the proper training, it can excel in agility.

Affinity to water: Not all Shar-Pei enjoy playing in the water.

How noisy are they: They are usually complacent and calm until provoked.

Exercise: A midsized yard for running provides the necessary exercise. In addition, owners may take their dogs out for walks and jogs.

Health issues: The Chinese Shar-Pei may be prone to hereditary skin disorders, eyelid problems, obesity, thyroid problems, and amolydosis (kidney failure).