Chinese Shar Pei

Overview

Don't we all wish that wrinkles would just fade? Well, for an adorably wrinkled Shar-Pei puppy, It's true! As they mature, their wrinkles start to smooth out. Bred over two thousand years ago in Ancient China to guard the imperial palace and protect the royal family, those wrinkles served the purpose of protecting their internal organs in battle so their opponents couldn't get a good grip on anything important! Their blue/black tongue was thought to ward off evil spirits. No thanks to Mao and his efforts to exterminate anything fundamentally Chinese during the communist revolution, these pups nearly went extinct, but luckily, an American publication (Life Magazine, who would have thought?) featured the Chinese Shar-Pei in the January 1979 issue, and suddenly, these wrinkled pooches became the must-have dog of the season! The Chinese Shar-Pei’s wrinkled fur may trap bacteria and moisture so they require frequent baths and regular brushing. These wrinkled pups come in 21 different coat colors with some of the most common colors being fawn, red, cream and black.

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Dermatitis:

is a hypersensitivity to environmental substances like grasses, pollen, dust mites or mold that are typically harmless. The loose skin folds in the Chinese Shar-Pei can hide bacteria and yeast, making them very prone to skin issues.

Recommendations for Dermatitis in :

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Ear Infections:

The Chinese Shar-Pei’s narrow inner canal and folded over ears may limit circulation and encourage a buildup of wax or mites, leading to chronic ear infections.

Recommendations for Ear Infections in :

Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for

Hypothyroidism:

occurs when a dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough metabolism-regulating hormones. Symptoms may include lethargy, weight gain, and a dull coat.

Recommendations for Hypothyroidism in :

Personality

The Shar-Pei is one of the most unique looking dogs around - any predators hoping to cause harm will just get a mouth full of wrinkles and fur! These pups are highly territorial and make great guard dogs but would be happiest with experienced pet pawrents with a lot of patience. They may not be the best choice for households with small children. The Shar-Pei is quite an adaptable dog, their medium to large (35-65 lb) build just requires adequate exercise to be happy. 30-60 minutes a day of stimulation, play and walking should be enough to satisfy your unique pooch.