The Chinese Shar-Pei are best known for their wrinkled skin, a mass of folding skin making them, unlike any other breed. They were bred to guard, hunt and fight; they have been around for hundreds of years.
They are independent dogs, sometimes described as aloof; they were bred to be guard dogs; you will have to be able to commit to careful training to try and curb their natural instincts. They are calm dogs and can even cope well with flat or apartment living.
Affection isn’t high up on the Shar-Pei’s list. They are not cuddly dogs. If you are looking for a great family pet, this probably isn’t the right breed for you. They do make great, extremely loyal companions who will protect you to the end.
They require a good walk every day but are relatively lazy dogs and rarely playful, and this is a distinct breed for a particular owner. They are prone to gaining weight, so regular exercise is a must.
Guarding and watching are the Shar-Pei greatest assets; they will protect their families. They aren’t excessive barkers but will soon alert you to any dangers at the door or outside. They are very wary around strangers and will take plenty of early socialisation to combat this and build trust.
They are relatively intelligent and will pick up basic commands. They are, however, strong-willed and stubborn. You will need to identify their motivation rewards early to get the best results. They require a mixture of consistency, firmness and kindness to get them ahead of the pack. They are known for being very clean and easy to house-train.
They have very short hair and they shed a little all year round; even with all those wrinkles, they have three coats. They blow their coats, so usually, in summer and autumn, they will replace their coats and the hair will fall out excessively for 3-4 weeks.
Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Stats
The Shar-Pei originated in China and has a history dating back 2000 years. Although the exact place of origin is unclear, statues indicate they came from somewhere in southern China, Tibet or Dah-Lel. The name Shar-Pei literally translates to mean sand skin. This is from the breed’s characteristic harsh coat. Shar-Pei was used as general utility dogs for herding and guarding.
- Size – 46cm –51cm
- Weight –20kg –25kg
- They live for 10-12 years