The Chinese Shar-Pei Guide

The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most unique looking of all breeds and at one time it was one of the rarest. This wrinkly dog has a purple tongue and long history in its native land.

Quick Stats

Group: Non-Sporting

Size: Medium

Height: 16-20 inches (41- 51cm.)

Weight: 35-55 pounds (16-25 kg.)

Shedding: Moderate

Grooming: Easy

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Chinese Shar-Pei History

This breed was developed in the southern provinces of China. It’s specifically thought to have originated in the Guandong Province close to the village of Tai Lin. It’s actually considered to be one of the ancient dog breeds. In fact, statues resembling the Shar-Pei have been found that date back to the Han Dynasty around 200 B.C.

Pottery has also been discovered from the same time period that features images of a very similar-looking loose-skinned dog as well. The Shar-Pei was used to both herd and guard livestock, as a hunting dog, and for dog fighting. The entire breed was almost wiped out completely during the twentieth century, along with much of mainland China’s dog population, due to the communist anti-dog campaign.

Luckily, however, breeding continued in Taiwan and Hong Kong. And in the 1960s and ’70s, small numbers were imported to the United States where they quickly became popular and increased in number. They became fashionable pets because of their unique looks and the fact that they were so rare.

Chinese Shar-Pei Characteristics

The Shar-Pei stands between sixteen and twenty inches tall and weighs between thirty-five and fifty-five pounds. It has a compact and solid body that is covered in folds of skin. Other than its wrinkles it is known for its distinct purple tongue which is often described as blue-black.

The head is large but with small eyes. The ears are small, triangular, and folded. They are positioned close to the head. The breed has a ring tail that is thick at the base but tapers to a thin point. The tail is carried extremely high and curls over the dog’s back.

While a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy may have skin that appears loose and wrinkled all over, an adult will typically only have wrinkles on the head, neck, and shoulders. Coat color can be cream, black, fawn, or red. However, according to the breed standard, it must be one solid in color. The Chinese Shar-Pei coat is short (up to one inch in length) and harsh.

In fact, its harsh coat is where it gets its name since Shar-Pei translates to “sand-skin.” There are actually three coat types: the horse, brush, and bear coat. The horse coat is very short and prickly and is the most popular type in its native China. The brush coat is only slightly longer with smoother hair.

The bear coat is longer than one inch in length and fluffy. It’s not officially recognized by the AKC and is quite rare as it’s the result of a recessive gene in both parents.

Chinese Shar-Pei Health 

As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Chinese Shar-Pei health problems include:

-entropion (inward curling of the eyelashes)

-hypothyroidism

-familial Shar-Pei fever (FSF)

-swollen hock syndrome

-amyloidosis

-vitamin B12 deficiency

-chronic yeast infections in the ears

-increased risk of atopic dermatitis

-increased risk of demodicosis

-skin fold infections

The average Chinese Shar-Pei lifespan is from twelve to fourteen years.

Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament 

Despite what may look like a sad expression, the Shar-Pei is a happy breed. It’s an independent and intelligent canine that is content and quiet when in the house. The Shar-Pei can be good with children as long as it is treated respectfully by them.

However, it does not typically get along well with other dogs. It’s obedient and loyal to its family but can be standoffish with strangers. Because of its natural wariness and confidence, it makes a good watchdog and also guard dog.

Chinese Shar-Pei Care 

The Shar-Pei will need long fast-paced walks daily along with an opportunity to play. With enough exercise, this compact breed can live just as comfortably in an apartment as in a house. Because it can be dominant with other dogs, wary of people, and also a bit stubborn, Chinese Shar-Pei training and socialization should start early on.

Due to its independence, it will also require an owner who is a strong leader. It’s not a breed that’s recommended for first-time owners. Since they shed very little the breed is considered clean to live with. In fact, Shar-Pei shedding only happens twice per year. However, they do drool, particularly when excited. An occasional brushing will remove any dead hairs from the coat.

Bathing is typically done monthly. Because it is known for disliking water and can have sensitive skin, many owners use dry dog shampoo instead. Its ears and lip folds will need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Chinese Shar-Pei Facts

-The breed is viewed as two distinct types: the bone-mouth and the meat-mouth. The bone-mouth is the traditional Chinese type and has a narrower muzzle. It’s more popular in Asia. The meat-mouth is the Western-type which has a wider muzzle and more wrinkles.

-The Chow Chow is another breed that like the Chinese Sharpei dog also has a purple tongue. Because they both share this rare characteristic many people believe that they are related and share a common ancestor.

-While the breed can be a bit stubborn and therefore a challenge to train it is actually known to housebreak itself.

-Although it is well-known for being a very wary watchdog, the Shar-Pei is generally a very quiet dog that only barks when it feels there is an actual threat.

-The Shar-Pei’s loose skin was a big advantage for the breed when it was used in the past for dog fighting. It gave the dog the ability to maneuver and attack even when its opponent already had a grip on his skin. The rough texture of the coat also served as protection against bites.

-Because of its dog fighting history, the breed was also known in the West as the Chinese Fighting Dog.

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