Shar Pei

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Dog Breed Group

Non Sporting Dogs 

Origin of Breed

China to hunt wild boar and to protect livestock and homes. Was also used as a fighting dog. 

Life Expectancy

7 to 12 years 

Color

Cream, Fawn, Red, Black 

Coat

Two types; the horse coat is short and smooth while the brush coat is longer, but less than 1 inch in length. Both coats are ext 

Exercise Needs

Moderate energy level. 

Temperament

Indifferent, confident, serious, and independent. 

Good with Children

Extremely devoted to family. Early socialization minimizes natural aggressive tendencies towards other animals. Aloof with stran 

Grooming Needs

Medium shedder. brush weekly but needs daily cleaning of skin folds, and monthly bathing with anti-bacterial shampoo. 

Average Size - Male (in)

18 - 20 

Average Size - Female (in)

18 - 20 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

40 - 55 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

40 - 55 

Health Issues

The first Shar Peis' bred in North America suffered from severe eye problems, necessitating repeated surgery. This has diminishev

Living Conditions

Suited to both city and country living. 

Breed Description

The Chinese Shar-pei is a breed of nonsporting dog known for its fierce fighting abilities. Likeness' of the Shar-Pei or Chinese Fighting Dog date back to the Han Dynasty (206BC to AD220). Several accounts suggest the loose-skinned breed may have origins in Tibet or China's Nothern Province some 2000 years ago. At time it is likely to have been a large dog weighing some 85-165lbs (39-75kg). It has been used to herd flocks and hunt wild boar in China. In addition it was also matched against other dogs in trials of strength. It has a short, bristly, deeply wrinkled coat can be fawn, red, black, cream, or chocolate in color, with solid coloring preferred by breeders over mottled; loose skin enables it to turn on its attacker even when grasped firmly in the foe's teeth. it has very tiny folded ears, deep-set, dark, small eyes, a thick tail curled tightly over its back and to one side. It can have snobbish demeanor and has served for centuries as loyal hunting and herding breed to peasants in southern China, especially in Guangdong Province; It almost became extinct in China by 1970s and the dogs' plight was made known in U.S., where their appealing, beleaguered expression and unique skin made them popular as pets. The name roughly translates as "sand skin" in Chinese.