Non-Sporting group
Chinese Shar-Pei
A wrinkled, dignified guardian — loyal to family, aloof to everyone else.
Chinese Shar-Pei are medium-sized dogs famous for their loose, wrinkled skin, hippo-like muzzle and blue-black tongue. They are calm, loyal and clean, but independent, wary of strangers and prone to some serious health problems.
- Height
- 18–20 in46–51 cm
- Weight
- 45–60 lb20–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Non-Sporting
- Origin
- Southern China
Coat: Very short, harsh “horse coat” or slightly longer “brush coat”. Colours: Any solid colour, including cream, fawn, red, chocolate, black and blue.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Shar-Pei are dignified, reserved and devoted to their families. They are usually calm indoors and are often easy to house-train.
They are suspicious of strangers and can be dominant with other dogs. Early socialisation and consistent, respectful training are essential for this independent breed.
Living with a Chinese Shar-Pei
Exercise
About 45–60 minutes of daily walks. They are calm indoors and dislike extreme heat.
Grooming
Minimal coat care, but check and dry the skin folds regularly and clean the small ears.
Training
Intelligent but independent; firm, consistent, reward-based training and early socialisation work best.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their own family; best with older children. Often selective with other dogs.
Time alone
Tolerates alone time well, but needs a secure home and socialisation to prevent overprotectiveness.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Chinese Shar-Pei right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Chinese Shar-Pei matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Chinese Shar-Pei typically lives 8–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease (familial Shar-Pei fever)
Recurring fevers and swollen hocks that can lead to kidney amyloidosis; seek care for unexplained fevers.
Entropion
Inward-rolling eyelids are very common; many puppies need eyelid tacking or surgery.
Skin fold infections
Deep wrinkles trap moisture and bacteria; keep folds clean and dry.
Ear infections
Small, tight ear canals are prone to infection.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid; managed with daily medication.
Ask a breeder for
- Eye examination
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Patella evaluation
- Thyroid evaluation
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Chinese Shar-Pei; Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Shar-Pei come from southern China, where they guarded homes, hunted and, regrettably, fought. The loose skin may have helped them twist free when grabbed.
The breed nearly disappeared under Communist rule. In 1973 a Hong Kong breeder appealed to Americans to save it, and in 1978 Guinness listed it as the rarest dog breed. The AKC recognised the Chinese Shar-Pei in 1992.
Did you know?
- Shar-Pei and Chow Chows share a blue-black tongue.
- In 1978 Guinness named the Shar-Pei the world’s rarest breed.
- “Shar-Pei” means “sand skin”, describing the harsh coat.
Library guides for Chinese Shar-Pei owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Chinese Shar-Pei.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Chinese Shar-Pei breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Shar-Pei good family dogs?
- For experienced owners, yes. They are loyal and calm but aloof with strangers.
- Do Shar-Pei have health problems?
- Yes — Shar-Pei fever, entropion and skin fold issues are common. Choose a health-focused breeder.
- Do Shar-Pei shed?
- Moderately.