Chinese Shar-Pei - Care and Grooming

Chinese Shar-Pei Temperament

An easy going breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog that can be friendly when well socialized, but can also be fiercely independent and aloof. This is a serious and confident dog, and often keeps himself to himself. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog that commands respect, but will also give mutual respect when properly trained and socialized. Aggression with other dogs and animals can be a problem, and this dog was bred originally as a fighting dog, which is an instinct that he may still have if provoked. It is important to ensure that this breed receives early socialization if you want him to be around children and other pets.

You will find that training the Chinese Shar-Pei can sometimes be a challenge, as he can be very obstinate and stubborn when he wants to be, and this means that he is probably best suited to those with some level of experience in dog ownership. A determined dog with plenty of stamina, the Chinese Shar-Pei does need regular walks. The breed is a born hunter, and may see cats as prey as well as attacking livestock, so great care must be taken not to let him off the leash if you are out and about.

Chinese Shar-Pei Appearance

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium sized dog with a very sturdy build. His distinctive wrinkly skin on his body and face make him stand out from the crowd, and his expression is often one of sulkiness and crossness. In fact, he sometimes looks positively mournful - simply because of the way the skin on the face wrinkles. The coat of the Chinese Shar-Pei is short, straight, and close fitting, and the coloring includes chocolate, black, red, sable, silver, fawn, and cream. The height of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 18-20 inches, and the weight of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 40-65 pounds.

Chinese Shar-Pei Grooming

The grooming requirements for the Chinese Shar-Pei are low, and you simply need to brush the short coat to keep it looking good. However, you should take care to check and clean the folds of the skin as well as the ears for hygiene and health reasons.

Chinese Shar-Pei Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Chinese Shar-Pei is around 7-12 years, and there are a number of health issues and disorders that are linked to this breed. Some of these include entropion, HD, thyroid problems, bloat, autoimmune problems, allergies and skin conditions, sensitivity to chemicals and medications, and malabsorption. The parents of the Chinese Shar-Pei should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Chinese Shar-Pei History

The Chinese Shar-Pei originates from China, and is known to be an ancient breed that was used for fighting as well as for herd, protect, and hunt. At one point the breed almost faced extinction, but has now emerged as a popular pet.

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