The Shar-Pei, with its distinctive wrinkled appearance, is a breed that captures attention and sparks curiosity. Originating from China over 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty, these dogs are known for their deep muzzle, bluish-black tongue, small ears and eyes, and of course, their signature folds of skin. Historically used by Chinese farmers for protection and herding livestock, and later for hunting and guarding homes, Shar-Pei have transitioned into loyal companions in modern times. But are Shar-Pei good pets for everyone?
Weighing between 45 and 60 pounds and standing 18 to 20 inches tall, Shar-Pei are medium-sized dogs with a unique presence. While their loyalty is undeniable, like any breed, they require proper training and early socialization to ensure they develop into well-behaved members of the family. Understanding their specific needs and temperament is crucial before deciding if a Shar-Pei is the right pet for you.
Understanding Shar-Pei Care and Temperament
A wrinkly Shar-Pei dog looking directly at the camera
Shar-Pei can indeed be wonderful companions, but they are often better suited for experienced dog owners. Their intelligence is notable, yet they possess an independent and sometimes stubborn streak. Without consistent training and socialization from a young age, Shar-Pei can become wary of strangers and exhibit anxiety when away from their familiar home environment. Therefore, enrolling in puppy classes and obedience training early is not just recommended, but essential for preventing behavioral issues stemming from fear and anxiety.
Despite their protective nature, Shar-Pei are not overly demanding in terms of exercise. They are relatively laid-back dogs who appreciate short walks and are adaptable to apartment living or smaller homes where vast exercise space is limited. They form strong bonds with their families and can be deeply affectionate with their caregivers. However, this loyalty can sometimes manifest as protectiveness, requiring careful and supervised introductions to new people, especially children, and other pets. Early positive experiences are vital to help them understand that new faces and animals are not threats.
Common Health Concerns in Shar-Pei
Prospective Shar-Pei owners should be aware of certain health predispositions common to the breed. Understanding these potential issues is key to providing proper care and ensuring a healthy life for your Shar-Pei.
Entropion: The Wrinkle-Related Eye Issue
The very wrinkles that define the Shar-Pei can also lead to health problems. Entropion, a condition where the eyelids roll inward, is a significant concern. This inward rolling causes the eyelashes and fur to rub against the cornea, the eye’s surface. This is not only painful but can lead to corneal ulcers and other eye damage if left untreated.
Entropion is typically diagnosed in Shar-Pei puppies under one year old. Surgical correction is usually necessary to alleviate the condition and prevent long-term eye problems. Early detection and veterinary intervention are crucial for managing entropion effectively.
Shar-Pei Fever: A Hereditary Inflammatory Disease
Shar-Pei Fever, also known as Swollen Hock Syndrome, is a hereditary condition unique to the breed. It’s caused by a genetic mutation and is more prevalent in Shar-Pei with more pronounced skin folds. The condition is characterized by sudden episodes of high fever, lethargy, swelling of the hock joints (ankles), and a decreased appetite. These episodes can last for one to two days, with fevers ranging from 103°F to 107°F, often resolving on their own without specific treatment in the short term.
However, recurrent fevers are detrimental over time. They can lead to renal amyloidosis, where amyloid protein deposits in the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure. Diagnosing Shar-Pei Fever and related kidney issues requires a comprehensive veterinary workup, including bloodwork, urinalysis, blood pressure measurement, abdominal ultrasound, and potentially a kidney biopsy.
Unfortunately, treatment for Shar-Pei Fever itself is often ineffective in reversing the long-term kidney damage. Management focuses on supportive care, such as prescription renal diets, subcutaneous fluids, and certain medications to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Genetic testing is available to identify Shar-Pei carrying the gene for Shar-Pei Fever, and responsible breeding practices advise against breeding affected dogs.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Infections in the Wrinkles
The abundant skin folds of Shar-Pei, while charming, create environments where bacteria and yeast can thrive. These folds trap moisture and debris, leading to skin fold dermatitis, or infections within the skin folds.
Regular inspection of these folds, ideally once or twice a week, is essential for Shar-Pei care. Signs of infection include moisture, redness, crusting, black discoloration, or odor within the folds. If these signs are present, veterinary attention is needed. Treatment typically involves medicated wipes and shampoos to clean and disinfect the affected areas and manage the infection.
Pododermatitis: Foot Infections
Shar-Pei are also susceptible to pododermatitis, inflammation and infection of the skin between their toes. This can be triggered by various factors, including hair follicle issues, allergies, demodex mites, or hypothyroidism.
Dogs with pododermatitis often excessively lick their feet due to itching. This constant licking further exacerbates the problem, leading to red, moist skin and secondary bacterial or yeast infections. If you notice your Shar-Pei licking their feet excessively, examine their paws for signs of infection and consult your veterinarian promptly. An Elizabethan collar (cone) may be necessary to prevent further licking until veterinary treatment is initiated.
Ear Infections: Due to Narrow Ear Canals
Ear infections are another common ailment in Shar-Pei. Their narrow ear canals trap moisture and limit airflow, creating an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to flourish.
Preventive ear care is crucial. Regular cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner containing a drying agent, every 1-2 weeks, can help minimize the risk of ear infections. Making ear cleaning a routine part of grooming from puppyhood will help your Shar-Pei become accustomed to the process.
Nutritional Needs of a Shar-Pei
Proper nutrition is vital for the health and well-being of a Shar-Pei. Their dietary needs evolve through different life stages.
Puppy, Adult, and Senior Diets
During the first 12 months, Shar-Pei puppies require a high-quality, medium-breed puppy formula that is calorie-dense to support their rapid growth. Around 1 year old, transition them gradually over 5-7 days to an adult medium-breed dog food. By age 7, a senior diet formulated for joint support becomes beneficial.
Feeding Schedule and Portion Control
Shar-Pei should be fed twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. If your Shar-Pei tends to eat too quickly, a slow feeder bowl can help prevent digestive issues. Adhering to the feeding guidelines on the dog food packaging is a good starting point, but consulting your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your individual dog is recommended. Portion sizes should be based on their ideal body weight and life stage.
Measuring food at each meal is crucial to avoid overfeeding. Dog food should constitute the majority (around 90%) of their daily intake, with treats making up no more than 10%. Healthy treat options like baby carrots are preferable to processed human foods.
Nutritional Supplements
Given their predisposition to skin problems, omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be beneficial for Shar-Pei. These supplements support the skin barrier, reduce dandruff, and may minimize secondary skin infections. Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit joint health.
Shar-Pei Behavior, Training, and Socialization
Understanding Shar-Pei behavior and implementing proper training and socialization are key to a harmonious relationship.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Shar-Pei are known for their dignified and calm demeanor. They are typically devoted to their families but can be reserved and aloof with strangers. Early socialization, between 8 and 12 weeks of age, is critical to expose them to various people, children, other pets, and environments. While they don’t need excessive exercise, daily short walks or 30 minutes of activity are important for their physical and mental well-being.
Shar-Pei possess a moderate to high prey drive. Without early introductions to cats and other small animals, they may exhibit chasing or herding behaviors towards them. Barking is usually reserved for situations where they feel threatened, anxious, or need to protect their family.
Addressing Fear Aggression and Anxiety
Shar-Pei can exhibit fear aggression if placed in unfamiliar or stressful situations. Routine vet visits, for example, can trigger anxiety if not introduced positively from a young age. Using positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, during vet visits and other potentially stressful experiences can help create positive associations.
Fearfulness around unfamiliar people and pets is another potential issue. Obedience training classes, combined with socialization, are crucial for helping Shar-Pei puppies build confidence and learn appropriate behavior in new situations.
Training Techniques for Shar-Pei
Shar-Pei are intelligent dogs but can be independent thinkers, which can be perceived as stubbornness. Starting training early, using positive reinforcement methods – praise and treats – is the most effective approach. Teaching basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” is essential for control and safety. Ideally, Shar-Pei benefit from both socialization and obedience training classes with a professional dog trainer experienced with the breed or similar breeds.
Fun Activities to Engage a Shar-Pei
While not high-energy, Shar-Pei can enjoy certain activities that provide mental and physical stimulation:
- Obedience training: Challenges their intelligence and strengthens the bond with their owner.
- Agility: Can be a fun way to provide exercise and mental stimulation, though may not be suited for all Shar-Pei due to potential joint issues.
- Tracking: Appeals to their natural instincts and provides mental enrichment.
Shar-Pei Grooming Essentials
Shar-Pei grooming needs are relatively moderate, but specific attention is required due to their unique skin folds and other breed-specific traits.
Skin Care: Focusing on Wrinkles
The hallmark wrinkles of Shar-Pei require regular attention. Checking within the skin folds at least twice a week is crucial to monitor for signs of infection. As mentioned earlier, redness, black discoloration, hair loss, or odor are indicators of potential problems requiring veterinary care.
For Shar-Pei prone to skin fold infections, weekly or bi-weekly bathing with a medicated antibacterial/antifungal shampoo, as recommended by a veterinarian, can be a proactive measure to maintain skin health.
Coat Care: Minimal Maintenance
Shar-Pei have short, smooth coats that require minimal grooming. Brushing once a month is sufficient to minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy. They are not prone to tangles or mats.
Eye Care: Monitoring for Entropion
Regularly monitor your Shar-Pei’s eyes for signs of entropion, especially in puppies. Symptoms include:
- Redness of the eyes
- Watery discharge
- Squinting
- Holding the eye shut
If you observe any of these signs, veterinary examination is necessary.
Ear Care: Regular Cleaning
Weekly ear cleaning is essential for Shar-Pei due to their narrow ear canals. Cleaning after bathing or swimming is also important to remove trapped moisture.
Considerations for Potential Shar-Pei Owners
Shar-Pei can be wonderful companions for the right owners, but they are not a breed for everyone. They require a dedicated owner who understands their specific needs and is willing to invest time in training, socialization, and preventive healthcare.
Shar-Pei are not typically recommended for first-time dog owners due to their independent nature and potential for stubbornness and anxiety if not properly managed. They thrive best in homes where owners are committed to consistent training, weekly ear cleaning, and regular skin fold monitoring. Pet insurance is often recommended for Shar-Pei, given their predisposition to certain health issues, especially if obtained before any pre-existing conditions are diagnosed.
Ideally, a Shar-Pei puppy is best suited for a home with older children and possibly no other pets, at least initially, to allow for focused socialization and training.
Shar-Pei FAQs
1. Is a Shar-Pei a good family dog?
Yes, Shar-Pei can be good family dogs, particularly with older children. Early socialization and obedience training are essential. Homes with babies or toddlers may not be ideal due to the Shar-Pei’s potential for aloofness with strangers and need for careful introductions.
2. Are Shar-Pei smart dogs?
Yes, Shar-Pei are intelligent dogs. However, their intelligence is coupled with an independent nature, which can sometimes make training challenging. Professional training is highly recommended.
3. What do Shar-Pei dogs do when they are bored?
Shar-Pei are generally calm and low-energy dogs. They are not typically destructive when bored. However, boredom or lack of attention can lead to anxiety and barking.
4. Does a Shar-Pei need a lot of exercise?
No, Shar-Pei do not require excessive exercise. A few short daily walks are usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy, making them suitable for apartment living.
References
Brooks, Wendy. Veterinary Partner. Shar-Pei Recurrent Fever Syndrome. September 2018.
Featured Image: iStock/Alika Obrazovskaya
