10 essential facts about the Shar Pei before you buy

The Shar Pei is a unique medium-sized dog breed known for its distinctive wrinkled skin and loyal nature. Popular among enthusiasts, it's ranked as the 34th most popular dog breed in the UK. However, choosing a Shar Pei requires careful research and consideration due to their complex traits and care needs.

1. Complex Personality and Temperament

Shar Peis have a layered personality—they are deeply loyal to their families yet cautious and reserved around strangers. They tend to be quite black and white in their likes and dislikes with a low tolerance for irritations and are often aloof with unfamiliar people. To understand their temperament fully, spending time with Shar Peis and speaking with experienced owners is important.

2. Membership of the Utility Dog Group

They are classified by the Kennel Club within the utility dog group. Historically used for herding, guarding, and sometimes fighting, modern Shar Peis are primarily companion animals, but their protective instincts remain strong.

3. Unique Coat and Skin Care Needs

The Shar Pei's coat is short, rough, and harsh, paired with signature deep wrinkles. These folds require routine cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections such as dermatitis. Neglecting fold care can lead to sores and bacterial issues, so regular grooming is essential.

4. Their Remarkable Blue-Black Tongues

One of the breed's quirky features is their blue or black tongue, a trait they share with the Chow Chow. This unusual colouring can surprise first-time observers and adds to their distinct appearance.

5. Canine Intelligence and Training Considerations

Ranking 97th out of 138 breeds in canine intelligence, Shar Peis might learn commands slower but can reliably master essential basic commands. Training them requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods. Harsh or dominance-based techniques can be counterproductive due to their sensitive, independent nature.

6. Shar Peis as Natural Watchdogs

These dogs possess strong guarding instincts, alerting their families to strangers with booming barks and patrolling their property vigilantly. They need secure containment to prevent them from roaming off or potentially becoming aggressive toward visitors like postmen.

7. Deep Loyalty to Their Owners

Once trust is earned, a Shar Pei will be profoundly loyal and affectionate. Their protectiveness toward their family members can be intense but is paired with a loving, calm companionship.

8. Wary of Strangers and Importance of Socialisation

The breed is typically suspicious of new people and takes time to warm up to strangers. Early and ongoing socialisation with both humans and other dogs is crucial to develop good manners and minimise aggression or fearfulness.

9. Health Challenges and Lifespan

Shar Peis face breed-specific health risks largely linked to their loose, thick, folded skin. Common disorders include entropion (inward-rolled eyelids), skin infections, Shar Pei fever, and kidney issues. Life expectancy varies from 9 to 15 years, depending on lineage and care. Prospective owners should engage in extensive discussions with reputable breeders about health screening and genetic conditions prevalent in this breed.

10. Not Recommended for First-Time Dog Owners

Due to their complex temperament and health considerations, Shar Peis are generally unsuitable for inexperienced dog owners. Choosing this breed demands commitment to training, management, and proper care. Prospective owners should research thoroughly and be confident in their ability to meet the breed’s specific needs before bringing a Shar Pei home.

Questions to Ask When Buying a Shar Pei Puppy

If you're considering finding a Shar Pei puppy, ask breeders about health clearances, socialisation practices, and previous health issues in the litter. Responsible breeders will provide health certificates and support to ensure you choose a healthy, well-adjusted pup.

Conclusion

The Shar Pei is a one-of-a-kind breed with charming quirks, protective instincts, and complex personality traits. Their welfare depends heavily on responsible ownership, including vigilant health care and patient training. If you are willing to invest the time and effort in understanding and caring for a Shar Pei, you will be rewarded with a devoted and dignified companion for many years.