Facts about Shar Pei Puppies

Like many ancient breeds, Shar Pei came close to extinction but recovered and is now a relatively common companion dog.

By the way, the name "Shar Pei" translates to "sand skin"!

Physical Characteristics of Shar Pei Puppies

The Shar Pei is a medium sized dog with very compact and square body. It has an oval muzzle, small forward-falling ears and a high-set, curly tail. But its most distinctive feature is its wrinkled skin that covers the whole body (puppies have more wrinkles than adult dogs).

The coat is straight and comes in two types - a short and longer coat.

Temperament

Shar Pei is an intelligent and alert dog. It's affectionate with its family but wary with strangers. If you introduce a young puppy to children and pets, he will not have any problems with them when he grows up.

Because Shar Pei can be stubborn, I recommend general obedience and puppy socialization training.

Indoors, it's moderately active and will do well in an apartment setting.

A Shar-Pei can be best described with the following terms: intelligent, brave, dominant and playful.

Best Owner / Living Conditions

Shar Pei puppies need an experienced and confident dog owner willing to take charge. Unless you establishes an "alpha" status, your dog will!

Some Shar Pei breeders may interview prospective owners to make sure this is the right breed for them.

Activity and Exercise

To keep Shar Pei puppies and adult dogs in top shape, provide them with moderate but regular exercise.

Grooming

Shar Pei puppies don't require a lot of grooming.

Since the breed does not shed a lot, brushing once a week will be sufficient. Of course, if you have time, daily brushing can't hurt!

Shar Pei ears tend to collect a lot of dirt and wax. It's a good idea to check them on a regular basis and clean when necessary.

Weekly bathing will make the skin dry and coat dull. Bathe your Shar Pei puppy only when necessary (you'll smell it!).

Almost forgot... Shar Pei nails grow fast, so check regularly and clip them when necessary.

Health Concerns

Like all dog breeds, the Shar Pei is susceptible to complications caused by parasites such as dog ticks, fleas, and puppy worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, and heartworms.

It's also prone to health issues that are unique to this breed.

Some, like a painful eye condition called "entropion", are caused by irresponsible breeding. Dogs suffering from this condition have eyelashes curl inward, irritating the eye. This condition can be fixed by surgery.

Shar Pei fever, characterized by a fever lasting up to 24 hours, is another serious problem for this breed.

Amyloidosis is caused by unprocessed amyloid proteins depositing in kidneys or liver, leading to renal failure.

For more information about dog diseases and health, visit dog health problems.

To reduce the risk of the above and many other health problems, buy only from reputable Shar Pei breeders (visit dog breeders to learn how to identify responsible dog breeders).

No matter how small the risk of health problems is, any puppy may get sick or injured. Many health problems will require an immediate attention from your Vet, but there are many others that will not, and you may handle them on your own.

To save time and money, learn how to diagnose and treat dog health problems that don't require your Vet's attention.

Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for Shar Pei puppies is around 10 years.

Did you ever consider adopting your next pet?

If this is the breed you are interested in, and adoption appeals to you, consider contacting your local Shar Pei rescue. There are thousands of pets waiting for a loving home and, yes, it's possible to adopt a purebred dog.