Chinese Shar Pei Puppies: Health, Care, and Traits

Chinese Shar Pei puppies are a unique and lovable breed. They have a distinctive wrinkled face and a short, easy-to-maintain coat.

Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their skin folds need regular cleaning to prevent infections. This is a crucial aspect of their care.

Chinese Shar Pei puppies are generally good with children, but they can be protective of their family and may not be the best fit for homes with very small children.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique-looking dog, with its distinctive bristle-like coat and loose wrinkles giving it a one-of-a-kind appearance.

This breed is calm enough to live in an apartment, making it a great option for city dwellers.

The Shar-Pei is an independent-thinking dog, sometimes aloof, and may not be friendly to strangers.

He's a strong-bodied dog, weighing between 35-60 pounds, and comes in a variety of colors including black, fawn, lilac, cream, sand, and red.

The Shar-Pei is a naturally clean dog and doesn't require frequent bathing, but may need extra attention to its skin due to its wrinkled coat.

Early training is essential for this breed, as they can be strong-willed and need an owner who can establish leadership firmly and kindly.

They're a quick study, so training is generally easy as long as they're not showing their stubborn streak.

Chinese Shar-Peis are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are preventable through vaccination.

Mast cell tumors are a type of skin cancer found more often in Chinese Shar-Peis than other breeds, and early detection is critical for a successful cure.

Allergies can cause skin issues in Chinese Shar-Peis, with symptoms typically starting between the ages of one and three and getting worse every year.

Chinese Shar-Peis are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, just like any other dog. These can include parvo, rabies, and distemper.

Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination. We'll recommend a vaccination schedule based on your dog's age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors.

Bacterial and viral infections can be serious, so it's essential to keep up with your dog's vaccination schedule. Regular check-ups with us will help ensure your dog stays protected.

Your Chinese Shar-Pei is prone to lip-fold pyoderma, a type of skin infection that occurs in the folds of skin along the lower jaw. This area is moist, making it an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

We'll examine your dog regularly for signs of lip-fold pyoderma and recommend treatment with antibiotics as necessary. In severe cases, excess skin folds may need to be surgically removed.

Chinese Shar-Peis are prone to certain health concerns due to their genetic predispositions.

Some breeds, including the Chinese Shar-Pei, are more likely to develop skin fold dermatitis, a condition that affects the skin folds of the face and legs.

This condition can be managed with regular cleaning and care of the skin folds, but it's essential to be aware of the risk.

Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's health closely.

Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Chinese Shar-Pei needs help.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential issues early on, reducing the risk of complications.

It's always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary help if you notice anything unusual.

Mast Cell Tumor is a nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Chinese Shar-Peis than other breeds.

Mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful.

The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Early detection is critical because many cancers are cured by surgical removal.

All suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible.

Allergies can be a real nuisance for dogs, especially Shar-Peis.

Their skin itches due to allergies, and the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected.

Symptoms usually start between the ages of one and three, and can get worse every year.

Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are common signs of allergies in dogs.

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions.

Knee Problems can be a real issue for Shar-Pei owners. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is a common problem that can cause your pet to pick up a back leg or skip and hop for a few strides.

You might notice your Shar-Pei kicking their leg out sideways to pop the kneecap back in place. This is a clear sign of patellar luxation.

Mild cases may only require arthritis medication, but if symptoms are severe, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap. In some cases, this can be a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

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Caring for a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy is a big responsibility, but with the right routine, you can help your furry friend live a happy and healthy life. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and pick up after yourself to keep her out of trouble.

To keep your Shar-Pei's coat clean and healthy, brush it at least weekly, and clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She may need more frequent brushing around her wrinkles, which can be prone to infections if not properly cleaned and dried.

A balanced diet is crucial for your Shar-Pei's overall health. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age, and avoid giving her people food. Keep her diet consistent, and don't overdo it with treats.

Taking care of a Chinese Shar-Pei requires attention to their unique needs. They need regular exercise, but it's essential to start slowly to avoid overexertion.

A Shar-Pei's diet is crucial for their health, and they require a high-quality food that's divided into two meals a day. The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food, but this may vary depending on their size, age, and activity level.

To keep your Shar-Pei's coat clean, brush it at least weekly, and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections. Their deep wrinkles need to be cleaned and dried often to prevent infections.

A Shar-Pei's sensitivity to warm weather means they should be kept indoors with fans or air conditioning in hot weather. They can also be sensitive to prolonged sun exposure, so it's crucial to be alert to signs of heat stress.

Here are some essential care tips for your Shar-Pei:

With proper care and attention, your Shar-Pei can thrive and become a loving and loyal companion.

As you return home after a long day, it's essential to create a relaxing environment to unwind. This can be achieved by adjusting the lighting to a warmer tone, which can lower your heart rate and promote a sense of calm.

Dimming the lights can also help reduce eye strain, a common issue for those who spend extended periods in front of screens.

If you're considering bringing a Chinese Shar-Pei into your life, there are many wonderful rescue groups that can help you find your perfect companion.

There are numerous Shar-Peis in need of adoption and fostering, so it's essential to consider contacting a rescue group before visiting a breeder.

Many people acquire Shar-Peis without a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved in owning one, which is why rescue groups can be a great resource.

If you're unsure where to start, here are some reputable rescue groups to consider:

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique breed with a distinctive appearance. They have a medium-sized, compact body with a square, short-coupled shape.

Their height ranges from 18 to 20 inches, and they typically weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. They have a moderate-length neck with loose skin that forms folds and a dewlap about the neck and throat.

The Shar-Pei's head is slightly large in proportion to the body, with a characteristic "hippopotamus" muzzle and small, high-set ears. Their skin on the head is loose and forms wrinkles on the forehead, continuing into side wrinkles framing the face.

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The body of a Chinese Shar-Pei is square in shape, with the distance from the withers to the ground roughly equal to the distance from the prosternum to point of buttocks.

The topline dips slightly behind the withers and rises slightly over the loin. This is a defining characteristic of the breed.

The chest is broad, muscular, and deep, extending to the elbow. This is a result of the breed's compact and athletic build.

Loin is short and broad and slightly tucked up.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build. Typically, males and females have a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

Their weight can vary, but it's usually between 40 and 55 pounds, with some individuals tipping the scales at up to 60 pounds.

The movement of the Shar-Pei is a crucial aspect of its physical characteristics, and it's essential to judge it at a trot, preferably on a loose lead. This allows the dog's natural gait to shine through.

The gait of the Shar-Pei is free and balanced, with the feet tending to converge toward a center line of gravity when the dog moves at a vigorous trot. This is a key characteristic that breeders and owners should look out for.

Proper movement is essential for a Shar-Pei, and it's a combination of good forward reach and a strong drive in the hindquarters. This unique gait is what sets the breed apart from others.

The Chinese Shar-Pei has a complete set of good-sized, evenly spaced, white teeth.

A scissors bite is a characteristic of the breed, where the teeth meet in a specific way.

The Chinese Shar-Pei's teeth are a key indicator of their overall health and well-being, and any deviation from a scissors bite is considered a fault.

Eliminating Fault: Any deviation from a scissors bite.

Eyes are dark brown, almond-shaped, and small. In the dilute colored dogs, eye color may be lighter.

Eyes are set deeply, obliquely, and wide apart. The correct function of the eyeball and lids should never be disturbed by surrounding skin, folds, or hair.

Cherry Eye is a fault that can be eliminated in this breed.

The neck is moderate in length and set well into the shoulders.

One of the distinctive features of the neck is the loose skin that forms moderate to heavy folds. This can be quite noticeable, especially when the dog is moving or exercising.

The neck also features abundant, but not excessive, dewlap about the neck and throat.

The Chinese Shar-Pei's forequarters are a notable feature of their physical characteristics. Their shoulders are well muscled and well laid back. This muscular build gives them a sturdy appearance that's both strong and agile.

Their well-laid back shoulders also contribute to their overall balance and flexibility. This allows them to move with ease and grace, making them a joy to watch.

The hindquarters of the Shar-Pei are quite impressive, with muscular and moderately angulated hindquarters.

A key characteristic of the hindquarters is the straight, parallel, and moderately wide-set legs when viewed from the rear.

The rear pasterns are short and perpendicular to the ground, which is essential for the dog's movement and balance.

It's worth noting that rear dewclaws must be removed, so it's not a feature you'll typically see on a Shar-Pei.

Serious faults to look out for include wrinkles on the upper or lower thighs or on the rear pasterns, as well as thickening of the skin on the hocks.

The Shar-Pei's coat is a distinctive and essential part of their breed type. It's single, straight, and stands away from the body.

The coat can range in length from very short to about one inch at the withers, with a "horse coat" being extremely short and a "brush coat" being longer. The coat should not be shiny.

A serious fault is a soft coat, and a wavy coat is also not acceptable. The coat should not be trimmed, and any coat length greater than one inch at the withers is also a fault.

In adults, excessive and heavy folds of skin on the body, except for the withers and the base of the tail, are a disqualification.

The Shar-Pei's adorable wrinkles are more than just a cute feature - they serve a very important purpose. Their wrinkles prevent another dog from taking hold of their sensitive areas, which protects their vital organs.

As a breed developed for fighting, their wrinkles were a crucial adaptation that helped them survive in the ring. The wrinkles on their head, neck, and body are all part of this protective mechanism.

Loose skin on the Shar-Pei's head forms wrinkles that frame their face, and these wrinkles are a key part of their characteristic scowl. This scowl is achieved by a combination of loose skin, correct eye shape, and ear shape.

The Shar-Pei's wrinkles are not just a result of their breeding, but also a sign of their unique anatomy. Their loose skin and movable wrinkles are a result of their genetic makeup, and are a key part of what makes them so adorable.

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Shar Peis have a distinctive blue tongue, which is a characteristic of the breed. This is not unique to Shar Peis, as the Chow Chow also has blue and black markings on their tongue.

The blue tongue of Shar Peis is a result of the breed's genetics, and it's very characteristic of the breed. Shar Peis without this trait may be mixed breeds.

The Chinese Shar Pei is an intelligent and loyal breed that makes an excellent guard dog, but they can be wary of strangers and may exhibit aggression towards other animals if not properly socialized.

Their independent nature means they require consistent training and socialization to become comfortable around new faces and situations.

If you're considering bringing a Shar Pei into your family, it's essential to understand their temperament and needs to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend.

Shar Peis are naturally protective of their family and can be highly territorial, especially around other dogs of the same sex, so it's crucial to introduce them to new animals and people gradually and under controlled circumstances.

With patience, love, and proper training, a Shar Pei can thrive in a family environment, especially if raised alongside children and other pets from an early age.

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The Shar Pei is an immensely intelligent animal, hyper-aware of their surroundings and making excellent guard dogs. They take guarding the home very seriously and require exposure to new situations and socialization to become comfortable around new faces.

Because of their intelligence and loyalty, they are often easy to train. However, they might still exhibit aggression toward strangers and other animals despite intense training.

The Shar Pei integrates into a pack mentality very easily, thinking of their family as pack members and exhibiting no aggression toward them. This means they can be great with children and other family members if socialized properly.

A Shar Pei can be highly protective over those they love, but they must learn the distinction between play and threats early on to remain calm around visitors.

If you don't have the time to train and socialize your Shar Pei, it's best to find another breed, as they're not suitable for first-time owners. Consistent training from an owner who can handle strong, protective canines is essential.

The Shar Pei is a loyal and devoted dog, but they can be aloof with people they don't know. This means they need early socialization and exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences to become well-rounded.

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The Shar Pei is a devoted family dog who is protective of his family, including children. To best teach him to get along with kids, he should be raised with them; if he doesn’t live with them, he should be exposed to children as he grows up.

Shar Peis can be highly protective over those they love and might mistake play and other innocent behavior for a threat. They must learn the distinction early on to protect their family and remain calm around visitors.

Families with children 10 and older who know how to treat a pet respectfully are best suited for Shar Peis. This age group can understand how to approach and touch dogs respectfully.

Shar Peis are not the best roommates for cats and other smaller pets, as they may show aggression or territorial behavior. It's essential to take your Shar Pei on walks to expose them to various animals and situations to desensitize their desire to protect.

Proper training and socialization can resolve socialization problems and help your Shar Pei become a well-rounded dog capable of listening to commands and getting along with company.

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