The Long Haired Chinese Shar Pei Complete Owner's Guide

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Posted Oct 30, 2024

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Cute Shar Pei Dogs
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The Long Haired Chinese Shar Pei is a unique and fascinating breed. They have a distinctive coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their long hair can be a challenge to manage, but it's worth it for the beautiful, flowing coat they develop. Regular brushing is essential to prevent hair from getting knotted.

The Long Haired Chinese Shar Pei is a relatively rare breed, with a limited gene pool. This can make them more prone to certain health issues, such as skin problems and eye problems.

They are generally a healthy breed, but regular veterinary check-ups are still essential to monitor their health.

General Health

As a long-haired Chinese Shar Pei owner, you want to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they're related to your pet's breed.

Dogs need regular check-ups with their vet, just like humans do. In the first year, they'll need parasite prevention, deworming, spaying or neutering surgery, and microchipping.

Credit: youtube.com, Common Health Issues in Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs

The Shar Pei is moderately healthy, but there are several health conditions to be aware of. Skin fold disease and pododermatitis are two common issues seen in Chinese Shar-Peis.

Hypothyroidism and Familial Shar Pei Fever are also potential health concerns for your long-haired Chinese Shar Pei. These conditions are genetic, so it's essential to work with your vet to develop a preventive health plan.

Here are some common health issues to watch for in your Chinese Shar-Pei:

Health Issues

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your long-haired Chinese Shar-Pei.

Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed. This means that your Shar-Pei is more at risk than other dogs for certain health problems.

Skin fold disease and pododermatitis are two health conditions to be aware of, as they can cause skin irritation and infections. Hypothyroidism and Familial Shar Pei Fever are also potential issues to watch out for.

Credit: youtube.com, Understanding Allergies in Chinese Shar-Peis

Here are some specific health concerns to keep in mind:

  • Skin fold disease: a condition that affects the skin folds on your Shar-Pei's face and body, leading to skin irritation and infections.
  • Pododermatitis: a painful condition that affects the skin on your Shar-Pei's paws and legs.
  • Hypothyroidism: a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain and skin problems.
  • Familial Shar Pei Fever: a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that causes fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Early detection and regular veterinary check-ups can help prevent or manage these health issues.

Health and Conditions

As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Chinese Shar-Pei. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet's breed.

The Shar Pei is moderately healthy, but there are several health conditions to be aware of. Skin fold disease and pododermatitis are two conditions that can affect the skin, while hypothyroidism and Familial Shar Pei Fever are other health concerns to watch out for.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Chinese Shar-Peis:

  • Skin fold disease: a condition that affects the skin folds on your Shar-Pei's face and body
  • Pododermatitis: a skin condition that affects the paws
  • Hypothyroidism: a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones
  • Familial Shar Pei Fever: a condition that causes fever, joint pain, and other symptoms

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial in monitoring your Shar-Pei's health and catching any potential issues early on.

Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer.

They're found more often in Chinese Shar-Peis than other breeds.

Credit: youtube.com, Understanding Your Pet's Diagnosis: Mast Cell Tumors

The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better.

Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions.

Many of these non-harmful lumps can be mistaken for mast cell tumors, which is why early detection is critical.

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

Early detection is key, as many cancers can be cured by surgical removal.

Skin Infections

Skin Infections are a common issue for Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. They are prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma, which occurs due to the moist skin folds along the lower jaw.

Bacteria and yeast can thrive in these moist areas, causing a reddened and smelly spot that's uncomfortable for your dog. This can be treated with antibiotics as needed.

The skin folds can also be surgically removed if symptoms are severe. Regular check-ups with your vet are a must to catch this problem early.

Here are some common skin infections to be aware of in Chinese Shar-Pei dogs:

  • Lip-fold pyoderma

Allergies

Credit: youtube.com, What are Allergies? (HealthSketch)

Allergies can be a real nuisance for our furry friends, especially for breeds like Shar-Peis that are prone to skin allergies.

Allergies in dogs make their skin itchy, and the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected.

Symptoms of allergies in dogs typically 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.

Care and Lifestyle

Taking care of a long-haired Chinese Shar-Pei requires attention to their unique needs and characteristics. They were bred for fighting and may not get along with other dogs, so it's essential to socialize them properly.

To prevent infections, clean their deep wrinkles often and keep them dry. This is especially important for puppies, as they need to get used to the routine.

Credit: youtube.com, 99% of Chinese Shar Pei Owners Don't Know This

A proper diet is crucial for a long-haired Chinese Shar-Pei's health. Feed them a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, and avoid giving them people food.

Regular exercise is also vital, but don't overdo it at first. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity.

Here are some essential care tasks to include in your routine:

  • Brush their coat at least weekly to prevent matting and tangling.
  • Brush their teeth at least twice a week to keep them healthy.
  • Clean their ears weekly to prevent infections.
  • Supervise them like a toddler, keeping doors closed and picking up after yourself.

They can be sensitive to warm weather, so avoid prolonged sun exposure and be alert to signs of heat stress. With proper care and attention, your long-haired Chinese Shar-Pei can live a happy and healthy life.

Temperament and Behavior

The Shar Pei's temperament is a unique blend of strength and independence, loyalty and protectiveness. They form strong bonds with their family, but can be aloof and wary of new people and situations.

Early socialization and training are crucial for Shar Peis to grow up to be well-rounded dogs. Consistent and confident owners are a must for these dogs, as they require a clear and positive approach to training.

Credit: youtube.com, SHAR PEI TEMPERAMENT DEEPDIVE

Shar Peis are intelligent animals, but their independent thinking can make training a bit challenging. They have a strong will and may be stubborn at times, but with positive reinforcement techniques and patience, they can be trained effectively.

Here are some key characteristics of Shar Pei temperament:

  • Strong and independent
  • Loyal and protective
  • Reserved with strangers
  • Require early socialization and training
  • Benefit from positive reinforcement and consistent owners

If you're considering bringing a Shar Pei into your life, it's essential to understand their potential anxiety and fearfulness. Socialization from a young age, reward-based training, and a quiet household can help prevent unwanted behaviors.

Temperament

Shar Peis are known for their strong and independent temperament, which can make them a bit challenging to train. They are intelligent and can be independent thinkers, but with positive reinforcement techniques and consistency, they can be trained effectively.

Shar Peis are loyal and protective of their family, but they can be aloof and wary of new people and unfamiliar situations. Early socialisation and training are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Shar Pei Dog in Forest
Credit: pexels.com, Shar Pei Dog in Forest

They have a strong will and may be stubborn at times, but with patience and persistence, they can learn to obey commands. Positive motivation and clear boundaries are essential to establish a strong bond with your Shar Pei.

Shar Peis are naturally suspicious of unfamiliar people and dogs, which makes them great guard dogs. However, this also means they require careful socialisation from an early age to prevent aggression and anxiety.

Here's a summary of the Shar Pei's temperament:

  • Strong and independent
  • Loyal and protective of family
  • Aloof and wary of new people and situations
  • Requires early socialisation and training
  • Can be stubborn and require patience and persistence

Overall, Shar Peis are intelligent and loving companions, but they do require a confident and consistent owner who can provide them with the necessary training and socialisation.

Dogs Have Favorites

Some dogs can become quite standoffish to people they don’t see regularly, especially as they grow up and differentiate between family members and strangers.

Shar-Pei dogs, for example, can form deep bonds with one family member over another, showing a clear preference.

They will, however, love and get along with all their family members, making them great additions to many households.

Their ability to bond with one person more than another is likely due to their need for socialization from a young age.

Here's an interesting read: Shiba Inu Family

Exercise and Diet

Credit: youtube.com, Training a Chinese Shar-Pei: Tips and Tricks

Shar Peis need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require around 1 hour of exercise each day, which can be broken up into daily walks, play sessions in a securely fenced area, and interactive games.

It's essential to provide mental stimulation along with physical exercise to keep their minds engaged. Shar Peis benefit from obedience training and activities that challenge their intelligence.

Shar Peis have different exercise requirements depending on their age. Puppies should have short play sessions several times a day to help them burn off energy and socialise with other dogs and people. Adult Shar Peis require no more than 60 minutes of solid exercise per day.

To ensure your Shar Pei gets the right nutrients, feed them a high-quality dog food that is suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Puppies need a specially formulated puppy food to support their growth and development, while adult Shar Peis can transition to adult dog food around 12-18 months of age.

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Shar Pei Dog Lying Down
Credit: pexels.com, Shar Pei Dog Lying Down

Here's a quick guide to Shar Pei exercise and diet needs:

  • Puppies: short play sessions several times a day, 3-4 meals a day until 6 months old, then reduce to twice daily
  • Adults: 1 hour of exercise per day, no more than 60 minutes of solid exercise, 2 meals a day

Exercise Requirements

Shar Peis need around 1 hour of exercise each day, which can be broken up into daily walks, play sessions in a securely fenced area, and interactive games. They enjoy activities that challenge their intelligence, such as obedience training.

It's essential to provide mental stimulation along with physical exercise to keep their minds engaged. Shar Peis also benefit from activities that challenge their intelligence.

To avoid overexertion in hot weather, it's crucial to limit exercise and provide plenty of water and rest breaks. Their short muzzle can make them prone to overheating.

Shar Pei puppies have different exercise requirements compared to adult Shar Peis. Puppies should have short play sessions several times a day to help them burn off energy and socialize with other dogs and people.

Adult Shar Peis require no more than 60 minutes of solid exercise per day, which can be broken up into brisk daily walks and playtime in the yard.

What Do Peas Eat?

A Shar Pei Dog Running on the Grass in a Park
Credit: pexels.com, A Shar Pei Dog Running on the Grass in a Park

Shar Peis are a unique breed with specific dietary needs. They do well on a high-quality dog food suitable for their age, size, and activity level.

Monitoring their weight is crucial to prevent obesity, as they can be prone to weight gain. Shar Peis should be fed twice daily, with their food portions adjusted accordingly.

Puppies, however, require a different feeding schedule. They should be fed 3-4 times a day until they're about 6 months old.

At around 12-18 months of age, they can transition to adult dog food. Your vet can advise on the best food and feeding regime for your Shar Pei.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a long haired Shar-Pei cost?

A long-haired Chinese Shar-Pei can cost between $800 to over $2,000, depending on show-quality traits. Prices may vary, but expect to spend at least $800 for a pet-quality puppy.

Lucy Orn-Mills

Writer

Lucy Orn-Mills is a versatile writer with a passion for canine culture. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, she has penned articles on a wide range of topics, from the charming Border Terrier to the rich history of dog breeds originating in Scotland and England. Lucy's expertise extends to the fascinating realm of Terriers, a group of breeds known for their feisty and affectionate nature.