Mini Shar Pei Owner's Complete Care and Guide

As a mini Shar Pei owner, you're likely eager to learn more about caring for your furry friend. Mini Shar Peis are a relatively small breed, weighing between 16-25 pounds and standing about 10-14 inches tall.

They have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular nail trimming is also a must to prevent overgrowth.

Mini Shar Peis are prone to skin problems, so it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of irritation or infection. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent these issues.

With proper care, mini Shar Peis can live up to 12-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Shar-Peis are easily recognizable due to their numerous, loose skin folds, especially in the face.

They are very calm, confident, strong-minded, and loyal dogs.

Most Shar-Peis do not like water, but with early exposure, they might learn to enjoy it.

The Shar-Pei's name is deeply rooted in its unique physical characteristic. The breed's name, "Shar-Pei", is Chinese and means "sand skin" because the dog's coat looks and feels a little bit like sandpaper.

This distinctive coat is a defining feature of the Shar-Pei breed.

The Shar-Pei breed has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with evidence of its existence dating back to 200 BC.

The breed's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's believed that the Shar-Pei already existed in ancient times.

In 1978, the Guinness Book of World Records declared the Shar-Pei the rarest dog breed in the world, highlighting the breed's precarious existence.

Around 1950, dog owners in Hong Kong faced high taxes on their pets, which led to a ban on dog breeding in the area.

Thanks to the efforts of Matgo Law, who bred the Shar-Pei in Hong Kong, the breed was saved from extinction.

In 1973, Law wrote a plea in a dog magazine to save the breed, which helped bring attention to the Shar-Pei's plight.

As a result of Law's efforts, several hundred Shar-Peis were brought to the US just in time before Hong Kong returned to China in 1997.

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Mini Shar Peis are recognized by their loose skin folds, especially on their face. They're calm, confident, and strong-willed, with a loyal personality.

Their independence means they're not overly affectionate, but they're devoted to their family. They're protective of their loved ones, but they're not clingy.

Mini Shar Peis aren't fond of water, but with early exposure, they might learn to enjoy it. They're not big barkers, only letting out a few peeps while playing or when they're anxious about something.

Shar-Peis are easily recognizable due to their numerous loose skin folds, especially on their face. They are calm and confident dogs.

Shar-Peis are strong-minded and loyal, making them protective and devoted to their family. However, they are not overly affectionate due to their independent personality.

Most Shar-Peis don't like water, but with early exposure, they might grow to enjoy it. Showing your Shar-Pei that water is fun while they're still a puppy can make a big difference.

Shar-Peis are not big barkers, only vocalizing during play or when they're worried about something.

The Shar-Pei's appearance is truly one-of-a-kind, thanks to their unique skin folds. These folds come in a variety of coat colors, including red, black, cream, blue, brown, chocolate, and lilac.

Their wrinkled skin is not just for show - it serves a practical purpose. It protects them from deep bites, which makes them a great asset as guard dogs.

One distinctive feature of the Shar-Pei is their blue-black tongue. This is a rare trait in dogs, and they share it with only one other breed: the Chow Chow.

The Chinese believe that a black tongue has spiritual significance, warding off evil spirits.

Mini Shar Peis are known for their adorable wrinkles, but these folds can trap moisture, leading to skin infections. Regular skin checks are a must to monitor for signs of infection.

Shar Peis are also prone to ear infections due to their narrow ear canals, which trap moisture. Cleaning their ears with a routine ear cleaner every 1-2 weeks can help minimize the risk of infection.

They don't like hot weather, so keep them cool and comfortable in warm climates. Their coats are easy to care for, but they do shed a lot, so be prepared for regular grooming.

Shar-Pei dogs are prone to several health issues that pet parents should be aware of.

One of the most common health concerns is pododermatitis, an inflammation and infection of the skin between their toes.

Shar-Pei can also develop ear infections due to their narrow ear canals that trap moisture, creating a perfect environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive.

Cleaning your Shar-Pei's ears regularly can help minimize the risk of an infection, so make ear cleaning a part of your regular routine when you first bring home your pup.

Ear infections can be prevented with regular ear cleaning using a routine ear cleaner that contains a drying agent every 1-2 weeks for maintenance.

Shar-Pei dogs need to have their ears cleaned once weekly and after they're in water, like bathing or swimming.

Their skin folds also require regular monitoring for signs of infection, and purchasing pet insurance is recommended to cover the cost of treatment if your dog develops recurring ear and skin issues.

Shar-Peis are prone to skin fold dermatitis due to their numerous wrinkles, which trap moisture and lead to skin infections.

Regular inspections are crucial to prevent skin infections. Check the skin within the wrinkles at least two times a week.

If you notice the skin becoming red, black, experiencing hair loss, or having an odor, take your Shar-Pei to the vet immediately.

Bathing with a medicated antibacterial/antifungal shampoo every week or two can help keep the skin healthy, especially if your Shar-Pei has numerous skin folds that tend to get infected.

It's essential to dry your Shar-Pei's wrinkles and skin folds thoroughly after bathing to prevent fungi or bacteria from settling in.

Shar-Peis don't like hot weather, so this can exacerbate skin fold dermatitis.

A mini Shar-Pei's diet is crucial for their growth and overall health. Feed them a medium-breed, high-quality puppy formula high in calories for the first 12 months of life.

You should feed your mini Shar-Pei two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. This will help maintain a consistent routine and prevent overeating.

It's essential to measure out the food for each meal to ensure you're feeding your pup the proper amount. Your mini Shar-Pei's daily diet should consist mostly of dog food (90%), with only 10% being treats.

Baby carrots are a healthy treat option for your mini Shar-Pei, but be sure to limit them to 10% of their daily diet. Avoid feeding them other types of people food that can be detrimental to their health.

As your mini Shar-Pei ages, their diet will need to change. At 7 years old, transition them to a senior diet that contains joint support to help maintain their mobility.

The mini Shar-Pei is a breed that requires a confident owner to thrive. They can quickly notice if you're unsure or too soft, and will take over the position of leader.

They can be rather aloof towards strangers and other animals, making socialization crucial to ensure they don't develop aggressive behavior. Early socialization helps a lot in this regard.

Mini Shar-Peis can display fear aggression if put into unfamiliar situations that make them anxious. Going to the vet for a routine appointment can be a source of anxiety if they're not introduced to the environment at an early age.

Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, can make vet visits enjoyable for your mini Shar-Pei. This is especially important for their first few visits.

Obedience training classes are vital to help mini Shar-Peis feel comfortable in new situations. They can be fearful around other pets and people, so teaching them basic cues like "sit", "stay", and "come" is essential.

Mini Shar Peis require regular ear cleaning to prevent infections. Clean their ears once a week and after baths or swimming.

Their coats are short and easy to care for, but they do shed a lot. Brushing them once a month can help minimize shedding.

Shar Peis are prone to skin infections due to their wrinkled skin, so it's essential to check their skin folds regularly. Check their skin at least twice a week, and bathe them with a medicated shampoo if you notice any signs of infection.

Their nails need to be trimmed every four to eight weeks to prevent overgrowth.

Shar-Peis have a relatively low-maintenance coat that needs minimal grooming. They have smooth, short fur that only requires a bath and brushing every month or so, depending on when their coat is dirty.

Their nails should be trimmed every four to eight weeks to keep them healthy. Regular nail trimming can help prevent overgrowth and cracking.

To keep their skin healthy, it's essential to dry their wrinkles and skin folds thoroughly after bathing, as fungi or bacteria can settle in and cause infections. Check their skin within these wrinkles at least two times a week to monitor for signs of infection.

Bathing with a medicated antibacterial/antifungal shampoo every week or two can help prevent skin infections in Shar-Peis with numerous skin folds. This can help keep their skin healthy and prevent recurring infections.

Cleaning your Shar-Pei's ears is crucial due to their narrow ear canals that trap moisture.

You should clean your Shar-Pei's ears once a week and after they've been in water, such as after a bath or swim.

Using a routine ear cleaner with a drying agent is essential to minimize the risk of ear infections.

Cleaning your Shar-Pei's ears every 1-2 weeks for maintenance can help prevent infections.

It's best to introduce ear cleaning as a regular routine when you first bring home your Shar-Pei puppy.