Everything You Need to Know About Shar Pei Hippo Dogs

The Shar Pei Hippo Dog is a unique and fascinating breed. They're a cross between a Shar Pei and a Dogue de Bordeaux, but what does that really mean?

The Shar Pei breed itself originated in China over 2,000 years ago. This ancient heritage is reflected in their distinctive wrinkled skin and loyal nature.

These dogs are known for their muscular build and short coats, which require minimal grooming. A short daily walk and playtime should suffice for their exercise needs.

With proper training and socialization, the Shar Pei Hippo Dog can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is intelligent, stubborn, and devoted to his family. He needs an experienced, assertive owner who can train him without letting him get bored.

This breed is highly trainable, but it can be a challenge to train due to its independent nature. He responds well to clicker training and positive reinforcement techniques.

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The Shar-Pei has a low to moderate activity level and can live happily in any home, including an apartment or condo. A 20-minute walk daily will satisfy his exercise needs.

He is a medium-size dog, weighing 45 to 60 pounds, with a broad, full muzzle that resembles a hippopotamus and a rough coat that feels like sandpaper.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a sturdy breed with a distinctive appearance. Both males and females typically have a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

They are not a large breed, but they do have a muscular build that requires regular exercise to maintain. Their weight typically ranges between 40 and 55 pounds.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a confident and independent breed, but this can sometimes make training a challenge. They can be quite headstrong, requiring a firm and consistent training regime.

They are naturally reserved around people they don't know and remain aloof once introduced. Extensive socialization at an early age is necessary to prevent them from becoming too territorial or aggressive.

A Shar-Pei is a remarkably good watchdog and rarely barks unless in play. If you hear him, it would behoove you to go see what has caught his attention.

They are quiet in the house and have average energy levels. They tend to be serious and not excessively playful, which makes them a great companion for families with calm lifestyles.

The Shar-Pei is a strong, confident dog who learns quickly, so don't put off training. Be firm but never harsh or physical with him, as this can lead to a headstrong and stubborn dog.

They dislike having their feet touched and dislike having their nails trimmed, so it's essential to introduce grooming procedures early on. Teach your Shar-Pei to accept nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing from an early age.

A securely fenced yard is crucial to prevent them from engaging in conflicts with other dogs or trying to expand their territory.

The Chinese Shar-Pei's wrinkles are more than just a unique feature - they provide protection. Their wrinkles help protect their internal organs from injury if they get bitten by another dog.

This is especially important to consider because the Shar-Pei was used for dog fighting in the past. Their wrinkles gave them an advantage in these situations, allowing them to survive attacks that might have been fatal for other breeds.

The Shar-Pei's wrinkles also helped them in their guarding jobs, where they had to protect the royal family and livestock from danger. This is a testament to the breed's adaptability and resourcefulness.

It's worth noting that the Shar-Pei's wrinkles can make them look like they're wearing an ill-fitting suit. This unique appearance is just one of the many characteristics that make the breed so distinctive.

The Chinese Shar-Pei needs a moderate walk or game session every day to stay happy and healthy.

It's essential to keep your Shar-Pei from overheating, especially in hot weather, as they can be sensitive to heat due to their short noses.

A daily walk is a must, but be sure to keep them on a leash in public, as they can be aggressive toward other dogs.

Their coat is generally easy to care for, requiring only weekly brushing, but deeper folds and wrinkles need to be inspected daily and cleaned regularly to prevent irritation.

Shar-Pei fever is a significant concern for this breed, affecting about one in four dogs, so be sure to monitor them for fever and signs of swelling, especially on the ankle joints and muzzle.

Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent chronic ear problems, as their small, tight ears can be prone to yeast or bacterial infections.

The Shar-Pei's wrinkles must be wiped out with a damp cloth and dried thoroughly to prevent infection, and their nails should be trimmed every few weeks.

Brushing their teeth is also essential for overall good health and fresh breath.

When choosing a food for your Chinese Shar-Pei, look for high-quality dry food that will go a long way in nourishing your dog.

To determine how much food your adult Shar-Pei needs, consider his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. This amount can vary depending on your dog's individual needs.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food.

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The Chinese Shar-Pei's coat is generally easy to care for, requiring only weekly brushing to prevent matting.

Brushing can help prevent skin problems in Shar-Pei, but some individuals may need more frequent brushing and bathing.

Regular wrinkle care is essential to prevent infection, and wrinkles should be wiped out with a damp cloth and then dried thoroughly.

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Shar-Pei are prone to chronic ear problems due to their small, tight ears, so regular ear cleaning is necessary to prevent recurrent yeast or bacterial infections.

Bathe your Shar-Pei as needed, but weekly bathing with gentle dog shampoos won't harm their coat.

Trim your Shar-Pei's nails every few weeks to prevent overgrowth, and brush their teeth regularly for good oral health and fresh breath.

Familial Shar-Pei Fever is a unique condition that affects only this breed, causing swollen hocks, episodic pain, and fever.

Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, joint and abdominal pain, heavy breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, obvious discomfort, and reluctance to move.

If you notice any of these signs in your Shar-Pei, it's essential to take them to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment, which typically involves anti-inflammatories and fluid therapy.

If you're a Shar-Pei owner, you should know about Familial Shar-Pei Fever, a condition that's unique to this breed. It involves swollen hocks, episodic pain, and fever.

Symptoms of Familial Shar-Pei Fever can be quite concerning, including fever, loss of appetite, dehydration, lethargy, joint and abdominal pain, heavy breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, obvious discomfort, and reluctance to move.

Taking your Shar-Pei to the veterinarian at the first sign of these symptoms is crucial. Early treatment can make a big difference in their comfort and well-being.

Treatment for Familial Shar-Pei Fever is usually supportive and includes anti-inflammatories and fluid therapy.

Shar Pei dogs can be quite anxious, and it's essential to address this issue early on. Socializing them with people, children, and other pets from a young age can help prevent unwanted nervous behaviors.

Reward-based training is a great way to prevent anxiety in Shar Pei dogs. This type of training helps them associate good behavior with rewards, reducing the likelihood of anxiety-related issues.

Anxiety can arise from fear, separation, and age in Shar Pei dogs. This can lead to a range of problems, including aggression, house soiling, and destructive behavior.

Shar Pei dogs may not cope well with young children, making them generally not recommended for first-time dog owners. They tend to prefer a quieter household, which can help reduce their anxiety levels.

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Shar Pei hippos, like any other dog breed, need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

They are also social animals and need to interact with their human family members regularly. A Shar Pei hippo's ideal socialization involves spending time with its family, meeting new people, and experiencing various environments.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great breed for families with children.

Exercise is essential for both physical and mental health, and it's especially important for socialization. Regular exercise can boost self-esteem and confidence, making it easier to connect with others.

Exercise needs vary with age, with children and adolescents needing at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, while adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

Exercise can also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common mental health issues that can make socialization more challenging. Exercise is a natural mood booster.

Exercise with others can be a great way to meet new people and build relationships, whether it's through joining a sports team, taking a fitness class, or simply going for a walk with a friend. Social connections are essential for our well-being.

Dogs are social animals and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They can get anxious and destructive if they don't receive enough physical and mental stimulation.

Dogs can learn to walk on a leash by starting with short sessions and rewarding good behavior.

Exercise can help reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing.

Dogs can benefit from off-leash exercise in a securely fenced area, but this should be done under close supervision.

Regular exercise can help strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

Dogs can learn to play fetch by starting with short throws and gradually increasing the distance.

Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.

Dogs can benefit from exercise in a variety of environments, including parks, trails, and backyards.

Exercise can help improve a dog's overall health and well-being.