Shar Pei Walrus Dogs are a unique breed that originated in China. They have a distinctive wrinkled skin and a short, compact body.
Their coats can be a variety of colors, including black, white, and red. Shar Pei Walrus Dogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
One of the most notable features of the Shar Pei Walrus Dog is its flat, wrinkled face.
Physical Characteristics
The Shar-Pei walrus dog, with its unique appearance, is a breed like no other. Their expressive, sunken eyes are a striking feature, and their dark eyes sink deeply into their wrinkled dog faces.
Their ears are unusually small and shaped like rounded triangles, always lying flat against the head but always on alert for unusual sounds.
The Shar-Pei's snout is often referred to as being hippopotamus-shaped, with a large and typically dark-colored nose. Some may have a nose the same color as their fur, and a dark cream Shar-Pei's nose might be a lighter shade.
Related reading: Old English Sheepdog Blue Eyes
Their wrinkled coat feels harsh to the touch and is not typically longer than one inch, making it a distinct characteristic of the breed.
Shar-Pei coats come in a variety of colors, including 18 standard colors and seven types of markings. They can be a solid color in blue, black, brown, cream, fawn, or red, and often have darker shading on areas like their backs or ears.
Here are the standard colors and types of markings for the Shar-Pei breed:
- 18 standard colors: blue, black, brown, cream, fawn, red, and 13 others
- 7 types of markings: solid, dilute, sable, and 4 others
Their small, proud tail is thicker at the base and tapers at the end, set high and carried proudly, curling over either side of their back.
Health and Care
Shar Pei walrus dogs are prone to certain health issues that need attention. Their life expectancy is between 8 to 12 years.
Skin infections are a common issue due to the folds in their skin. Make sure their skin dries thoroughly after a bath or any time they're in water.
Related reading: Shar Pei Dog Skin Problems
Pododermatitis, infections between the toes, can be treated with topical treatments, oral antibiotics, or anti-fungals. Interdigital cysts, painful nodules between the toes, may require surgery.
Shar Pei Fever is a genetic disease that can lead to liver and kidney failure if left untreated. Genetic screening testing may be available so ask your breeder.
Ear infections are common due to their small ears. Weekly prophylactic ear cleaning can help prevent infections.
Hypothyroidism, a thyroid deficiency, can affect up to one in five Shar Peis. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy, which can be managed with daily medication.
Eye problems are also common, including dry eye, entropion, corneal ulcer, glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, and SARDS. If you notice any eye issues, make an appointment with your veterinarian right away.
If this caught your attention, see: Shar Pei Dog Eye Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shar-Pei dogs rare?
No, Shar-Pei dogs are no longer considered rare, thanks to their growing popularity since the late 20th century. They are now a relatively common breed.
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