The White Shar Pei dog is a unique breed with a rich history. They originated in China and were bred as a working dog.
Their distinctive wrinkled skin and short coat make them a stunning companion. With proper care, White Shar Peis can live up to 9-11 years.
These dogs are known for their loyal and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. They thrive on attention and interaction with their owners.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their skin needs regular care to prevent skin problems.
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Characteristics and Temperament
The white shar pei dog is a unique and loving companion. They are known for their loyal and protective nature, which makes them a great guard dog.
Their height is typically between 18-20 inches, and they weigh between 45-60 pounds. Shar peis are also highly intelligent, but they can get bored quickly if they don't receive enough mental and physical stimulation.
A key characteristic of shar peis is their independent nature, which means they may not always trust strangers right away. Developing trust with them can take time and patience, but with consistent training and socialization, they can become loving and loyal companions.
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Shar peis come in three different coat types: horse-coat, brush-coat, and bear-coat. Each coat type has its own unique characteristics, with the horse-coat being the most wrinkled and the bear-coat being the longest and softest.
Here's a breakdown of the different coat types:
Shar peis are generally wary of strangers and other animals, which makes them best suited for single dog households. However, with early socialization and training, they can become well-mannered and loving companions.
Their exercise needs are moderately active, and they require a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being. With proper care and attention, a white shar pei dog can live up to 8-12 years and become a loyal and loving member of your family.
Health and Care
The white Shar Pei dog is a beautiful and unique breed, but like any dog, it requires regular care and attention to stay healthy. They are prone to skin problems, so it's essential to clean their wrinkles regularly to prevent bacterial and yeast infections.
Their narrow ear canals make them susceptible to ear infections, which can be prevented with regular ear cleaning. You can use medicated ear wipes or a routine ear cleaner to keep their ears clean and healthy. Shar Peis are also prone to eye problems, including entropion and glaucoma, so regular eye exams are crucial.
Shar Peis are generally a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular nail trimming and teeth brushing to prevent health issues. They're also prone to obesity, so feeding them high-quality food and monitoring their weight is essential.
Here are some common health issues to look out for in your white Shar Pei:
- Skin fold dermatitis: bacterial and yeast infections in the wrinkles
- Ear infections: due to narrow ear canals
- Eye problems: entropion, glaucoma, and cherry eye
- Luxating patella: knee caps slipping out of their grooves
- Hip dysplasia: abnormal development of hip joints
- Hypothyroidism: thyroid hormone deficiency
- Shar-Pei Fever: a breed-specific condition causing fever, swelling, and lethargy
- Gastric Torsion/Bloat: a medical emergency caused by gas, fluid, or food in the stomach
Health Concerns
Shar Pei owners need to be aware of the breed's unique health concerns. The Shar Pei's wrinkled skin can collect bacteria and humidity, leading to infections.
Their flat face can make breathing difficult in hot weather, so exercise caution when taking them out on warm days.
The breed is prone to skin problems, including pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent ear infections, which are common in Shar Peis.
Eye problems are also a concern, with conditions like entropion, glaucoma, and cherry eye. Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can cause skin and hair problems.
Other health issues to watch out for include luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and Shar Pei fever, a breed-specific condition that causes periodic fevers and swollen hock joints.
Here are some common health problems in Shar Peis:
- Entropion: eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and potentially leading to blindness
- Glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure, causing pain and potentially leading to blindness
- Lens luxation: genetic disorder causing permanent vision loss
- Otitis externa: ear infections due to narrow ear canals
- Skin fold dermatitis: bacterial and yeast infections in skin folds
- Hypothyroidism: thyroid hormone deficiency causing skin and hair problems
Care
Shar-Peis are generally a low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise, requiring only daily moderate walks and playtime.
Their independent nature means they don't need constant attention, but they do appreciate pets and love. They're naturally calm and adaptable, making them suitable for both active owners and apartment living.
Shar-Peis are prone to skin, ear, and eye issues, so regular evaluations with your veterinarian are essential. These checks can be positive experiences if you reward your dog with treats for allowing you to handle her paws and clean her ears.
Feeding high-quality food can help mitigate some of these issues, and discussing options with your veterinarian will also help you understand your pup's nutritional needs and prevent weight gain or obesity.
A bristly coat that doesn't shed much requires occasional baths, nail trimming (every 1-2 months), and brushing with a rubber curry or grooming mitt. It's also essential to clean between the folds of their skin and wipe down their coat and paws after outdoor playtime, especially during high-pollen seasons.
Shar-Peis are intelligent, but also stubborn and willful, requiring patience and consistency during training. Positive reinforcement and earning their respect will help them follow commands and cues.
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Grooming
The white Shar-Pei dog's coat requires minimal maintenance, just a weekly brush out to remove dead hair.
Their coats do shed, but it's not excessive, making them a relatively low-maintenance breed.
It's essential to properly dry their wrinkles after a bath to prevent skin infections.
Regular ear cleaning with a high-quality cleanser is crucial to prevent infections, especially in their small ears.
Their wrinkly skin can be prone to skin irritations, so regular checks are necessary.
Regular baths, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing will keep your white Shar-Pei happy and healthy.
Their small ears are particularly susceptible to infections, so be sure to clean them regularly.
Remember to clean their mouth after eating to prevent any issues.
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History and Fun Facts
The white Shar-Pei dog has a rich and fascinating history. The breed dates back over 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty in China, where it was originally bred as a hunting and fighting dog.
The name Shar-Pei is derived from the Cantonese translation of the words "sand skin", which refers to the breed's rough and sandpapery coat. This coat type was likely developed to help the dogs escape from opponents.
In China, the Shar-Pei was believed to have spiritual significance, with its blue-black tongue and wrinkly skin thought to frighten away evil spirits. This superstition is still observed today in some parts of China.
Here are some fun facts about the Shar-Pei:
- The literal translation of Shar-Pei is "sand skin", which tells you a lot about what to expect when you pet their rough, sandpapery coat.
- In China, the Shar-Pei was believed to have spiritual significance, with its blue-black tongue and wrinkly skin thought to frighten away evil spirits.
History of the Shar Pei
The Shar Pei has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 2,000 years. The breed originated in southern China, where statues from the Han Dynasty, around 200 B.C., show a wrinkled dog that resembles a Shar Pei.
Originally bred in China, the Shar Pei was used for various tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding livestock and land. They were surprisingly common among the people, too, and were famously known as guard dogs for the royal palace.
The Shar Pei's wrinkled skin and rough coat would have helped to prevent their opponents from getting a grip, making them a formidable opponent in fights. This unique feature is still one of the breed's defining characteristics today.
In the mid-20th century, the communist revolution in China led to a drastic decline in the Shar Pei population, and the breed was nearly extinct by the 1970s. However, thanks to the efforts of a Chinese breeder, Matgo Law, who reached out to American dog enthusiasts for help, the breed was saved from extinction.
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The Shar Pei was officially recognized by the AKC in 1992, but not before it had become a status symbol in the US, with puppies selling for a whopping $3,000 each. Today, the breed is still cherished by enthusiasts, but its popularity has waned somewhat, allowing for more responsible breeding programs to take place.
Fun Facts
The shar-pei is a unique breed with a rich history and fascinating characteristics. Their rough, sandpapery coat is a result of the literal translation of their name, "sand skin".
In China, where the breed originated, the shar-pei's blue-black tongue and wrinkly skin were believed to have spiritual significance, frightening away evil spirits.
A pair of shar-pei puppies was once listed as a fantasy gift in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book in 1983, with a price tag of $2000 each.
Ownership and Costs
Owning a white Shar-Pei dog can be a costly but rewarding experience.
Shar-Pei puppies from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500.
You'll also need to factor in the costs of routine necessities like a bed, collar, food, and bowls, which can add up to around $1,500 or more in the first year.
Spaying or neutering your dog, training classes, deworming, and routine puppy vaccinations are essential expenses to consider.
These costs combined can reach around $1,500 or more in the first year.
You'll need to budget around $600 to $700 per year to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
This includes routine and sick vet checkups, ear cleaner, medicated skin wipes, heartworm prevention, flea and tick medications, food, toys, and unexpected medical conditions throughout your pet's life.
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Training and Nutrition
Training your white shar-pei requires early socialization and puppy training to make sure they're comfortable in various situations.
They can be wary of other dogs and strangers, so it's best to have them as the only pet in the household. This will help prevent potential conflicts and stress.
Shar-peis are incredibly smart and willing to learn, but they can be a bit too smart for their own good, and may find ways to get what they want.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for your shar-pei's physical and mental well-being.
They don't require a lot of energy, so you won't see them participating in agility activities.
A daily walk of about an hour is sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Providing they get enough exercise, shar-peis are suitable for apartment living.
Training Your Shar Pei
Training your Shar Pei requires patience and consistency, as they can be wary of other dogs and strangers. They're intelligent and willing to learn, but may find creative ways to get what they want.
Early socialization and puppy training are essential to ensure your Shar Pei is comfortable in various situations. Bred to be protective, they need to learn to interact with others safely.
Positive reinforcement methods work best for Shar Pei training, as they're not keen on roughhousing. This approach will help you build a strong bond with your dog.
Shar Pei are often best suited for experienced owners, as they can be a bit too smart for their own good and have a stubborn streak. This means they require a experienced hand to guide them.
With early socialization and training, your Shar Pei can be well-mannered, loving, and calm. Without proper training, they can develop severe anxiety and become difficult to care for.
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Diet and Nutrition
Feeding your Shar-Pei a high-quality, carefully portion-controlled diet is essential for their overall health.
They require access to a fresh water source at all times.
Because Shar-Peis are prone to bacterial skin conditions, extra care is needed when feeding a wet or raw diet to prevent residue from accumulating in the mouth area.
This can be achieved by thoroughly cleaning the mouth area after meals.
Feeding them from a slow feeding bowl can also help prevent gastric torsion, especially if they tend to guzzle their food quickly.
A high-quality, well-balanced dog food designed for your pup's age will have all the nutrients they need.
Be cautious not to overfeed them, as they love treats and may beg for table scraps.
Consult with your local veterinarian to determine the proper feeding amount and dietary needs for your Shar-Pei.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest Shar-Pei color?
While several Shar-Pei colors are considered less common, the rarest Shar-Pei colors are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but it implies that there are colors even less common than the ones mentioned.
Sources
- Shar Pei (sidewalkdog.com)
- North American Shar-Pei Rescue (sharpeirescue.com)
- Shar-Pei: Dog breed characteristics, pictures, care tips (betterpet.com)
- SHAR PEI Breed Standard (fci.be)
- shar-pei autoinflammatory disease (cornell.edu)
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