Shar Pei

Like every breed, the Shar Pei is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start positive, reward-based training early.
• Set clear boundaries from day one and stick to them, as they will often test them.
• Socialise your puppy with lots of different people, experiences and other dogs.
• Consider accredited training classes and puppy socialisation groups.
• Teach walking on a lead and harness from puppyhood.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Can usually learn to settle alone for a few hours.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Skin fold problems

  Infection and inflammation can develop in the skin between the folds, where the skin can become sore.

• Entropion and ectropion

  The eyelids roll inwards or outwards, which irritates the eye and can be painful. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme before breeding.

• Glaucoma and primary lens luxation

  Glaucoma is a painful build-up of pressure in the eye. In primary lens luxation the lens moves out of its normal position, which can cause pain and loss of vision. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for POAG/PLL as part of best-practice health testing.

• Cherry eye and eye ulcers

  Cherry eye is another eye problem seen in the breed. Eye ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye.

• Ear infections

  Shar Peis have small ear canals, which makes ear infections more likely.

• Atopy

  Itchy skin caused by sensitivity to things in the environment, such as pollen, grass and dust mites.

• Familial Shar Pei Fever

  A disorder that causes a high temperature and painful, swollen joints, sometimes with a swollen face, vomiting or diarrhoea. Seek veterinary advice straight away if your Shar Pei shows unusual symptoms.

• Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

  The breed is classed as brachycephalic, and its flatter face can lead to obstructed breathing, from reduced ability to exercise to severe breathing problems.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes as part of best-practice health testing before breeding.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Shar Pei home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Shar Pei home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Shar Pei suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Shar Peis do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.