The Ultimate Guide To Owning A Shar Pei

shar pei laying in the grass

Shar Pei Breed Overview

China has always been a closed society immune to the outside world’s influences. This uniqueness has also been observed in Chinese dog breeds. From the dignified Chow Chow to the clownish Pug, every breed has its own unique set of qualities. However, perhaps none is as unique as the Chinese Shar Pei puppy among all the Chinese dog breeds.

The Shar Pei breed belonged to the Han Dynasty, recognized as a peasant dog 2,000 years ago. The Shar Pei puppy was known to be versatile and was employed by farmers as herders, hunters, and guardians of livestock. The Shar Pei puppy became known in the US in the mid-1970s. The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the Chinese Shar Pei in 1992.

The Shar Pei puppy weighs 45 to 60 pounds and has a height of 18 to 20 inches at the withers. The male Shar Pei puppy has a more square and larger body than the female Shar Pei puppy. Both appear well proportioned. They have a slightly large head, having wrinkles on the forehead that continue into side wrinkles coming down the cheeks. The Shar Pei puppy has a broad and flat skull, and the muzzle is one of the more prominent features of the Shar Pei Breed.

The Temperament of the Shar Pei Puppy

The Shar Pei puppy was initially bred to guard livestock. This makes the Shar Pei puppy an alert, protective, and intelligent dog breed. The Shar Pei puppy can be aggressive towards other dogs, which means they should be kept on a leash and allowed near other dogs only under supervision. They do have a stubborn streak, so they require consistent training and socialization. Additionally, the Shar Pei puppy has an independent and regal personality. Due to their territorial and stubborn nature, these puppies can sometimes become rude to strangers.

The breed also requires early and extensive socialization in order to avoid behavioral issues in the future. The origin of the Shar Pei puppy as a guard dog can also lead to aloofness and distrust with strangers. Although the Shar Pei breed is generally quiet, they might sometimes react and bark with strangers. However, the Shar Pei puppy is fiercely loyal and affectionate towards its owners and will do anything to please them.

Additionally, the Shar Pei puppy is mannerly and quiet in the home and will make an impressive companion. However, they can be dominant at times. They have strong hunting instincts, due to which it is recommended that they’re kept on a leash.

shar pei standing on wood floors

The Intelligence of the Shar Pei Puppy

The good part is that the Shar Pei puppy is intelligent and eager to please their owner. Hence, training the Shar Pei can be comparatively easy. The Shar Pei is a strong-willed puppy who requires a confident owner that knows how to take charge. However, it is essential to note that every dog is different and has a mind of its own. Some might be good at gauging situations like understanding your commands, while some might have good problem-solving skills or other cognitive capabilities.

Additionally, the Shar Pei puppy may also show signs of social intelligence through time spent around people. This is a reason why early socialization is essential for dogs. Moreover, a strong sense of smell also gives the Shar Pei puppy great insights into their environment. Since most of your dog’s experiences are scent-based, an excellent way to stimulate their mind is to offer them plenty of freedom to sniff.

Your Shar Pei puppy is constantly communicating with you. Therefore, it is essential to observe them instead of assuming that you know their needs well. Give them new challenges and activities to stimulate their mind. You can also engage them in different games, play fetch, or take them for a walk every day.

Do Shar Pei Puppies Shed?

Shedding can cause a lot of trouble, especially if you’re allergic. Some dogs tend to shed excessively, while some shed little. Different breeds shed in different amounts, some shed year-round, while some shed rarely or seasonally. The Shar Pei puppy has a rough, short coat that doesn’t shed much. However, like other dogs, the Shar Pei puppy sheds seasonally. They may shed more twice per year, during fall and spring. Overall, the Shar Pei breed is considered to be a low-shedding breed. Additionally, their coat is also easy to maintain, so you can easily keep your home fur-free.

The Shar Pei puppy has a single and short coat which is relatively easy to groom. Brushing the coat of your Shar Pei puppy once a week will do the job for you. However, the Shar Pei puppy does have a lot of wrinkles which may make brushing a complicated process for you. Aside from brushing the Shar Pei puppy, the American Kennel Club also recommends that you bathe them once a month. Since the Shar Pei puppy is a low-shedding dog, it is perfect for allergic people who want to adopt their own furry friend.

shar pei standing in a park

The Health of the Shar Pei Puppy

The Shar Pei puppy is a healthy dog with an average life span of 8-10 years. All dog breeds suffer from some health issues; hence if you’re a new dog owner, it is essential that you discuss and become aware of your dog’s health conditions beforehand.

Some health conditions in the Shar Pei puppy include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, skin fold infections, and eye problems such as retinal dysplasia, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Visit a vet and discuss the potential health issues and preventive measures for your Shar Pei puppy. Additionally, good quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age will have all the nutrients that your Shar Pei puppy needs. Avoid giving table scraps as they may lead to obesity. Also, avoid giving cooked food and bones with a high-fat amount.

Common Psychological Health Conditions in the Shar Pei

Stress

If your Shar Pei puppy is feeling stressed, life can be difficult for both of you. Some of the symptoms of stress in your Shar Pei puppy might include growling, excessive barking, whining, pacing, and stiff body language. Some other stress signs indicated by your Shar Pei puppy’s body language include whale eyes, lip-licking, panting, yawning, tucked ears, and tucked tail.

If you notice the signs mentioned above in your Shar Pei puppy, discuss them with your vet. You should also notice your behavior to see if you’re contributing to that stress in any way. For instance, staring at them directly or not giving clear commands are some of the things that may make your dog uncomfortable.

Additionally, as a dog parent, it is your responsibility to recognize what’s causing stress in your Shar Pei puppy. If the stress is fear-related, you can move your Shar Pei puppy away from the stressor. For instance, some dogs are scared of loud noises or car rides. Therefore, make sure that your dog doesn’t encounter anything that he’s not comfortable dealing with.

four shar pei puppies in a dog bed

Anxiety

Like humans, dogs also experience anxiety. Anxiety may impact every dog breed. However, each dog experiences anxiety differently. Some anxiety symptoms in Shar Pei puppy may include aggression, drooling, urinating in the house, destructive behavior, depression, and panting. Anxiety in dogs can be of different types, fear-related anxiety, age-related anxiety, and separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a common anxiety type in the Shar Pei breed. If your Shar Pei puppy deals with separation anxiety, they might get uncomfortable when left alone. In addition, separation anxiety may lead to destructive behavior such as harming the furniture, urinating in the house, or attempting to escape. Separation anxiety is not always preventable in puppies; however, you can discuss it with your vet and follow their recommendation. Defeating the separation anxiety of your Shar Pei is possible, but every dog will go through a different journey.

Calming Dog Products

Sometimes, treatments like counterconditioning and training are not enough to treat your Shar Pei dealing with anxiety and stress. In such cases, your vet might recommend some calming dog products like natural supplements that will bring your dog relief from anxiety and stress. Other calming options include dog-appeasing pheromone collars or diffusers and compression shirts like the Thundershirt.

You can also try herbal supplements with calming herbs like chamomile, passionflower, valerian, or ginger. Make sure to ask your vet before giving your Shar Pei any supplement or herbal products.

Common Physical Health Conditions in the Shar Pei

Hip Dysplasia in the Shar Pei Puppy

Hip Dysplasia is a painful condition that can happen to any size and kind of breed. The hip joint works as a ball and socket. The ball and socket of dogs dealing with Hip Dysplasia don’t form properly and may grind and rub instead of sliding smoothly. This can be highly uncomfortable for your Shar Pei puppy. This condition may eventually lead to dysfunction of the joint.

Some of the factors that may magnify the impact of Hip Dysplasia in your Shar Pei puppy include the kind of exercise, excessive rate of growth, and improper weight management.

Some of the symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in your Shar Pei may include decreased activity, lameness in the hind end, reduced range of motion, swaying, “bunny hopping” gait, and loss of thigh muscle mass. Apart from these symptoms, you can ask your vet to perform a physical exam at the regular check-up of your Shar Pei.

Your vet might recommend glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acid nutritional supplements to treat Hip Dysplasia in your Shar Pei puppy.

Some of the at-home treatments of Hip Dysplasia include proper weight management. For example, if your Shar Pei puppy is obese, you will need to reduce its weight. Additionally, physical therapy and exercise reduction also help to not magnify the condition any further.

two shar peis on the beach

 Joint Health Options We Love

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Ear Infection in the Shar Pei Puppy

Ear infections can be troublesome for your Shar Pei puppy. However, some dogs show no signs of ear infections, except for a discharge or wax build-up in the ear. Some of the signs to look out for in your Shar Pei puppy include head shaking, dark discharge, odor, scratching at the affected ear, redness and swelling of the ear canal, itchiness, and pain.

Dogs are prone to ear infections because the shape of their ear is different from that of humans. For example, the L-shaped ear canal makes dogs more susceptible to holding fluids, which may lead to an ear infection.

Ear infection in your Shar Pei puppy can be due to various factors. Apart from the common cause of wax build-up, an ear infection can be due to moisture, injury to the ear canal, endocrine disorders, allergies, and excessive cleaning. If your Shar Pei puppy is showing any signs of an ear infection, it is best that you visit the vet immediately.

A daily omega-3 fatty supplement can help with reducing inflammation and treating ear infections in your Shar Pei puppy.

Most ear infections that are not highly complex resolve within a week or two. It is crucial that you follow your vet’s instructions and look out for symptoms.

Ear Cleaning Solutions We Love

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Obesity in the Shar Pei Puppy

Obesity is considered one of the biggest health threats in dogs. It often magnifies other conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, as discussed above. Obesity is a nutritional disease that is prevalent in dogs. It is defined as an excess of body fat in dogs. Bodyweight can be easily measured if assessing whether your Shar Pei puppy is obese or not. Using the breed’s body weight as a guide, dogs are considered overweight when they weigh 10%-20% greater than their average body weight. In this case, the Shar Pei puppy has an average body weight of 45 to 60 pounds. If the Shar Pei puppy weighs greater than this, then your dog may be overweight.

Obesity may negatively impact your Shar Pei puppy. It affects your dog’s quality of life and makes them prone to various diseases. In addition, dogs with obesity are at an increased risk of other illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, bladder stones, and joint problems. The initial step when dealing with an overweight or obese dog is to accept the issue. Then, you can consult your vet and follow their recommendations to reduce your Shar Pei puppy’s weight.

Some of the weight loss supplements that have demonstrated promising results include L-carnitine and fish oil.

shar pei standing in the grass at the park

Oral Health of the Shar Pei Puppy

When it comes to the health of your Shar Pei puppy, many dog owners overlook the importance of oral health. Bad breath is the primary symptom of early dental disease. Some of the products that may help improve the oral health of your Shar Pei puppy are:

Dental Diets

Every dog is different, and there is no one ideal diet for every dog. Your vet can help you determine the proper diet for your Shar Pei puppy. If your Shar Pei puppy has trouble with the build-up of plaque, special dry dog food helps with plaque and tartar formation.

Edible Chew Treats

There are various edible chew treats available in the market to help keep your Shar Pei’s teeth and gums cleaner.

Toothbrushes and Wipes

Dental wipes and toothbrushes can also help remove some of the biofilms that stick to your dog’s teeth. They are effective, but a more effective alternative is a toothbrush.

It is essential that you consult your vet before trying out new dental products on your Shar Pei puppy.

shar pei standing on a paved path

Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews Based On Size

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Needs of the Shar Pei Puppy

Exercise

While the Shar Pei puppy may not look very energetic, they need a lot of exercises to remain healthy and fit. Ideally, the Shar Pei will need a minimum of an hour of exercise every day. This can be divided into a couple of walks with various opportunities to explore and sniff around at a secured place. You can also give your Shar Pei puppy some training sessions and plenty of playtimes to stay fit.

However, it is essential to note that if your Shar Pei puppy is suffering from a joint health issue such as Hip Dysplasia, a lot of exercises can magnify the condition and may worsen things. Hence, it is essential that you consult your vet and get your Shar Pei puppy physically examined. The Shar Pei is an intelligent breed. If they’re not occupied with something, they might test your patience at times. Exercise can be an excellent option to keep them entertained and healthy.

Additionally, before you plan to follow an exercise schedule, you should consider things like how long your Shar Pei can comfortably exercise at one time or what activities he enjoys the most.

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Nutrition

The most common question dog owners ask their vet is ‘What should I feed my Shar Pei puppy?’ Feeding your Shar Pei puppy a well-balanced diet is crucial for staying healthy and fit. Your Shar Pei puppy may require six essential nutrients: water, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. The best method to select the proper diet for your Shar Pei is by consulting your vet.

Your vet may recommend choosing a diet with natural, recognizable, whole-food ingredients. Make sure to ask questions like ‘How often should I feed my dog?,’ ‘Is dry or canned food better?,’ or ‘What should I look for in dog food?’ These questions will help you select an appropriate diet for your Shar Pei puppy. Some essential nutrients that you could feed your dog include omega-6, omega-3, fiber, and calcium.

shar pei puppy standing in the grass

 

Grooming

A grooming session typically involves your dog being bathed, brushed, clipped and trimmed with sanitized and clean clipper blades and brushes. Although the Shar Pei puppy may appear to be a dog with soft fur, it almost gives a prickly feel once you feel it. The Shar Pei puppy is considered a low-maintenance dog when it comes to brushing. However, the dog owners must pay attention to their Shar Pei’s skin folds. The skin needs to be kept dry and cleaned in order to avoid conditions such as skin fold dermatitis.

Additionally, you will also need to look out for any wax build-up in their ears in order to avoid ear infections. Some of the factors that you need to consider while deciding how frequently you should bathe your dog include the coat type, the lifestyle of your Shar Pei puppy, and if they have any health conditions. Although dog owners often prefer to groom their dogs at home, a professional grooming session might save your energy and time. It takes plenty of patience to groom your dog- especially a dog with behavioral issues.

Top Product Picks for the Shar Pei Puppy

Following are some of the top product categories that can help your Shar Pei puppy stay fit and healthy.

Dog Food

Both canned and dry dog food can give your dog the desired nutrition. Around 10% of your dog’s diet should be protein and up to 50% carbohydrates by weight (to include 2-4.5% fiber). It is important to note that the diet of a puppy should consist of about double the amount of fat and protein present in the diet of a senior dog. That is because puppies have higher energy requirements, and their tissues and muscles are in the development process. Hence, it is essential to consider your dog’s age and consult a vet before choosing dog food for your Shar Pei.

shar pei laying on the wood floor

 

 Dog Food Based On Age We Love

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Crate

Many pet owners sometimes feel guilty for crate training their dogs. However, a crate can be a type of shelter for your dog to relax and rest in. Most vets recommend crate training dogs from an early age. Crate training can benefit your Shar Pei in many ways. It is an excellent tool to house train your dog and help improve their confidence and manage problematic behavior.

Crates We Love

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Bed

Sound sleep is essential for your Shar Pei puppy’s health. Although you might find your Shar Pei snuggled with you most of the time, a good bed can offer the ideal sleep that your dog needs. In addition, a good dog bed provides many benefits such as supporting joints, ensuring better sleep, and a spot where they can relax.

Beds We Love

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Harness

dog harness can be beneficial in many ways. It will prevent your dog from getting injured, it’s more comfortable than a collar, it may help alleviate dog back pain, and it’s also suitable for pups that haven’t learned how to walk on a leash.

 Harnesses We Love

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