Shar pei is a breed of dog that impresses with its unusual appearance and character. In this article, we will provide a detailed description of this breed, discuss its characteristics, skills, training and raising methods, and share information on the health, diseases and grooming of the Shar pei. In addition, we will look at the history of this breed, its development and current status. There will also be information on the breed’s pattern and interesting facts about the Shar pei.
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Shar pei – description and appearance of the breed
Shar pei is a medium-sized dog with a strong body structure. Their distinctive feature is a rippled skin, which gives them a unique appearance. They have a short and coarse coat, which can come in a variety of colors, such as red, black, cream or blue. Their head is broad and their eyes are small and almond-shaped. Also characteristic of the Shar pei’s appearance are their ears, which are small, triangular and upright.

Character of the Shar pei dog breed
Shar pei are dogs with exceptional character. They are loyal, courageous and independent. They can be a bit distant to strangers, but at the same time very devoted to their owners. They are intelligent and have strong personalities, which requires a consistent and balanced approach to their training and upbringing.
Skills – what should you know?
Shar pei are dogs with a variety of skills. They are known to be good watchdogs and have a strong defensive instinct. They can also be excellent family companions, and they excel in dog sports and competitions. It is worth remembering that proper and consistent training from puppyhood is key to bringing out the full potential of these dogs.
What kind of personality does it have?
The personality of the Shar pei is complex and unique. They tend to be calm and composed, but at the same time have a certain independent and tenacious nature. Shar pei owners should be patient and consistent in learning and raising these dogs to build a strong bond and ensure harmony in the relationship.
Shar pei – how to train and raise?
Raising and training a Shar pei requires consistency, patience and a positive approach. It is important to start training from puppyhood to ensure proper development and adaptation of the dog to rules and commands. Due to their independent nature, it is important that training be consistent and based on positive motivation, rewarding good behavior. Early socialization with other dogs and people also plays an important role in shaping appropriate Shar pei behavior.
Who is a Shar pei suitable for?
Shar pei are dogs that will be suitable for confident, experienced owners who are willing to devote time and attention to providing proper upbringing and care. Due to their independent nature and a certain distance from strangers, they are not always the best choice for families with young children. However, for active people who appreciate the breed’s devotion and distinctive appearance, Shar pei can make a wonderful companion.
Shar pei – price
The price of a Shar pei dog can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the breeder, the pedigree line, the quality of the puppies, etc. On average, you can expect the price of Shar pei puppies to range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. However, it is worth remembering that in addition to the purchase price itself, there are also costs associated with the care, nutrition and health of the dog, which should be taken into account before deciding to own this breed.

Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
- Skin folds require regular grooming and cleaning to prevent skin infections.
- Shar pei can be distrustful of strangers and require proper socialization from an early age.
- Some individuals of the breed may be prone to health problems such as eye, skin or respiratory problems.
Advantages
- Shar pei are loyal and devoted companions who form a strong bond with their owner.
- They are intelligent and have a high potential for learning, which makes the training process easier.
- Because of their defensive instinct, they can make great watchdogs.
- Their unique appearance attracts attention and sets them apart from other breeds.
Shar pei – Health, diseases and grooming
Nutrition
Like most dogs, the Shar pei needs a well-balanced diet, rich in high-quality food. It is important to adjust the amount of food according to the dog’s age, weight and activity. It’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to determine the optimal diet for a Shar pei and avoid overweight, which can lead to health problems.
Grooming
Due to their characteristic skin folds, Shar pei require regular grooming. The folds should be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent skin infections. It is also necessary to clean the ears regularly, trim the claws and brush the coat regularly, especially during the moulting season.
Diseases
Shar pei are prone to certain health problems. These include skin infections, allergies, eye problems (such as entropion, ectropion), joint dysplasia and respiratory problems. Regular check-ups with the vet and proper care and hygiene can help minimize the risk of these diseases.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
When preparing to own a Shar pei, make sure you have the right accessories and equipment. Bowls for food and drink, a comfortable bed, toys, a brush for grooming the coat, cleansers for skin folds and a collar or harness may be required. It is also important to secure your surroundings to avoid potential hazards to your dog.

History of the Shar pei dog breed
Origins
The Shar pei has a long and interesting history, with its roots in ancient China. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The exact origin of the Shar pei is not clearly documented, but there are many theories about it. According to one theory, the breed originated in Guangdong province, where it was used as a guard dog, for hunting wild boar and as a companion for fishermen.
Development of the breed
During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), the Shar pei was held in high esteem at the courts of Chinese emperors. It served as a guard dog and also had the function of a symbol of prestige and protection. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), the breed was crossed with other dogs, giving rise to several varieties of Shar pei.
By the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the Shar pei was close to extinction. The Ming emperors were overthrown, causing the dogs to lose their recognized place in the courts. As a result, the breed was virtually forgotten and the population drastically reduced.
Reconstruction of the breed
In the 1940s, during the Chinese Communist Revolution, several Shar pei individuals were saved from extinction. One of these heroes was Matgo Law, who brought several dogs of the breed to the United States in 1971.
In the US, Matgo Law founded the Shar pei breed club and began a breeding program to rebuild the population and restore its popularity. However, for many years the Shar pei remained a rare breed. It wasn’t until the 1980s that it gained more recognition and popularity among dog lovers.
Today
Shar pei is considered a breed of companion and show dog. It is valued for its unique appearance, distinctive folds of skin and loyalty to its owner. Shar pei has become popular all over the world, and breeders strive to maintain its authenticity and health.
Shar pei dog breed pattern
The Shar pei breed standard describes in detail the characteristics that the ideal representative of this breed should have. According to it, the Shar pei is a medium-sized dog with a strong, but not too massive body, well harmonized in proportion to its height at the withers.
The Shar pei’s head is broad and flat, and its proportions are a key element of the breed’s distinctive appearance. The muzzle should be short, broad and moderately square. The nostrils are wide, and the front nostrils are wide open. The mouth is full and wide, and the lips adhere to the folds of the skin, which adds to the dog’s distinctive expression.
The Shar pei’s eyes are small, almond-shaped, deep-set and dark. The standard pays special attention to the fact that the eyes should not be convex or concave. Their placement and shape add to the dog’s unique appearance and expressiveness.
Shar pei ears are small, thick and triangular, standing on top of the head. They should be proportional to the size of the head, not too long or too short. Their placement at eye level emphasizes the harmony of the dog’s proportions.
One of the most characteristic elements of the Shar pei breed are the folds of skin. The standard describes that they should be numerous and well-defined, especially on the head, neck and back. The folds should be loose and not too close to the body. While they emphasize the breed’s unique appearance, they also require regular grooming and maintenance to prevent skin infections.
The Shar pei breed standard also takes into account other aspects, such as the structure of the trunk, tail, limbs and coat. Each element has its own specific requirements to ensure the typical appearance and proportions of the breed.

Shar pei – interesting facts about the breed
- The name “Shar pei” comes from the Cantonese language and literally means “sand skin.” This refers to their distinctive skin, which is rough, stiff and resembles the texture of sand.
- In the past, the Shar pei was used not only as a fighting dog, but also for hunting wild boar and as guard and swim dogs to help fishermen. Their agility, intelligence and courage make them versatile working dogs.
- Shar pei have a unique feature, which is the so-called “sharonos” – black spots on the tongue. This is a distinctive feature of the breed, which sets them apart from other dogs and is one of the elements that have contributed to their popularity.
- The breed was listed as one of the rarest dog breeds in the world according to the American Kennel Club. Although their popularity has increased in recent years, they are still considered a relatively rare breed, which makes owning one even more unique.
- The Shar pei is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with origins dating back to the Han Dynasty in China. They have a long history and were prized as dogs with strong protective and social qualities.
- Due to their distinctive skin folds, the Shar pei may require special attention in terms of grooming. The skin folds should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent skin infections and ensure their health and comfort.
- The Shar pei is considered a dog breed with a strong bond with its owner. They are devoted, loyal and alert, making them excellent family companions.
- Despite some disadvantages, such as a tendency to skin problems, eye problems and respiratory problems due to their folding skin, Shar pei also have many advantages. They are intelligent, quiet, clean and often prove to be excellent guard dogs.
- Many Shar pei lovers point out that this breed has its own unique sense of humor. They often prove to be funny and comical dogs that can make their family laugh.
Summary
In conclusion, the Shar pei is a breed of dog with an unusual appearance and character. They are loyal and devoted companions, but require consistent training and proper socialization. Grooming their rippled skin is an essential part of caring for them. Despite some flaws and a propensity for health problems, the Shar pei wins the hearts of dog lovers with its uniqueness and unique charm. When preparing to own this breed, it is advisable to provide them with the right conditions, accessories and regular check-ups with the vet to enjoy the healthy and happy company of these remarkable dogs.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.