Chinese Shar Pei Puppy

In the 1980s, it was extremely difficult to buy a purebred Chinese Shar Pei puppy. Very popular in China, the Shar Pei appeared in the USA only in the 1970s. The first dogs and puppies were very expensive, but today, dogs of this breed cost the same as any other breed. The breed is nowadays recognized by all major registries: AKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, NZKC, NKC, ANKC, APRI, KCGB, and ACR. It’s classified into the AKC Non-sporting and Southern group of breeds.

For many centuries, the Shar Pei was an all-purpose breed. These intelligent and strong dogs were used as guards, personal protectors, herders, hunters, and family companions. The loose skin and prickly coat supposedly appeared for fighting purposes. The Shar Pei is very difficult to grab and hold in dog fights. Today, a Chinese Shar Pei puppy is usually obtained as a family companion or a show dog.

Though this breed is considered to be low-maintenance, a Chinese Shar Pei puppy needs early socialization, housebreaking and obedience training. Self-assured and intelligent, the Shar Pei needs a confident and experienced owner to become a reliable pet. If the owner is too inconstant, mild, and permissive in the dog’s eyes, the Shar Pei puppy will grow up into a dominative, stubborn, bold, and disobedient dog. Shar Pei dogs need consistent training, but the exercises should not be dull and repetitive, because these dogs tend to get bored quickly.

Shar Pei dogs do well indoors even with no yard, if they are exercised every day for several hours. These dogs are rather inactive indoors and should be walked much to burn off their energy and give them mental stimulation. Like all dogs with a short muzzle, the Shar Pei is very sensitive to heat and high humidity. The Chinese Shar Pei has an average lifespan of about 10 years. It’s generally healthy, but some bloodlines have hereditary health concerns. Amolydosis or kidney failure is a dangerous condition in some lines. Hereditary skin problems are typical of many bloodlines. If you buy a Chinese Shar Pei puppy from a responsible breeder, you get a guarantee that the puppy is free from most genetic disorders.