All you need to know about the Shar Pei Dog Breeds. A complete profile on the breed information, history, personality, adaptability, food, care, etc.,
Dog Breed Group
Height:
Weight:
Life Span:
Origin:
Friendliness
Adaptability
Health And Grooming
Trainability
Physical Needs
Overview of Shar Pei Dog Breed:
The Chinese Shar Pei dogs are quiet and confident; they were kept for dog fighting, guarding, and hunting. Shar Pai enjoys being companion dogs; this breed is intelligent and somewhat stubborn but loyal. Shar Pei dogs get along very well with their family and should not be left to spend long stretches in the yard alone.
History of Shar Pei Breed:
The Shar Pei dog breed is known for its distinctive wrinkles and is originally from the southern provinces of China. Genetic markings show it to be an ancient dog breed, prominently believed to have been around during the Han Dynasty in 200 BC. These dogs were also being bred for fighting and guarding by peasant farmers until the 1949 communist revolution.
Personality of the Shar Pei Breed:
The Shar Pei is an excellent alert dog, and they are highly devoted to their family. They tend to be protective of their owners; this breed can also get territorial. This makes them excellent guard dogs, and they respond to any threat. Shar Pei can even get aggressive towards other dogs, given their hunting and fighting history.
Coat color and Grooming:
Shar Pei Dogs are available in black, cream, red, fawn, sand, and lilac coat color. They need minimal grooming to keep them looking good, and they are naturally clean dogs with little odor. A deep brushing once a week is adequate to remove dirt and dead hair.
Feeding (Diet and Nutrition):
The food diet of Shar Pei includes a chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lamb meal, fish meal, carrots, apples, broccoli, pumpkin, and olive oil. This healthy food is beneficial to provide proteins, carbohydrates, Omega-3 fat, Vitamins, and minerals which ensures good health. A growing puppy requires three small meals daily, whereas adult Shar Pei consumes two meals daily.
General Care:
Early socialization and training are crucial for Shar Pei because of its stubborn territories and aggressive nature. Shar Pei dog breeds do not require frequent baths, but these dogs are known to get ear infections; checking their ears is necessary. The rest of primary care is like brushing teeth and trimming their nails to avoid infections.
Common Health Problems:
An average life span of a Shar Pei is between 9 to 11 years. Finding a good breeder who shows the health clearances for puppies and parents is quite advisable. This dog breed needs to be taken for regular veterinary checks to prevent health problems. The most common health issues in these breeds are mentioned below:
- Skin Problems
- Swollen Heart Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism Cancer
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
- Bloats
- Eye Problems
Size (Height and Weight):
The body of Shar Pei has a compact build and is well-proportioned, except for a large head, small triangular ears, a hippopotamus muscle, broad, powerful jaws, a scowling expression, and a high-set tail. The adult Shar Pei has an average height between 17 to 20 inches and weighs an average between 35 to 44 pounds.
Pros
- Perfect for apartment living and very loyal to their family,
- Generally a low energy breed and do not tend to be needy.
- Does not need a lot of grooming.
Cons
- Prone to a number of health conditions.
- Early training is required otherwise, difficult to train
- Can sometimes be reactive towards strange dogs.
