Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei dog

Ancient Chinese breed known for its loose skin, small ears, and independent nature.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 45 - 60 lbs 18 - 20 inches 8 - 12 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: China



Own a Chinese Shar-Pei? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Chinese Shar-Pei? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
  • Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.

The Chinese Shar-Pei has roots in southern China, where wrinkled, short-coated dogs were kept for practical work that included guarding property, hunting, and farm duties. Dogs with some Shar-Pei-like features appear in old Chinese art, although claims of a completely unchanged breed stretching back thousands of years are difficult to prove. The traditional Chinese Shar-Pei was generally leaner and less dramatically wrinkled than many modern examples. The breed came close to disappearing during the 20th century as political and social changes in China greatly reduced dog ownership and breeding. A small population survived, particularly around Hong Kong. During the 1970s, Hong Kong breeder Matgo Law made an international appeal for help preserving the breed. American enthusiasts responded, and the Shar-Pei quickly went from extreme rarity to intense popularity in the United States. Breeders selected heavily for the loose skin and wrinkles that made the dogs visually distinctive, sometimes producing a more exaggerated appearance than the traditional type. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992. Its blue-black tongue, also seen in the Chow Chow, remains one of its most unusual characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Chinese Shar-Pei tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Chinese Shar-Pei generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Chinese Shar-Pei generally has a lower energy level and may prefer a calmer routine.

The Chinese Shar-Pei generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The Chinese Shar-Pei has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Chinese Shar-Pei may be less naturally suited to homes with children, so careful introductions and supervision are important.

The Chinese Shar-Pei may be selective around other dogs, making careful socialization and introductions important.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Chinese Shar-Pei generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.