Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is one of China's most ancient and visually distinctive dog breeds, a medium-sized, powerfully built and uniquely wrinkled dog developed in the Guangdong province of southern China over many centuries in a variety of roles including farm dog, hunting dog and dog fighting - the deeply wrinkled, loose skin that is the breed's most immediately striking feature is thought to have served a purpose in fighting by allowing the dog to twist within its own skin when gripped by an opponent. The breed is also distinguished by its blue-black tongue and gums, a characteristic shared with the Chow Chow, and its harsh, prickly coat - the name Shar Pei translates approximately as sand skin or sand paper skin, describing the distinctive texture of the coat. The Shar Pei declined sharply in numbers in mainland China during the twentieth century and was at one point considered one of the rarest breeds in the world before being preserved and developed by breeders in Hong Kong and subsequently the United States and Europe. It is registered by the Kennel Club in the Utility Group.

The Shar Pei presents in two forms: the traditional or bone-mouth type, with moderate wrinkling, and the more exaggerated meat-mouth type with heavy wrinkling across the entire body. Both types carry the characteristic blue-black tongue, small, folded ears and broad, flat head. The coat is short and very harsh to the touch. Adults typically stand 44 to 51 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 18 to 29 kilograms.

The character is calm, loyal and deeply devoted to its own family while remaining aloof and self-possessed with strangers - the guard and working dog heritage of centuries produces a dog of quiet authority and independent confidence that is not given to demonstrative sociability. The Shar Pei forms strong, loyal bonds with its own household and is typically gentle with children it knows, but the independent character makes experienced handling and early socialisation essential.

The health challenges of the breed are significant and must be understood before purchase. Shar Pei Fever and the associated risk of Amyloidosis and kidney failure are serious inherited conditions. Skin fold management is a lifetime commitment. Entropion is common.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £90 to £180. The British Shar Pei Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Calm, loyal and deeply devoted to its own family. Reserved and aloof with strangers - the guard dog heritage is evident in the watchful, self-possessed character. Independent and confident. Affectionate and gentle with those it trusts. Not openly sociable but deeply bonded to its own household. A dog of quiet authority and real loyalty.

Intelligent but independently-minded. Requires confident, consistent positive training from puppyhood. The guarding heritage means the independent, self-reliant character is deeply ingrained. Early and thorough socialisation is essential. The breed is capable of good behaviour with experienced handling but will always retain its independent character.

Needs 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. The breed is not as high-energy as some working breeds but requires regular exercise to maintain condition and avoid obesity, which is harmful to the skin folds. Avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather given the brachycephalic tendencies of some breed lines.

Shar Pei Fever (Familial Shar Pei Fever, FSF) is a periodic fever syndrome unique to the breed, linked to the same gene mutations that produce the characteristic skin folds, and can lead to Amyloidosis - accumulation of amyloid protein in the kidneys - which may result in kidney failure. This is a serious hereditary condition that prospective owners must research thoroughly. Skin fold dermatitis is a management challenge throughout life. Entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) is common and may require surgical correction. POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma) has been documented. The British Shar Pei Club maintains health testing guidance.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a medium active breed. Some Shar Peis have food sensitivities - a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet may be appropriate for individuals with skin or digestive issues. Two meals daily. Monitor weight.

The skin folds require regular cleaning and drying to prevent moisture and debris accumulating between the wrinkles, which can cause skin infections. The short, prickly coat requires minimal brushing. The ear canals require regular checking as the narrow ear canals are prone to infection. Regular fold maintenance is a daily management commitment.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs: £90 to £180 given the health management requirements.

Suits experienced owners who are fully informed about the breed's health challenges and committed to managing them. Good with children in its own family when socialised correctly. Independent and aloof - not a dog for inexperienced owners. The health issues associated with the skin folds and Shar Pei Fever are serious commitments to understand before purchase.