Immediately recognizable due to their unique "hippopotamus" head shape, profile and wrinkles, the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed that is usually aloof and standoffish with strangers, but devoted to his family. Their name "Shar-Pei" means sandy coat and their coat should be offstanding and harsh. Any solid color and sable is acceptable and none of these is preferred over the others. Today, the Shar-Pei is exhibited in conformation, agility, obedience and tracking.
A Look Back
Originally a multipurpose Chinese farm dog, many of the breed's characteristics relate to that work. Their moderate sound structure allowed them to be perimeter guard dogs, working all day. They have retained vermin catching, herding and tracking skills, as their role on the farms was diverse. Physically, the Chinese believed the breed's scowl and the black pigmented mouth would scare off evil spirits and their imposing presence meant that most were never challenged.
Right Breed for You?
An intelligent and often stubborn breed, Shar Pei ownership needs careful consideration. They are bright and learn quickly, but early training and socialization are important, as is daily exercise. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more grooming than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning and toe nail clipping.
An intelligent and often stubborn breed, Shar Pei ownership needs careful consideration. They are bright and learn quickly, but early training and socialization are important, as is daily exercise. Shar-Pei are clean dogs that require little more grooming than an occasional bath, regular ear cleaning and toe nail clipping.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: The Chinese Shar-Pei is best known for their loose wrinkly skin and their harsh sand paper type hair, but they also come in a “brush coat” which is a longer coat, but never more than one inch in length. The coat should look healthy but never shiny. The Shar-Pei does require grooming attention even though it has a short coat, the wrinkles on the face and body need regular attention as well as the skin due to the hair type. 4 – 6 week grooming intervals are recommended.
Eyes and Muzzle area: Because of the large flaps and folds around the eye and nose area, the Shar-Pei needs daily to weekly care of the area. The flaps and folds are very moist and prone to growing red yeast and cause a foul odor in this area. Moisture makes the area red and raw. Keeping these areas dry and clean is a necessity. Oatmeal Baking Soda facial cleaners are a great way to manage the facial odors and keep your dog comfortable.
Ears: Monthly ear cleaning with Ear Care is advised to be sure no ear problems that might need vet attention arise. Only clean as far as you can see, never further.
Bathing: The Shar-Pei requires 2 baths; The first bath should be a general bath to remove the dirt and grime, One of our Classic care products is ideal; if your Shar-Pei has allergies or sensitive skin we would suggest a Hypo-Allergenic Coconut Shampoo and follow it with a Oatmeal Baking Soda Shampoo to exfoliate the skin and control the odor. Facial Cleansers such as the Oatmeal Baking Soda Facial should be used on the flaps and folds as well as the flew area of the mouth. Facial cleaners can be used between grooms to control odors. Just a damp towel to wipe the area is all that is needed. Mudbath while grooming is recommended to exfoliate the skin and minerals to rehydrate the skin; this will help with the hair type of this breed, they are known for skin problems.
Paws: The paw pads tend to get dry and cracked under the weight. Paw Balm should be used weekly as well, paw pads that are soft and pliable are less likely to dry and crack
Coat Care: Between baths, your Shar-Pei may get a little smelly. Extreme Odor Eliminator can be used as often as needed to control odor and has aloe in it to help keep the coat hydrated. Aloe Hydrating Spray will keep the skin and coat hydrated and maintain a healthy look without adding shine to the coat.
Show Dog Tips: Mudbath will help exfoliate the hair shaft and restore moisture to the coat and skin to keep the skin and coat in great shape. Aloe hydrating Spray will keep the skin moisturized without adding to much shine.
Tools: Shedding blade can be used to pull out the dead coat. Short coated breeds shed all year around and so they constantly need to be brushed.
