Costs of Owning a Shar Pei Dog Breed and What to Expect in Care and Upkeep

When it comes to dog breeds originating from China, one cannot ignore the Shar Pei. This intelligent and independent breed has a rich history and unique characteristics. In this article, we will explore more about the Shar Pei dog breed.

1 Learn about the Shar Pei dog breed

Origin of the Shar Pei dog

The Shar Pei dog, also known as the Sa Bì dog, originated from the southern provinces of China over 2000 years ago. This breed shares its ancestry with ancient Chinese mastiffs and was originally raised for protection, herding, and hunting purposes during the feudal period in China.

In 1949, after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Shar Pei dog was on the verge of extinction. However, it was saved by Matgo Law, a dog farm owner in Hong Kong. In 1973, a small number of Shar Pei dogs were brought to the United States, which gained significant attention from dog lovers. As a result, the breed’s population increased.

In 1991, the Shar Pei dog breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Today, Shar Pei dogs are popular pets in many countries worldwide.

Shar Pei dogs are raised in many countries around the world and mainly kept as pets

Classification of Shar Pei dogs

The Shar Pei breed can be classified into two types: the traditional Shar Pei breed (bone muzzle) and the Shar Pei breed with mixed flesh (meat muzzle). The traditional Chinese Shar Pei has a gentle and agile body, with a flat and strong mouth. On the other hand, the meat-muzzled Shar Pei has a wrinkled layer of skin covering its head, a heavy hanging mouth, and a heavy body, resembling a small hippopotamus.

The Shar Pei breed has 2 types: the traditional Shar Pei breed (bone muzzle) and the Shar Pei breed with mixed flesh (meat muzzle)

Common coat colors of Shar Pei dogs

The Shar Pei breed has a short, thick, and smooth coat with a variety of colors, including brown, black, gray, yellow, and cream. However, the most common coat colors for Shar Pei dogs are yellow and cream.

The most common coat colors for Shar Pei dogs are yellow and cream

Physical characteristics of Shar Pei dogs

Shar Pei dogs have unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. They have a wrinkled body, a blue-black tongue, and a mouth similar to that of a Chow Chow. On average, a Shar Pei dog weighs about 25 – 30kg and stands about 45 – 51cm tall. They have a wide and sagging muzzle, resembling that of a hippopotamus.

A Shar Pei dog weighs about 25 – 30kg and stands about 45 – 51cm tall

Personality traits of Shar Pei dogs

Shar Pei dogs are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loyal nature towards their owners. However, they can be wary of strangers and may show aggression if provoked. It is important to train and socialize them from a young age to ensure their well-rounded behavior.

Shar Pei dogs are quite gentle, affectionate, and loyal to their owners

Reasons to raise a Shar Pei dog

Raising a Shar Pei dog comes with several benefits. Apart from their adorable appearance, they make excellent guard dogs with high alertness and bravery. They are known to be protective of their owners and can be relied upon in times of need.

2 How to raise a Shar Pei dog

Food for Shar Pei dogs

Shar Pei dogs have a strong appetite and can eat a variety of foods. However, it is recommended to provide them with dry food, different types of meat, and fresh vegetables for a balanced diet.

The best food for Shar Pei dogs is dry food, various types of meat, and fresh vegetables

Dietary regimen of Shar Pei dogs by stage

For Shar Pei puppies aged 1-2 months, it is recommended to feed them 3-4 meals per day. From 3-6 months, their diet should include a variety of nutrients and green vegetables for better digestion. From 6 months onwards, the amount of food can be increased in each meal while reducing the number of meals per day to about 2-3 times. Supplements like vitamins and calcium can also be added.

Dietary regimen of Shar Pei dogs by stage

Caring for the hygiene and grooming of Shar Pei dogs

Shar Pei dogs are intelligent and easy to raise. It is important to train them from a young age to ensure obedience and responsiveness to commands. Additionally, their food intake should be monitored to prevent obesity, and regular walks are recommended for exercise.

For hygiene, regular bathing is essential to keep them clean and prevent skin problems. They should be bathed about once a week or more frequently in hot weather. Thoroughly drying their coat with a towel is important before releasing them to avoid any discomfort.

You should train Shar Pei dogs when they are young to make them obedient and responsive to commands

Common health issues in Shar Pei dogs

Shar Pei dogs are prone to certain health issues such as skin problems, bone degeneration, kidney failure, weakened jaw function, pneumonia, and eye diseases. Regular check-ups are recommended to monitor their health, and prompt treatment should be sought if any issues arise.

Considerations when raising a Shar Pei dog

When raising a Shar Pei dog, it is important to provide them with proper food, regular hygiene, and veterinary care. Vaccination schedules should be followed to ensure their overall health and well-being.

Considerations when raising a Shar Pei dog

3 Tips for buying a Shar Pei dog

Price range of Shar Pei dogs

The price of a Shar Pei dog can range from 10 to 16 million VND per dog. The price may vary based on factors such as the breed’s purity, weight, and origin.

Things to note when buying a Shar Pei dog

When purchasing a Shar Pei dog, it is important to consider certain physical characteristics to ensure the dog is purebred, intelligent, and healthy. These characteristics include dark-colored eyes with a melancholy expression, thin triangular ears, a proportionate neck with minimal wrinkles, straight front legs, and a round, tapering tail positioned high.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable information about the Shar Pei dog breed. Thank you for reading!