Shar-Pei
Distinctive for its deep wrinkles and calm loyalty, this breed forms strong bonds with family. Naturally protective and independent, Shar-Pei make devoted companions in any home.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
46–51 cm (male)
46–51 cm (female)
WEIGHT
20–27 kg (male)
18–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
8–12 years
Shar-Pei: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Shar-Pei isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Shar-Pei's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Shar-Pei is known for its calm, independent, and sometimes aloof temperament, often displaying loyalty to family members while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family
Learns quickly, independent thinker
Generally calm, not highly active
Prefers calm, not very playful
Adjusts well to various living situations

Strengths
- Loyal to family members
- Naturally clean and low odor
- Protective instinct toward home
- Moderate exercise requirements
- Generally quiet and calm indoors
Challenges
- Prone to skin infections and allergies
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Stubborn and independent during training
- Needs early socialization for stability
- Sensitive to heat and humidity

Protect your Shar-Pei
Shar-Pei can develop skin infections and entropion. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Shar-Peis are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Shar-Peis are moderately intelligent and can be stubborn, requiring consistent, patient training methods; they may respond best to positive reinforcement and early socialization.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
The breed has moderate exercise needs, benefiting from daily walks and play sessions, along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom and promote overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Shar-Peis are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Shar-Pei would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Can be stubborn and needs experienced handling and consistent training
Apartment Living
Calm and relatively inactive indoors, adapts well to apartment settings
Active Lifestyle
Prefers moderate exercise and isn't as energetic as highly active households require
Kids
May be aloof and less tolerant of unpredictable young children
Multiple Pets
May be territorial and not always friendly with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Shar-Peis compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shar-Pei
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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