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Shar-Pei

Loved by 72% of pet parents

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

Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Playfulness
Adaptability
Shar-Pei dog breed

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

Shar-Pei

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

Friendliness

Reserved with strangers, loyal to family

Intelligence

Learns quickly, independent thinker

Energy Level

Generally calm, not highly active

Playfulness

Prefers calm, not very playful

Adaptability

Adjusts well to various living situations

Shar-Pei playing

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
Shar-Pei with family

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:

Basic obedience commands
Leash walking manners
Guarding property cues
Socialization with strangers
Controlled greeting behavior
Crate training

🏃 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:

Daily neighborhood walks
Short agility sessions
Scent tracking games
Interactive food puzzles
Supervised dog park visits
Tug-of-war sessions

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

Challenging for beginners

Can be stubborn and needs experienced handling and consistent training

Apartment Living

Good fit

Calm and relatively inactive indoors, adapts well to apartment settings

Active Lifestyle

Not very suitable

Prefers moderate exercise and isn't as energetic as highly active households require

Kids

Use caution

May be aloof and less tolerant of unpredictable young children

Multiple Pets

Potential issues

May be territorial and not always friendly with other pets

Being Left Alone

Not recommended

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

Interactive Tools

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