11 Shar-Pei Pros & Cons: What To Consider Before Bringing One Home

Are you fascinated by the unique appearance of the Chinese Shar-Pei, with its abundant wrinkles and hippopotamus-shaped head? Are you considering adding one of these ancient, loyal guardians to your family? As with any breed, it‘s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of Shar-Pei ownership to ensure the dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle and vice versa.

Hailing from the southern provinces of China, the Shar-Pei is an Asian breed with a long, rich history dating back over 2000 years. Bred to be a rugged, versatile farm dog skilled in hunting, herding, and protection, the Shar-Pei faced extinction in the mid-20th century before being popularized in the West. Today, the medium-sized breed is known for its characteristic short, bristly coat, loose skin and devoted, independent spirit.

So what are the advantages of sharing your life with a Shar-Pei? Here are seven benefits to consider:

1. Intensely loyal and bonded to family
   When a Shar-Pei loves you, you‘ll know it. They may have an aloof façade with strangers, but with their special people, Shar-Peis are unabashedly affectionate, playful and deeply devoted. Many owners describe their Shar-Pei as a "Velcro dog" who always wants to be close by your side. If you‘re looking for a constant companion, this clingy breed may be your ideal match.

2. Naturally clean and odor-free
   Despite all those skin folds, Shar-Peis are actually quite clean dogs who lack the typical "doggy odor." They have very short, bristly coats that shed minimally and require little grooming beyond a weekly brushing. Of course, their wrinkles do need regular cleaning to prevent skin fold infections – but we‘ll discuss that more later.

3. Not prone to barking
   If you live in an apartment or have close neighbors, you‘ll appreciate the Shar-Pei‘s quiet nature. Unlike many other guardian breeds, Shar-Peis are not big barkers. They‘ll alert if there‘s a reason to, but they‘re not "yappy" dogs who bark just for the sake of hearing their own voices.

4. Moderate exercise needs
   A couple walks a day plus some playtime is usually sufficient to meet the exercise needs of this moderately active breed. Shar-Peis aren‘t couch potatoes, but they don‘t require strenuous exercise either, making them adaptable to many lifestyles. That said, puppies and young dogs definitely need an outlet for their energy!

5. Distinctive appearance
   With their hippopotamus-shaped heads, scowling expressions and uniquely abundant wrinkles, Shar-Peis undeniably make a statement. You‘re not likely to encounter another dog that looks like yours at the local dog park. Plus, those wrinkles aren‘t just for show – they actually served a purpose in the Shar-Pei‘s fighting history, allowing them to twist around and bite their opponent even when being held by the loose skin.

6. Responsive to training
   Though independent-minded, Shar-Peis are intelligent dogs who are quite trainable with the right approach. They excel at obedience, rally, agility, tracking, and even therapy work. The key is to start training early using positive methods and keep sessions fun and engaging. Shar-Peis don‘t respond well to harsh corrections or dull repetition.

7. Don‘t need a yard
   As a medium-sized dog with moderate exercise needs, Shar-Peis can adapt well to apartment or city living as long as they get out for a couple walks a day. They don‘t need a yard and typically aren‘t prone to nuisance barking, making them agreeable housemates even in close quarters.

As you can see, there‘s a lot to love about this unique breed! However, no dog is perfect, and Shar-Peis also have some challenges you should be aware of before making a commitment. Here are seven potential drawbacks of Shar-Pei ownership:

1. Not a good choice for novice owners
   Shar-Peis can be strong-willed, independent and stubborn. They require confident, consistent leadership and aren‘t pushovers to train, especially for first-time dog owners. Shar-Peis respond best to positive reinforcement methods, as they don‘t take kindly to heavy-handed training or corrections. They need an owner who is committed to socialization and training from an early age.

2. Require extensive socialization
   Speaking of socialization, Shar-Peis need a lot of positive exposure to new people, animals and environments starting from puppyhood. Bred as guard dogs, Shar-Peis are naturally aloof and distrustful of strangers. Without proper socialization, their protective instincts can become over-the-top, leading to timidity or even aggression in some cases.

3. High prey drive
   Like many breeds with a history of hunting, Shar-Peis have a strong prey drive. This means they have the instinct to chase and capture fleeing creatures, including cats, rabbits, and other small pets. While Shar-Peis can learn to coexist peacefully with other animals if raised together, they‘re generally happiest as the only pet in the household. Even well-socialized Shar-Peis should not be trusted off-leash around unfamiliar small animals.

4. Many potential health problems
   Unfortunately, the Shar-Pei is a breed that comes with a laundry list of potential health concerns. Skin problems are very common due to their abundant wrinkles, which trap moisture and bacteria. Eye issues like entropion and glaucoma also crop up frequently. Orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patellas affect many individuals too. The breed is also prone to certain cancers, thyroid disease, and a serious fever disorder called Familial Shar-Pei Fever. Of course, not every Shar-Pei will get sick, but the potential for health problems means pet insurance is highly recommended.

5. Same-sex aggression is common
   Shar-Peis, especially males but sometimes females too, often show aggression towards other dogs of the same sex. Many Shar-Pei experts recommend keeping only one Shar-Pei per household for this reason, unless you have a male and female pair. Intact males are most likely to exhibit same-sex aggression, so neutering can help curb this tendency, but it‘s still something to be aware of in this naturally dominant breed.

6. Heavy shedding and drool
   Wait, didn‘t we say their coat was low-maintenance? Relatively speaking, that‘s true, but Shar-Peis do shed consistently year-round. Their short, bristly hairs easily become embedded in carpet, upholstery and clothing. And while they‘re not giant droolers like some Mastiff breeds, most Shar-Peis do drool to some degree, so keep a hand towel nearby. Their faces also tend to get dirty from digging into food bowls, so be prepared for a bit of post-meal cleanup too.

7. Expensive to buy and care for
   Looking for a cheap puppy? You won‘t find it here. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000-3000+ for a Shar-Pei puppy from a reputable breeder. And those potential vet bills for skin and eye issues? They can definitely add up too. Pet insurance and a dedicated emergency fund are must-haves if you‘re considering this breed.

So is a Shar-Pei right for you? Before falling in love with their adorably wrinkly faces, take an honest assessment of your lifestyle and expectations. Ask yourself:

• Do I have prior experience with independent, strong-willed breeds?
• Am I committed to lots of early socialization and ongoing positive training?
• Can I afford a potentially expensive breed prone to certain health issues?
• Do I have a "Shar-Pei-proofed" home without cats and small pets?
• Can I provide a couple of walks per day for exercise?
• Am I looking for a loyal dog who bonds closely with their family?

If you answered yes to the above, a Shar-Pei could be your perfect match. Whether you choose to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt an adult from a rescue, do your research first. A reputable breeder will health test breeding stock to rule out genetic issues, and a good rescue will work hard to match you with the right dog for your home.

In conclusion, the Shar-Pei is a unique, ancient breed with a lot of admirable qualities like loyalty, cleanliness and adaptability. But they‘re not the easiest breed, and they‘re definitely not for everyone. By weighing both the positives and negatives of Shar-Pei ownership, you can make an informed decision about whether this fascinating wrinkled dog is the right companion for you. With proper care, training and a whole lot of love, a Shar-Pei can make a cherished addition to the right family for many years to come.