🐶 Shar-Pei Health and Care Needs – A 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Known for its iconic wrinkles and noble look, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed like no other—both in beauty and complexity. In this 2025 guide, Dr Duncan Houston outlines everything a Shar-Pei owner needs to know, from temperament to health concerns and care essentials. 🐾

💡 Is a Shar-Pei Right for You?

The Shar-Pei is not a low-maintenance dog. This breed requires a dedicated owner who is ready to invest time, care, and finances into their wellbeing. If you’re seeking an easygoing or beginner-friendly breed, a Shar-Pei may not be the best match. ❗

🧠 Temperament

• ⚠️ Naturally aloof and suspicious of strangers
• 🧸 Loyal and protective with family
• 🐕 Needs early and consistent socialization
• 😠 Prone to reactivity if not trained or socialized properly

This breed isn’t always child- or visitor-friendly. Without proper conditioning, even routine vet care (like ear cleaning or paw handling) can trigger fear or aggression.

🐾 Coat & Wrinkle Care

There are three coat types:

• Horse coat: Very short, bristly, may cause rashes in sensitive humans
• Brush coat: Slightly longer and smoother
• Bear coat: Longer and softer, not AKC-recognized

The breed’s famous wrinkles trap moisture and bacteria, creating a perfect environment for infection. Daily skin fold checks and routine cleaning are essential. 🧴

👁️ Eyelid Problems – Entropion

Wrinkles near the eyes often lead to entropion, where the eyelid turns inward. This causes:

• 😣 Pain, squinting
• 👁️ Eye ulcers
• 🧑‍⚕️ Potential blindness if untreated

Puppies may need eyelid tacking. Adults often require surgical correction. Eye discharge or squinting? Call your vet immediately. 👨‍⚕️

🦠 Skin Fold Infections

Moisture and friction in folds can lead to infections. Signs include:

• 🌡️ Red, smelly, moist skin
• 💢 Inflammation around the muzzle or neck

Prevention: Daily cleaning and regular brushing to maintain skin health.

🐜 Demodectic Mange

Shar-Pei are prone to mite overgrowth, leading to patchy hair loss and inflammation. Diagnosis may require a skin biopsy due to their unique skin. Treatment varies based on severity.

🦴 Hypothyroidism

Up to 20% of Shar-Pei suffer from low thyroid hormone, leading to:

• 🩹 Hair loss, dandruff
• 📉 Lethargy, weight gain
• 🔁 Frequent infections

Your vet may recommend a thyroid test if skin issues arise.

🐾 Pododermatitis & Pyoderma

The short, stiff fur can embed into skin or follicles, especially around the toes, causing painful infections. Causes include:

• 🐜 Mites
• 🌼 Allergies
• ⚠️ Stress

👂 Ear Infections

The Shar-Pei has narrow ear canals, making it difficult to clean or medicate. Chronic ear infections may require surgery. Preventative ear rinses can help—ask your vet for recommendations. 🧼

🔥 Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF)

This genetic disease causes periodic fevers and joint swelling, especially in the hocks (ankles). It may lead to kidney failure due to amyloidosis.

• 🌡️ Fevers up to 107°F
• 🐾 Limping or joint swelling
• 🧬 A genetic test is available via Cornell University

✅ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Shar-Pei are wonderfully loyal but require daily grooming, medical awareness, and behavior support. Their skin and immune system quirks make them high-maintenance. If you’re ready for the challenge, the reward is a deeply devoted companion. ❤️

📲 Need Shar-Pei Support? Ask A Vet!

Have questions about skin infections, entropion surgery, or daily Shar-Pei care? Download the Ask A Vet app and get expert help from licensed veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston. We’re here to help your Shar-Pei stay healthy, happy, and wrinkle-ready. 🐾📱