Shar-Pei Special Needs and Cautions: What Every Owner Must Know in 2025 🐾🐶

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

With their distinctive wrinkles and ancient lineage, Shar-Pei dogs are beautiful and deeply loyal companions. But those lovable folds come with serious care needs. If you're considering bringing a Shar-Pei into your life—or already have one—here’s what you need to know about this unique and high-maintenance breed. 🧼🐶

🧬 Temperament: Loyal, Aloof, and Needs Socialization

• 💬 Naturally aloof with strangers and reactive to unfamiliar handling
• 👶 May not be ideal for homes with small children unless well-socialized
• 🧠 Early and ongoing socialization is essential

📋 Before adopting a Shar-Pei, ask: Can you handle reactivity? Are you prepared for training? If not, a lower-maintenance breed may be better suited. 🐾

🧵 Coat Types and Skin Considerations

Shar-Pei coats come in three types:

• Horse coat: Very short and rough—can cause allergic reactions in humans
• Brush coat: Softer and easier to manage
• Bear coat: Longer and often less prone to infections, but disqualified in AKC shows

🧪 Wrinkles are caused by excess mucin, predisposing the breed to skin and inflammatory issues.

👁️ Common Medical Conditions in Shar-Pei

1. Entropion (Eyelid Rolling Inwards)

• 😣 Hairy eyelids irritate the cornea, causing pain and possible blindness
• 👶 Eyelid tacking in puppies may help, but surgery is often required in adults

2. Skin Fold Infections

• 🦠 Moisture and bacteria trapped between folds cause redness, smell, and discomfort
• 🧴 Daily grooming and special cleaning products often needed

3. Demodectic Mange

• 🐛 Mites living in hair follicles can cause inflammation
• 🧫 Skin scrapings or biopsies may be required to diagnose

4. Hypothyroidism

• 🧬 Affects 1 in 5 Shar-Pei
• 🩺 Symptoms include hair loss, weight gain, and skin changes
• 🧪 Easily diagnosed via bloodwork and treatable with medication

5. Pododermatitis (Foot Infections)

• 🐾 Short, bristly hair can cause follicle irritation and infection
• 🔬 Vet diagnostics often needed to identify the cause (allergy, mites, bacteria, etc.)

6. Ear Infections

• 👂 Extremely narrow ear canals trap bacteria
• 🧴 Weekly ear cleaning with vet-recommended solutions may help
• 🔪 Surgery may be required in chronic cases

7. Familial Shar-Pei Fever (Swollen Hock Syndrome)

• 🔥 Fever spikes up to 107°F, joint swelling, especially in the hocks
• 🧬 Associated with amyloidosis (kidney failure due to protein buildup)
• 🧪 Cornell University offers a genetic test for this condition

💡 Daily Care Essentials

• 🧽 Daily wrinkle cleaning to prevent infection
• 🧼 Regular grooming to promote healthy skin oils
• 🩺 Frequent vet check-ups—be proactive, not reactive

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Shar-Pei owners often face complex questions about skin issues, fevers, and grooming routines. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—and help is just a tap away.

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized, real-time support from veterinarians who understand the unique needs of Shar-Pei dogs. From managing infections to choosing the right skin care, we’re here for you. 🐾💬

✅ Shar-Pei Care Checklist

• ✔️ Early and ongoing socialization
• ✔️ Frequent vet care and monitoring for thyroid, eyes, skin
• ✔️ Regular wrinkle and ear cleaning
• ✔️ Genetic screening for Shar-Pei Fever if possible
• ✔️ Understand and accept the breed’s medical complexity

The Shar-Pei is a rewarding companion for those prepared to meet its unique challenges. With patience, daily care, and veterinary guidance, these incredible dogs can thrive. 🐶❤️

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to connect with veterinarians who specialize in complex breeds like the Shar-Pei. 🩺📱