Shar-Pei Health and Care Needs

Shar-Pei Health and Care Needs

By Dr Duncan Houston

Quick Answer

Shar-Pei are loyal, distinctive dogs, but they are also a high-maintenance breed with significant health and skin care needs. Common concerns include entropion, skin fold infections, ear disease, pododermatitis, allergies, hypothyroidism, and familial Shar-Pei fever. They suit owners who are prepared for regular hands-on care, training, and veterinary costs.

As a veterinarian, I would never describe the Shar-Pei as a simple breed. They can be wonderful dogs, but they come with very real medical and behavioural considerations that owners need to understand before committing.

The Shar-Pei is one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world. Those wrinkles, that serious expression, and that unique coat make them stand out immediately. But beneath the iconic appearance is a breed that often needs much more care than people expect.

If you are considering a Shar-Pei, or already live with one, it is important to understand both the rewards and the realities.

Is a Shar-Pei the Right Dog for You?

Shar-Pei are not usually an easy, low-maintenance choice.

This breed often suits owners who are:

• Experienced with dogs

• Comfortable with routine grooming and skin care

• Prepared for ongoing veterinary costs

• Willing to prioritise early training and socialisation

• Realistic about the breed’s health risks

They are not always the best match for first-time owners looking for an easygoing, highly social dog.

A Shar-Pei can be deeply loyal and devoted, but they usually need thoughtful management rather than casual ownership.

Shar-Pei Temperament

Shar-Pei are often:

• Loyal with their family

• Aloof with strangers

• Protective by nature

• Independent

• Less socially easygoing than some other breeds

Without early and consistent socialisation, some can become fearful, reactive, or difficult to handle.

This matters not just at home, but also in real-life situations like:

• Vet visits

• Grooming

• Ear cleaning

• Nail trims

• Meeting visitors

• Walking around unfamiliar dogs

A calm, confident Shar-Pei usually comes from a combination of good breeding, early socialisation, and steady training.

Coat and Wrinkle Care

One of the breed’s biggest defining features is also one of its biggest care challenges.

Shar-Pei have skin folds that can trap:

• Moisture

• Debris

• Oil

• Bacteria

• Yeast

This can lead to irritation and infection if the folds are not monitored properly.

Basic wrinkle care includes:

• Regular skin fold checks

• Gentle cleaning when needed

• Drying folds properly after bathing

• Watching for redness, smell, moisture, or soreness

The goal is not aggressive over-cleaning. The goal is keeping folds clean and dry without irritating the skin further.

Common Shar-Pei Coat Types

Shar-Pei are generally seen with different coat types, including:

• Horse coat: very short and bristly

• Brush coat: slightly longer and smoother

• Bear coat: longer and softer

The harsher coats can sometimes contribute to skin irritation, both for the dog and occasionally for people handling them.

Entropion and Eye Problems

One of the most common Shar-Pei health issues is entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward and the hairs rub painfully against the eye.

This can cause:

• Squinting

• Tearing

• Eye discharge

• Pain

• Corneal ulcers

• Permanent eye damage if untreated

In some puppies, temporary eyelid tacking may be needed early in life. In adults, surgical correction is often required.

If a Shar-Pei is squinting or has persistent eye discharge, it should be taken seriously.

Skin Fold Dermatitis and Infections

Shar-Pei are very prone to skin fold inflammation and infection.

Signs can include:

• Red skin

• Moist or sticky folds

• Odour

• Dark discharge

• Soreness

• Rubbing or scratching

These infections may involve bacteria, yeast, or both. They can become chronic if the underlying skin environment is not managed properly.

Early treatment is important because mild irritation can become a painful infection quickly.

Allergies and Secondary Skin Disease

Many Shar-Pei also struggle with allergies, which can make all of their skin issues worse.

Allergies may contribute to:

• Itching

• Recurrent skin infections

• Ear infections

• Paw licking

• Pododermatitis

• Hair loss

• Inflamed skin folds

When a Shar-Pei has repeated skin trouble, it is important not to just keep treating the infection and ignore the reason it keeps coming back.

Demodectic Mange

Shar-Pei can also be prone to demodicosis, where Demodex mites overgrow in the skin.

This can cause:

• Hair loss

• Red or inflamed skin

• Scaling

• Secondary infection

Because Shar-Pei skin is unusually thick and folded, diagnosis is not always as straightforward as in other breeds. Sometimes deeper investigation is needed if skin disease is persistent.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is another condition seen in Shar-Pei and can contribute to ongoing skin problems.

Possible signs include:

• Lethargy

• Weight gain

• Hair thinning

• Dandruff

• Recurrent skin infections

• A dull coat

When a Shar-Pei has repeated skin issues or unexplained lethargy, thyroid disease is one of the things vets may investigate.

Ear Infections

Shar-Pei are famous for having very narrow ear canals, which makes them especially prone to ear disease.

This can lead to:

• Chronic infections

• Pain

• Head shaking

• Odour

• Discharge

• Difficulty medicating the ears

Some dogs develop severe chronic ear disease that becomes difficult to manage medically. That is why catching issues early matters.

If your Shar-Pei is shaking their head, scratching their ears, or resisting ear handling, do not ignore it.

Pododermatitis and Paw Problems

Shar-Pei can also develop painful inflammation around the feet and toes.

This may show up as:

• Licking paws

• Red, swollen skin between the toes

• Recurrent infections

• Soreness when walking

• Thickened skin

This problem is often linked to:

• Allergies

• Skin infection

• Mites

• Abnormal skin barrier function

Feet are one of those areas owners sometimes overlook until the dog is already very uncomfortable.

Familial Shar-Pei Fever

One of the most important breed-specific conditions is familial Shar-Pei fever.

This syndrome can cause episodes of:

• High fever

• Lethargy

• Pain

• Swollen hocks

• Reluctance to move

Repeated inflammatory episodes can also increase the risk of amyloidosis, which can damage organs, especially the kidneys.

If a Shar-Pei has unexplained fever episodes, joint swelling, or repeated inflammatory problems, this condition needs to be considered.

Shar-Pei Need Good Breeding More Than Most

Because this breed has so many structural and genetic health issues, responsible breeding matters enormously.

A poorly bred Shar-Pei may have much higher risk of:

• Eye problems

• severe skin disease

• difficult temperament

• chronic ear disease

• inflammatory syndromes

• long-term pain and medical expense

If someone is choosing a Shar-Pei puppy, breeder quality should be taken extremely seriously.

Cute wrinkles should never be prioritised over function and health.

Daily Care Tips for Shar-Pei Owners

A Shar-Pei often does best with:

• Regular skin checks

• Prompt treatment of irritation

• Early socialisation

• Calm handling practice

• Weight control

• Routine ear monitoring

• Consistent veterinary care

• Attention to eye comfort

• Good parasite control

• Management of allergies where relevant

This is a breed where small issues can escalate if they are left unattended.

Training and Handling Matter

Because some Shar-Pei can be suspicious or resistant to handling, it is worth investing in:

• Reward-based training

• Cooperative care exercises

• Gentle desensitisation to paw, ear, and face handling

• Early positive experiences with strangers

• Calm vet and grooming preparation

A dog that can tolerate being examined and treated safely has a much better quality of life than one who finds all handling stressful.

Final Thoughts

Shar-Pei can be incredibly loyal, dignified, and devoted dogs, but they are not a low-effort breed.

Their unique skin, eyes, ears, and immune-related tendencies mean owners need to be proactive, observant, and prepared. For the right person, they can be a deeply rewarding companion. But they do best when people go into ownership with clear eyes, not just heart eyes.

FAQ

Are Shar-Pei high-maintenance dogs?

Yes. Shar-Pei are generally considered high-maintenance because of their skin, eye, ear, and breed-specific health issues.

Why do Shar-Pei get so many skin problems?

Their skin folds, coat type, and tendency toward allergies and infections make them especially prone to skin disease.

Is entropion common in Shar-Pei?

Yes. Entropion is one of the best-known health problems in the breed and can be very painful if not treated.

Are Shar-Pei good for first-time dog owners?

Usually not ideal. They often suit experienced, committed owners who are prepared for training, socialisation, and medical care.

Need Help With Shar-Pei Skin, Eyes, or Breed-Specific Health Concerns?

The ASK A VET™ app can help you track your dog’s symptoms, store health records, and get guidance when you are unsure whether a wrinkle issue, eye problem, fever episode, or ear flare-up needs urgent attention.