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Breed guide

Chinese Shar-Pei

A wrinkly, hippo-faced guardian from China. Calm, loyal and devoted, but aloof with strangers.

A Chinese Shar-Pei
Photo: Yan Mis/&Den Rakov · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
SizeMedium
Weight45–60 lb
Lifespan8–12 years
Yearly cost$2,000–$3,500*
Better with adults or older kids Can be impatient, fragile or protective around young kids.

At a glance

Energy level
Shedding
Grooming needs
Apartment-friendly
Handles cold
Affectionate / cuddly
Good with kids
Good for first-time owners
Easy to train
Good with other dogs
Good with cats
OK being left alone
Reliable off-leash
Protective / watchdog
Barking
Drooling

Great for

  • Experienced owners
  • Adult households
  • People who want a quiet guardian

Watch out for

  • Skin and eye problems are common
  • Aloof and protective
  • Not great with other dogs

Daily care

Exercise: About 45 minutes a day.

Grooming: Minimal; keep wrinkles clean.

Cold weather: Handles moderate cold.

*Yearly cost covers food, routine vet care, preventatives, toys and supplies. It doesn't include the purchase or adoption fee, emergencies or grooming beyond basics.

Gear for a Chinese Shar-Pei

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