Comprehensive Guide to Shar Pei Health and Care

The Shar Pei is a unique Chinese breed celebrated for its deeply wrinkled skin and distinctive dark blue tongue. At birth, these dogs appear to have excess skin that gradually fits their body as they grow, forming their signature folds. While traditionally rare, the Shar Pei has grown in popularity across the UK due to its loyal nature and striking appearance.

Owning a Shar Pei presents special challenges due to their specific health needs and susceptibility to genetic conditions. This comprehensive guide covers essential aspects of caring for your Shar Pei's health to provide a long, happy life.

1. Grooming and Skin Care for Shar Peis

The Shar Pei coat comes in three variants:

• Horse coat: Prickly and rough, harsh in one direction but smooth the other.
• Brush coat: Smoother and slightly longer than the horse coat.
• Bear coat: Longer than one inch at the shoulders, similar to brush coat but less common and not accepted by all Kennel Clubs.

Despite the short, straight coat being low-maintenance, the loose, wrinkled skin requires diligent attention. Dirt, moisture, and bacteria can easily accumulate in the folds, risking infections and irritations.

Shar Pei owners should gently clean and thoroughly dry skin folds regularly—daily or at least several times a week—to prevent skin fold dermatitis. Pay special attention to the face folds, especially around the brachycephalic muzzle, cleaning with a soft cloth and drying properly to avoid sores and bacterial growth.

Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt helps manage shedding and maintain coat health. Baths should be given only when necessary, ideally with vet-recommended medicated shampoos if prone to skin infections.

2. Exercise and Activity Needs

Shar Peis are moderately active dogs needing daily exercise to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. Aim for at least one hour of activity per day, divided between walks, supervised off-lead play in secure areas, and training sessions to challenge their intelligence.

Although calm and reserved by nature, neglecting exercise can lead to boredom and behavioural issues. Avoid overexertion, especially during hot weather, as the breed is sensitive to heat and prone to overheating.

3. Common Hereditary Health Issues

Shar Peis are unfortunately predisposed to several hereditary conditions that require monitoring and management:

• Skin problems: Chronic skin infections caused by trapped moisture and bacteria in wrinkles.
• Familial Shar Pei Fever (FSF): A genetic condition causing recurrent, short-duration fevers, sometimes escalating in frequency and severity. Around 23% of Western Shar Peis are affected, though many lead normal lives with proper care.
• Amyloidosis: Often linked to FSF, this affects kidneys and liver, potentially leading to renal failure.
• Entropion: A painful eye issue where eyelids roll inward, causing corneal irritation and possible blindness. Surgery can correct this if diagnosed early.
• Ear infections: The breed's narrow ear canals make them vulnerable to yeast infections and require careful cleaning.
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency: Suspected inherited disorder leading to various health problems.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early intervention are crucial to managing these conditions effectively.

4. Eye and Ear Care

Due to breed-specific anatomy, Shar Peis need regular eye and ear monitoring:

• Check eyes daily for signs of redness, squinting, discharge, or pain—potential symptoms of entropion, ectropion, cataracts, or dry eye.
• Inspect and clean ears weekly using vet-approved methods to prevent infections, especially after water exposure.

5. Nail and Dental Hygiene

Maintaining nail and dental health is essential for Shar Pei comfort and wellness:

• Trim nails every 4–8 weeks or as needed to prevent discomfort or injury.
• Brush teeth daily with dog-friendly toothpaste to reduce the risk of periodontal disease, which the breed is particularly prone to.

6. Nutrition and Lifespan

Shar Peis generally live between 7 and 10 years, though good breeding and care may extend their lifespan well into their teens. Feeding a balanced, age-appropriate diet supports their unique needs:

• Puppies should receive specially formulated puppy food 3–4 times daily until six months, then twice daily until transitioning to adult food by 12–18 months.
• Adults require a high-quality diet suited to their weight, activity level, and any medical conditions.
• Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint and health problems.

Consult your vet for personalised advice on diets and supplements, especially related to vitamin B-12 deficiency concerns.

Conclusion

Caring for a Shar Pei means understanding and meeting the needs arising from its unique physical traits and hereditary health risks. Prioritise regular, thorough cleaning of skin folds, attentive eye and ear care, consistent exercise without overheating, nail and dental hygiene, and proper nutrition. Working closely with a knowledgeable vet and choosing reputable breeders who screen for genetic conditions will help you provide a happy, healthy life for your loyal Shar Pei companion.

For those considering finding a Shar Pei puppy, always seek reputable breeders who prioritise health and welfare to avoid expensive health issues and support responsible dog ownership.