Shar Pei

Also called Chinese Shar-Pei, Cantonese Shar-Pei

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Southern China (provinces bordering the South China Sea)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight16 to 29 kg2

Height44 to 51 cm1 2

Lifespanfrom 10 years3 2

Sizemedium

FCI standard sets no weight; Wikipedia gives 16-29 kg for the breed.

The Royal Kennel Club gives over 10 years; Wikipedia gives an average of about 10.6 years.

loyal to family

calm and independent

distinctive wrinkled look

1 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, harsh, bristly, no undercoat

A square, compact dog with loose skin that folds into wrinkles on the forehead, cheeks and withers. The broad 'hippopotamus' muzzle, small ears and high, curled tail are trademarks, and the coat is short and rough to the touch, never trimmed.1

Coloursall solid colours except whiteblack, red, fawn and cream most common1 2

Personality what they are like

A calm, self-possessed dog that is devoted and affectionate with its family and reserved with strangers. It has an independent mind of its own.1 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Up to about an hour of exercise a day.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low. A weekly brush suits the short coat; the skin folds should be kept clean and dry.3 1

Home where they are happiest

Adapts to house or flat living with daily walks; its reserved nature suits a calm home.3 4

Company who they like around

Strongly attached to its own people and naturally watchful with newcomers, so early socialising is helpful.4 1

The story where it all began

The Shar Pei has lived in southern China for centuries and resembles guard dogs shown in Han dynasty figures. Numbers fell so low that in 1973 Hong Kong breeder Matgo Law appealed for help, and the breed was rebuilt from a small number of dogs.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The name Shar Pei means 'sand skin', a nod to its rough coat.2
2
Like the Chow Chow, its closest relative, it has a blue-black tongue.2
3
In 1978 it was called the world's rarest breed, with only about 60 dogs left.2
4
The breed standard describes its broad, blunt muzzle as a 'hippopotamus' shape.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 309, Group 2, Section 2.1 (Molossian, mastiff type); definitive acceptance 30 Jun 1981; current standard 14 Apr 19995
AKC: Recognised 1992 as the Chinese Shar-Pei2
The Royal Kennel Club: Utility Group3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Shar Pei. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Start a free diary

Chow Chow

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard 309 (English) fci.beused for origin, temperament, height, coat, colours, facts
Shar Pei - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, history, AKC, weight, lifespan, facts
The Royal Kennel Club - Shar Pei royalkennelclub.comused for group, lifespan, exercise, grooming
AKC - Chinese Shar-Pei akc.orgused for temperament
FCI - Shar Pei (309) fci.beused for recognition

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.