Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is one of the world's most distinctive dog breeds, instantly recognisable by its striking facial wrinkles and characteristic blue-black tongue.
Originally developed in China, this ancient breed was prized for guarding, hunting, and herding work, roles that shaped its alert and independent nature.
25-34kg
Weight
Medium
Size
12-14yrs
Lifespan
About the Shar Pei
Physically, this medium-sized utility dog presents a compact, square build typically weighing 25–34 kg and standing 51–61 cm tall. Its short, dense coat is remarkably harsh to the touch, standing away from the body rather than lying flat. The breed's most striking feature, beyond its wrinkles, is undoubtedly that distinctive blue-black tongue, which few other breeds share. Temperamentally, Shar Peis are thoughtful rather than openly affectionate, forming deep bonds with their families whilst maintaining a cautious approach to strangers. They respond well to consistent, confident training and benefit greatly from early socialisation. With moderate exercise needs of up to one hour daily, they suit owners who appreciate their calm indoor nature balanced with regular activity. The breed typically lives 12–14 years and is best suited to experienced dog owners who respect its dignified character and understand its specific care requirements.
Shar Pei at a Glance
- Group
- Utility
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Height
- 51–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Short
- Sheds
- Yes
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Typical price
- £300–£800
Shar Pei Lifestyle
The Shar Pei is well matched to a smaller property and suits a home with a reasonably sized garden. They are versatile and do well in both city and countryside settings.
Dog Food for Shar Pei
Top-rated foods for Medium breeds, ranked by FurScore. How we score →
Recommended Food for Shar Pei
Shar Pei Food Costs
Estimated based on a typical Shar Pei weighing around 30 kg, using the food prices shown above.
Per day
£5.22 - £5.57
Per month
£157 - £167
Per year
£1906 - £2032
Shar Pei Characteristics
The Shar Pei is built for activity and needs owners who can keep up and is a quick learner and a pleasure to train. They are well known for being gentle and patient with young children, but don't need constant company, though they do enjoy being around people. The coat doesn't need daily attention but benefits from regular grooming and produces a reasonable amount of loose hair. This is a very clever breed that benefits from puzzle toys and training to keep their mind busy.
Shar Pei Pros & Cons
Pros
- Calm and dignified with a deep loyalty to their family
- Quiet and composed, making a watchful guard dog without excessive vocalisation
- Their distinctive wrinkled appearance is unique, and their coat needs very little grooming
- Their protective nature is well-suited to experienced owners who appreciate a confident dog
Cons
- Can be stubborn and wilful, requiring a firm and consistent hand in training
- Their skin folds need regular cleaning to prevent infections from developing
- A strong prey drive makes them unsuitable for households with smaller animals
- Their complex care needs make them a poor fit for first-time dog owners
