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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+10
Dogs
# The Shar-Pei: temperament, price, health, and breeders
China
A calm and unique dog, recognizable by its folds and its natural reserve.
Size MediumLife expectancy 8–10 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €800 – €1,300
[Find a breeder 62](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=shar-pei)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Low
Apartment living Very good
First-time owners Good
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Calm temperament: Its composed nature makes it easier to live together in a quiet household.
- Good guard dog: It remains vigilant and protective without being unnecessarily demonstrative.
- Simple coat maintenance: The short coat requires little brushing, apart from specific monitoring of the folds.
- Health to monitor: The skin, the eyes and several hereditary predispositions require real vigilance.
- Limited climate tolerance: He tolerates heat poorly and does not appreciate marked temperature variations.
- Reserved with strangers: His natural shyness requires early and well-managed socialization.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Calm homes: Its calm temperament fits well with a stable and not very hectic environment.
- Indoor living: It adapts well to a house or an apartment with regular outings.
- Owners attentive to care: It is better suited to people ready to monitor skin, eyes and weight with rigor.
Not recommended for
- Fans of very athletic dogs: His need for exercise remains moderate and he is not made for intense daily activity.
- People with little time for health monitoring: The breed requires real consistency in skin care and health check-ups.
- Very hot climates: Heat is poorly tolerated and requires important daily precautions.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
48 cmShar-Pei
- Height at the withers
- 44–51 cm
- Weight
- 18–25 kg
- Coat
- Short, very short
- FCI group
- 2
- Origin
- China
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Shar-Pei in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Shar-Pei is a very ancient Chinese breed, attested by representations dating back more than 2 millennia. Historically bred in the coastal regions of southern China, it was used as a guard and hunting dog by peasants. The breed also experienced a period of use in fights before nearly disappearing, then being saved thanks to a few individuals kept in Hong Kong, in Taiwan and later revived by Western breeders.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog, robust, compact and solidly built. Its most distinctive feature is the presence of pronounced folds on the head and body, associated with a broad muzzle reminiscent of that of the hippopotamus. Its coat is harsh, very short and bristly, without undercoat. The ears are small and triangular, the almond-shaped eyes give a frowning expression, and the tail is set high, often curled over the back.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Shar-Pei is a particularly calm, gentle and kind dog with its family. It is affectionate without being intrusive, fairly independent on a daily basis and often reserved with strangers. A good guard dog, it watches over its home seriously but without excessive aggressiveness. Its steady temperament is well suited to a stable environment and to calm owners.
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Shar-Pei has a moderate activity level and enjoys a quiet routine. He tolerates being left alone fairly well if he was accustomed to it early, but prefers to live indoors, in close contact with his loved ones. Not very athletic and not very playful compared to other breeds, he still needs regular outings to maintain his physical condition and his balance.
Training
## Training and socialization
Training a Shar-Pei requires consistency, calm, and a certain firmness without harshness. It is an intelligent dog, able to learn easily when it understands what is expected of it and when it is motivated by a fair relationship with its owner. It does not tolerate brutal or inconsistent methods well. Early socialization is important to help it remain balanced with strangers and other animals.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Shar-Pei
The price of the Shar-Pei varies depending on the quality of the bloodline, the reputation of the breeding kennel, the seriousness of health monitoring, and compliance with the standard. Given the breed’s health issues, it is particularly important to favor a breeder who is transparent about tests and the monitoring of breeding dogs.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shar-pei/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Shar-Pei has a health profile that must be monitored carefully despite its rustic appearance. Its skin folds and the sensitivity of its skin require rigorous care, and the breed is predisposed to several ocular, dermatological, joint and metabolic conditions. Regular veterinary follow-up and serious breeding selection are essential.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shar-pei/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Shar-Pei’s diet must remain balanced, digestible and adapted to its age, its weight and its rather moderate activity level. As the breed can gain weight quite easily, it is useful to favor a good-quality diet and to strictly control the quantities given.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shar-pei/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The name Shar-Pei often means "sand skin" in reference to the rough texture of its coat. The breed has become very recognizable worldwide thanks to its unique appearance made of folds and its serious expression. Among the Shar-Peis featured in the media, Paddington helped popularize the breed on social networks with his companion cat Butler.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Shar-Pei
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Shar-Pei suited to apartment living?
Yes, the Shar-Pei can live well in an apartment if its daily outings are ensured and the environment remains calm. Its moderate activity level and calm temperament make it a dog that is fairly compatible with indoor living.
### Is the Shar-Pei easy to train?
The Shar-Pei learns well when training is consistent, calm, and respectful. It does not like harshness and responds better to a relationship of trust, with socialization started early.
### Does the Shar-Pei require a lot of grooming?
Its short coat is easy to maintain, but its folds require regular monitoring to prevent irritation and infections. Thorough drying after baths and checking the eyes and ears are important.
## Find a Shar-Pei breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Shar-Pei breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Shar-Pei breeders in Hauts-de-France9](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/hauts-de-france) [Shar-Pei breeders in Grand Est8](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/grand-est) [Shar-Pei breeders in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes7](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/auvergne-rhone-alpes) [Shar-Pei breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [Shar-Pei breeders in Normandy6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/normandy) [Shar-Pei breeders in Brittany5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/brittany) [Shar-Pei breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Shar-Pei breeders in Occitanie5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/occitanie)
### Shar-Pei breeders by country
[62 breeders of Shar-Pei in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei) [27 breeders of Shar-Pei in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/germany) [22 breeders of Shar-Pei in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/italy) [7 breeders of Shar-Pei in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/netherlands) [7 breeders of Shar-Pei in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/spain) [4 breeders of Shar-Pei in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/denmark) [4 breeders of Shar-Pei in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/united-kingdom) [3 breeders of Shar-Pei in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/austria) [1 breeder of Shar-Pei in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/belgium) [1 breeder of Shar-Pei in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei/finland)
[All breeders of Shar-Pei in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei)
## Ready to welcome a Shar-Pei?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shar-pei)
## Compare Shar-Pei with other breeds
- [Shar-Pei vs. Chow Chow](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/shar-pei-vs-chow-chow)
## Discover other breeds
[Chow Chow
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/chow-chow)
[Eurasier
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/eurasier)
[Samoyed
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/samoyed)
[Tibetan Mastiff
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/tibetan-mastiff)
[Atlas Shepherd Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/atlas-shepherd-dog)
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