At a glance the quick version
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.
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
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.14
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.31
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to house or flat living with daily walks; its reserved nature suits a calm home.34
Company who they like around
Strongly attached to its own people and naturally watchful with newcomers, so early socialising is helpful.41
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.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Shar Pei, and at what times?
Feed your adult Shar Pei at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6
What should a Shar Pei eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to your Shar Pei's age and size is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet.7
How often should I bathe a Shar Pei?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Keep the skin folds clean and dry between baths to prevent irritation.8 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Shar Pei need brushing?
A weekly brush is perfect for the short, bristly coat. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every seven days to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.31 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Shar Pei's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain. If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.8 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Shar Pei need?
A Shar Pei needs moderate exercise, about an hour a day. Daily walks and playtime are ideal, and this calm breed adapts well to house or flat living.3 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Shar Pei's teeth and ears?
Brush your Shar Pei's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and keep them dry, especially since the ears can trap moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Shar Pei live?
A Shar Pei typically lives around 10 years or more. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.32
Is a Shar Pei good with children and other pets?
Shar Peis are devoted and affectionate with their family, including children if raised together. They can be reserved with strangers and may need careful introduction to other pets. Early socialisation is very helpful.14
Can a Shar Pei be left alone?
Shar Peis have an independent streak and can handle some time alone, but they are strongly attached to their family. Prolonged isolation may cause anxiety, so provide toys and a calm environment.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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 support@furrydiary.app 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
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.