Breed Buzz: Shar Pei


Did You Know: Shar Peis were originally bred as farm and hunting dogs? The Shar Pei is an excellent watchdog, with a strong protective instinct towards its owner.

Loyal and independent, the Shar Pei is best known for its wrinkly skin (which is actually a trait of western-bred stocks and not the original “bone mouth” Chinese stock). The Shar Pei also comes in one of three coat varieties, which can drastically affect the dog’s look: horse, brush and bear. The horse coat is very prickly to the touch, while the brush coat is thicker and softer. The bear coat is the longest of the three and makes the Shar Pei look more like a Chow Chow.  

We've made this comparison for you of the 3 different Shar Pei Coats

Are they right for your family?  The Shar Pei can be suspicious of strangers and early socialization and obedience training is necessary to avoid aggressive tendencies. While generally a silent breed, the Shar Pei will bark continually to alert its owner to any perceived danger, making him an effective watchdog. The Shar Pei is also generally accepting of children and other dogs within the family unit. Above all, the Shar Pei is intensely loyal to its owner, making a wonderful companion dog.

What is important to know?  Shar Peis are prone to skin allergies, often exacerbated by the wrinkly skin folds popular in western-bred stocks. High quality foods rich in protein and vitamins will help keep the coat and skin in good condition. Evanger’s Grain-Free meals make an ideal diet for the Shar Pei. Try Grain-Free Chicken with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin supplemented with Grain Free Wild Salmon for a high quality, protein rich, USA-made diet that supports healthy skin and coat.
High quality foods that support healthy skin and coat are a great food choice for the Shar Pei

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