Shar-Pei Dogs for Adoption in Santa Barbara, CA

A Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog from southern China, known for its loose, wrinkled skin, broad hippopotamus-like muzzle, small folded ears and blue-black tongue. It was used as a guardian and all-purpose farm dog. Today it is a calm, loyal companion that tends to be devoted to its family and reserved with strangers.

Shar-Pei means sand skin in Chinese, a reference to the breed's extremely harsh, bristly coat, which feels rough like sandpaper when stroked against the grain. The AKC registers the breed as the Chinese Shar-Pei, and the name is also often written as Shar Pei or Sharpei.

A Shar-Pei is a compact, square, medium-sized dog with loose skin and wrinkles on the head, neck and shoulders. It has a broad, padded muzzle, small sunken eyes with a scowling look, tiny triangular ears that lie flat and a thick tail curled high over the back. Its short, harsh coat comes in solid colors such as fawn, cream, red and black.

Shar-Peis typically live about 8 to 12 years, and UK data put the breed's average near 10.6 years, below the average for purebred dogs. Familial Shar-Pei fever and the kidney disease it can trigger are major reasons. Regular veterinary care, prompt treatment of fevers and attention to skin and eye problems give a Shar-Pei its best chance of a longer life.

Shar-Peis are medium-sized dogs, usually standing 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing about 45 to 60 pounds. Males are often larger and more square than females. They are compact and solid for their height, and their loose skin can make them look bulkier than they are, especially as puppies.

Yes, Shar-Peis shed, though their short coat makes it fairly manageable. They lose hair year-round and usually more heavily during seasonal changes, and brush-coated dogs tend to shed more than short horse-coated ones. A weekly session with a rubber curry brush or hound mitt removes loose hair. Sudden hair loss or patches can signal skin disease.

No, Shar-Peis are not hypoallergenic. They shed, and like all dogs they produce allergens in skin dander, saliva and urine. Their tendency toward skin conditions can even increase dander. The bristly coat can also irritate sensitive skin on contact. Anyone with allergies should spend extended time with a particular Shar-Pei before adopting.

Shar-Peis were bred as all-purpose farm dogs in southern China, guarding homes and livestock, hunting game such as wild boar and, for a period, fighting. Their loose skin and harsh coat are often said to have helped them twist free when grabbed. Today they are mainly companion dogs, though many keep a protective, watchful nature.

Shar-Peis can be very good dogs for the right owner. Many are calm, clean, quiet and fiercely loyal, and they often house-train easily. They can also be aloof with strangers, selective with other dogs and stubborn, and they need consistent training and early socialization. Their health needs are significant, so a commitment to veterinary care matters.

Shar-Peis come from southern China, especially the region around Guangdong. Pottery figures from the Han dynasty are sometimes cited as early evidence of similar dogs. The breed nearly disappeared in the twentieth century, and after a 1973 appeal from Hong Kong drew attention to its plight, its numbers were rebuilt in the United States.

Shar-Peis do not have a strong odor when healthy, but their folds and ears can develop yeast or bacterial infections that smell musty. Skin allergies, which are common in the breed, also cause odor. Keeping skin folds clean and dry, checking the small ear canals and following a veterinarian's skin-care advice usually keeps a Shar-Pei fresh.

Most adult Shar-Peis weigh about 45 to 60 pounds, with males typically heavier than females. A healthy Shar-Pei should look compact and solid, with ribs you can feel beneath the loose skin. Because their skin and coat can hide weight gain, regular weigh-ins and body-condition checks with a veterinarian are a good idea.

Shar-Peis can get cold in very low temperatures, since their short, harsh coat offers limited insulation, but most tolerate cool weather well. Heat is usually the bigger concern, because their broad muzzle and dense skin make overheating easy. In harsh winter weather a dog coat helps, and in summer shade, water and short walks are essential.

Caring for a Shar-Pei means keeping skin folds clean and dry, checking ears and eyes regularly, brushing weekly and bathing with a gentle or vet-recommended shampoo, then drying thoroughly. Feed a quality diet, provide daily walks and socialize early. Watch for fevers, swollen hocks, squinting or red skin, and see a veterinarian quickly when they appear.

A Shar-Pei puppy looks like it is wearing a coat several sizes too big. Wrinkles cover its head, neck and body, with deep folds around the face and legs, along with tiny ears, a padded muzzle and squinting eyes. Puppies grow into much of that skin as they mature, so adults usually have wrinkles mainly on the head, neck and shoulders.

Shar-Peis are no longer rare, though they once were. In 1978 the Guinness Book of Records called them the world's rarest breed, with perhaps only a few dozen known dogs. American enthusiasm afterward made them widely popular, and today Shar-Peis and Shar-Pei mixes appear regularly in shelters and breed-specific rescues across the country.

Shar-Peis generally do not drool much, but some, especially those with heavily padded lips and loose facial skin, may drip a little after drinking or eating. Moisture trapped in lip folds can cause irritation or odor. Gently wiping the mouth and folds after meals helps. Sudden heavy drooling may signal dental trouble, nausea or overheating.

Many Shar-Peis are not fond of water and are not natural swimmers, though dogs vary and some enjoy wading. Their heavy head and compact body can make swimming tiring, so always supervise them near pools or open water. After baths or swims, dry their skin folds and ears thoroughly to prevent yeast and bacterial infections.

Shar-Peis are often calm, low-key dogs that happily nap much of the day, and adults commonly sleep around 12 to 14 hours, which is normal for dogs. Puppies and seniors sleep even more. A sudden increase in sleep or lethargy, especially with fever or swollen joints, can be a sign of Shar-Pei fever and needs veterinary attention.

Shar-Peis usually have litters of about four to six puppies, though smaller and larger litters occur. The mother's age, size and health affect the number. Most Shar-Peis in shelters and rescues are spayed or neutered before adoption, which prevents unplanned litters and helps avoid some health problems for the dog.