Shar-Pei Dogs for Adoption in Jackson, MO

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.

Train a Shar-Pei with calm, consistent, reward-based methods, starting early and keeping sessions short. They are intelligent but independent, so they may ignore repetitive drills or harsh corrections. Prioritize socialization with people, places and well-mannered dogs, plus solid leash manners and recall. Many Shar-Peis house-train quickly because they tend to be naturally clean.

Shar-Peis are known for their deep wrinkles, broad hippopotamus-shaped muzzle, blue-black tongue and harsh sandpaper coat. They are also known for loyalty to their family, a dignified, aloof attitude toward strangers and a calm presence at home. On the health side, they are known for skin and eye problems and an inherited fever syndrome.

A Shar-Pei is typically calm, dignified and independent, quietly devoted to its family and often reserved with outsiders. Many are clean, quiet in the house and content with moderate exercise. They can be stubborn and territorial, and some do not welcome unfamiliar dogs. With early socialization and patient training, they often become steady, affectionate companions.

Most Shar-Peis reach adult height by about 12 to 16 months old, then continue filling out in the chest and muscle until around two years. Their wrinkles change during this time too, as puppies grow into their loose skin. Mentally, many settle into adult calmness around two years, though individual dogs vary.

Shar-Peis have so much skin because of a genetic change involving the HAS2 gene, which causes their skin to produce extra hyaluronan, a substance that thickens and folds it. The same genetic change is associated with familial Shar-Pei fever. Traditionally, the loose skin was also said to help guard dogs twist free when grabbed.

Shar-Peis are not usually classified as a true brachycephalic breed like Pugs or Bulldogs, but their short, broad muzzle and heavy facial padding can narrow the airways in some dogs. That makes many Shar-Peis heat-sensitive and prone to snoring. Owners should avoid exercising them in hot weather and watch for noisy or labored breathing.

Shar-Peis were used to hunt game such as wild boar in China, but they are not considered modern hunting dogs. They lack the pointing, flushing or retrieving instincts of sporting breeds, and their independence makes them hard to direct in the field. Many still have a strong prey drive, so secure fencing and leashes are wise.

Yes, Shar-Peis lose many of their wrinkles as they grow. Puppies are wrinkled all over, but in most adults the folds become limited to the head, neck and shoulders as the body grows into the skin. Some adults stay quite wrinkled, especially the heavier meat-mouth type, while traditional bone-mouth dogs are tighter-skinned.

Shar-Peis can change color somewhat. Puppies often lighten or darken as the adult coat comes in, and many have natural shading, usually darker along the back and ears. Adult coats may fade a little with age or sun exposure. Patchy color changes or hair loss, however, can point to skin problems and should be checked by a veterinarian.