Shar Pei Health?

Question

I've been reading the questions on here and am surprised. Why do people think Shar Pei have skin problems? I have a 6 month old (since she was 10 weeks) + there are no special requirements, no problems with her skin...People have this misconception there are lots of health problems. If you get a good breeder, they're no more likely 2b unhealthy than other breeds.

She has a bath every 2weeks and needs very little other care, however, I keep an eye on her eyes as they can get entropion (not exclusive to Shar Pei). They don't shed, have short hair that's virtually hypo-allergenic and are lovely.

And before anyone asks, I didn't get a Shar Pei because they're cute and wrinkly as pups (mine is nearly out of her wrinkles). They're great family dogs, very loyal and people orientated and they don't bark a lot.

I'm not really asking a question, I know, but I'm concerned about this misconception that people have when they don't know the breed.

Right, rant over!

Hi, thanks 4answering.

Thanks 2the people who understood what I was talking about. I'm not saying that shar pei do not have any health problems, nor was I saying that mine will be problem free. I was simply annoyed at the generalisation that shar pei will have health problems just because of the odd wrinkle and perceived bad breeding.

Shar pei grow out of their wrinkles by 6-8 months. Most mastiffs have wrinkles + u don't see much written about them.

It's people who think they are experts on ALL dogs because they work at a vets that annoy me.

Roxie, I call mine my little friendly hippo! Her actual name is Esme.

And Diana, don't call me sister. you are not on some rubbish chat show, + don't tell me 2wait till she's older like I'll be sorry I never listened.

My dog, so far, is healthy. I found a breeder that cares + has good pedigree. I have pet insurance and I love her to bits. I think that goes a long way. Skin problems are caused by lack of care, plain and simple.

And another thing...

Shar Pei used to guard the Chinese royal family. When Mao Tse Tung came along he banned anything to do with the royal family and people didn't want them so they weren't bred.

In the 1970s I've been told they were in the record books as being one of the rarest breeds in the world.

When they were being re-bred, Mastiffs were used to expand the gene-pool.

Generally, Chinese type shar pei are less wrinkly, whereas in america they breed to retain wrinkles. They have even created a miniature shar pei that stays wrinkly and puppy-sized. I hate that.

I've also read that Shar Pei are one of 17 ancient breeds so far discovered. Which means they haven't actually changed that much in the past 1000 years.

Love my dog!

Answer 1

Ive not heard that sha peis have any more health problems than any other.

My ex husband has one and he has never come near me its daddy's boy.

Answer 2

One misconception is that the Shar-Pei have skin problems due to their wrinkles. Yes some Shar-Pei have skin problems, but it is not because the dog has wrinkles, but rather a hereditary condition. Due to over popularity in the 1980's, some Shar-Pei do have hereditary skin problems. However if you buy from a reputable breeder, this conditions will not be a problem. Be sure to find a breeder who strives for healthy dogs.

Answer 3

About a year ago I was considering adopting a Shar Pei mix from my local animal shelter. I did some research on the breed, and it seemed like half the websites said they have skin problems while the other half said they didn't have any exceptional skin problems.

People talk about stuff they don't know anything about. People rehash things they've heard without looking into the subject themselves. It sucks, but it's just the way some people are.

Answer 4

I have a friend who raises them, and I've known this breed since before they were recognized, and believe me they DO have health issues. A lot of them won't show up until a dog is considerably older than yours.

A lot of that is due to the huge surge of popularity they went through about 10-15 years ago, when everyone who had a Pei was breeding it, regardless of health or quality. There was a lot of breeding of a lot of dogs from an extremely small gene pool.

Good breeders are working hard to correct these issues, but it's a long road.

Answer 5

Are you kidding me? Shar Pei's ARE prone to skin problems. Stop living in denial! Some are better than others, but it's a genetic problem in the breed due to the way their hair grows, their skin, oil production and oil gland problems, the wrinkles, etc. They are also prone to allergies (luckily not as much as our over bred labs and golden ret.).

And as far as the hypo-allergenic comment -- Do you like with you head stuck in a dark place all the time? Short hair does not make them hypo allergenic! And they do shed sister!

I guess the only good thing you can say about shar peis is that due to the unpopularity of the breed, they are not over bred like labs and goldens and are not prone to many orthopedic problems.

I was diagnosed at the age of 13 with inhaled allergies to all fur bearing animals. I own cats, poodles and chihuahuas. I work in veterinary surgery and come into contact with many animals and lots of hair. I can tell you that the worst animals to shave are shar peis. Why? Because of their skin and because every time I touch one, I break out in hives all over! Second worst animals skin and hair - cocker spaniels.

Your dog is young - just wait until she's older.

Answer 6

The problem they have is when there is moisture in their wrinkles. It can cause yeast infections and lead to hair loss and infection. If yours is virtually wrinkle free then of course you don't have any problems. I'm sure you take good care of your dog but most people don't and that is why there are so many shar pei's with skin problems. Just because yours doesn't have problems doesn't mean others don't.
Rant over.

Answer 7

hello there i too am a proud owner of two shar peis who i love dearly and have made excellent family pets, i have three young children...
people do always think that they have problems with their skin and i dont understand why... if their wrinkles were hard then you could understand them getting sore inbetween them but we have never had any problems with ours and anyone who knows anything about the breed will know that this isnt a problem with this breed...
from one shar pei owner to another.... merry christmas....

Answer 8

IThe Ones I see are Generly in The Shelter Where I work..I think Those are given up because of the skin problems-Some Eye Problems as Well! Its Nice to hear you dont Over Bathe Yours as I think That Causes MORE problems in ALL dog Breeds than underbathing...The Skin Problems We generly Clear Up with a Round of Steriods, Antibiotics and Medicated Shampoos Such as Malasab...I tend to believe people Bath them leaving shampoos under the folds of skin..All breeds need to be Rinsed completly...And Yes They Are NiceI Love the Big Wide Hippo Heads They just make me Laugh!And Your Right I dont recall The ones we have gotten in being Over Excitable or Barkers!..I Must Admit Its Not a Breed I want..I like My Greyhounds Who get a lot of wrong Answers about them as well....I actualy Read one Answer That you could Spay a Pregnant Cat! Wellll, I have been in The Surgery Room and Watched It Done Many Times...Dogs Too...You should have to pass a test to be able to answer Questions!

Answer 9

You should only bathe when needed. They suffer from skin problems because their skin is wrinkled. Shar-peis can also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease and eye diseases, because of eyes diseases it may need currective eye surgery.

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