## The "thousand folds" dog

The **Shar Pei** is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world. **Abundant fold skin**, **flat muzzle**, **small, deep-set eyes**: it looks like it came straight out of an ancient Chinese painting.

**Ancient** (originating over 2,000 years ago), **fascinating**, **loyal**.

But hidden beneath the famous folds are **5 specific health issues** that few know about.

## The history: ancient Chinese dog

**Origin**: **China, Han dynasty** (over 2,000 years ago).

**Documented history**:
- Terracotta figurines from the **Han dynasty** depict similar dogs.
- Bred in Southern China.

**Original work**:
- **Multi-functional dog**.
- Hunting.
- Guarding.
- Herding.
- Fighting (in the past, obviously banned today).

**Name**:
- "Shar Pei" = "**sand skin**" (referring to the texture of the coat).

**Nearly extinct**:
- 1970: Chinese communism eliminated many pets.
- **Breed saved** by Matgo Law (Hong Kong) who made a global appeal to preserve it.

**Modern spread**:
- 1980s-90s: global explosion.
- "Rarest breed in the world" (Guinness 1978).

## Physical characteristics

**Size**: medium.

**Weight**:
- Males: 25-35 kg.
- Females: 20-30 kg.

**Height**: 46-51 cm.

**Body**:
- Compact.
- Muscular.
- Skin with **abundant folds** (especially in puppies).

**Head**:
- Characteristic "hippopotamus" shape.
- Flat muzzle (mild brachycephaly).
- Small, "sunken" eyes.

**Tongue**:
- **Blue-black**: a unique characteristic.
- Shared only with Chow Chow.

**Coat**:
- **Short, rough**.
- Texture "**bristle**" (hairy).

**Three types**:
- **Horse-coat**: very short hair (1 cm).
- **Brush-coat**: medium hair (2-3 cm).
- **Bear-coat**: long hair (rare, not standard).

**Colors**:
- Fawn (yellow-fawn).
- Red.
- Black.
- Cream.
- Apricot.

**Lifespan**: 8-12 years.

## The 5 hidden health problems

### Problem 1: Shar Pei family fever (FSF)

**Breed-specific**:
- "**Familial amyloidosis**".
- Cumulative amyloid deposits in organs.
- Causes **kidney failure**.

**Symptoms**:
- Recurrent fever episodes.
- Swelling in joints (especially hocks).
- Kidney failure at mid-age.

**Frequency**:
- 5-25% of Shar Peis.

**Genetic testing**:
- Available (test "MED2").
- Serious breeders perform it.

**Management**:
- Colchicine (chronic therapy).
- Regular veterinary visits.

### Problem 2: entropion

**What it is**:
- Eyelid **rolled inward**.
- Eyelashes touch the cornea.

**Common** in breeds with abundant skin.

**Symptoms**:
- Tearing.
- Rubbing of eyes.
- Corneal ulcers.

**Solution**:
- **Corrective surgery** (expensive).
- Often needed in both eyes.

**Cost**: €1,000-2,000 per procedure.

### Problem 3: fold dermatitis

**Abundant folds** retain:
- Moisture.
- Debris.
- Bacteria.

**Skin issues**:
- Dermatitis.
- Infections.
- Bad odor.
- Hot spots.

**Maintenance**:
- Daily fold cleaning.
- Specific wipes.

### Problem 4: breathing difficulties

**Mild brachycephaly**:
- Flat nose.
- Narrowed nostrils.

**Consequences**:
- Snoring.
- Heat sensitivity.
- Reduced physical exertion.

### Problem 5: predisposition to tumors

**Higher frequency** than average:
- Mast cell tumors.
- Lymphomas.

**Regular veterinary visits**:
- Check skin masses.

## Daily care

### Fold cleaning (essential)

**Daily**:
- Specific wipes.
- Warm water + soft cloth.

**Weekly**:
- Deep cleaning.
- Gentle antibacterial product if necessary.

**Time**: 5-10 minutes a day.

### Eye care

**Daily**:
- Clean corners of eyes.
- Check for entropion.

### Bathing

**Monthly or as needed**:
- Complete drying **MANDATORY** (folds must not remain damp).

### Coat

**Weekly brushing**.

**Monthly bathing**.

## Daily needs

### Exercise

**Moderate**:
- 45-60 minutes a day.
- Moderate trekking.
- **Never intense exertion** (heat, long runs).

### Feeding

- Quality food.
- **Often allergic**: hypoallergenic food.
- 2 meals a day.

### Space

**Suitable for**:
- Apartment living.
- House with garden.

**Sensitivity to heat**:
- Air conditioning in summer.

## Character

### Positive aspects

**Loyal**:
- Deep bond with family.

**Calm**:
- Low energy (compared to other breeds).

**Independent**:
- "Cat-dog" for independence.

**Brave**:
- Good guardian.

**Clean**:
- Self-cleans.

### Complicated aspects

**Distrustful with strangers**:
- A dog "for one person".
- Social with family, distant with others.

**Intra-specific aggression**:
- Possible clashes with other dogs.

**May be dominant**:
- Requires management.

**Sensitive**:
- Destructive to punish.

## The cost

**Purchase**:
- ENCI breeder with FSF test: €1,500-2,500.
- Under €1,000: beware (missing tests).

**Year 1**:
- Vaccinations, sterilization, kit: €600-900.

**Annual**:
- Food (often hypoallergenic): €500-800.
- Veterinary: €300-500.
- Fold cleaning products: €100-200.
- Total: €900-1,500.

**Extraordinary costs**:
- Entropion surgery: €1,000-2,000.
- FSF treatment: €500-1,500 annually.

**Total lifetime (8-12 years)**: €15,000-30,000.

## Relationship with others

**With other dogs**:
- Possible clashes (dominant).
- Females generally more tolerant.

**With children**:
- Good with family members.
- Distrustful with unknown children.

**With cats**:
- Possible coexistence with socialization.

## Socialization: crucial

**As a puppy (8-16 weeks)**:
- Exposure to people, dogs, environments.
- Crucial to avoid adult aggression.

**Without socialization**:
- Dog becomes distrustful and potentially aggressive.

## The perfect Shar Pei for who...

**Suitable for**:
- Families with dog experience.
- Apartment or house living.
- Calm individuals.
- Ready for fold care commitment.

**Unsuitable for**:
- Inexperienced owners.
- Families with young children + other animals.
- Very hot climates.
- Those not wanting intensive care.

## The typical stories

**Positive story**:
- An adult couple with experience adopts a Shar Pei.
- Daily fold care.
- Result: 11 years of loyal companionship.

**Story with problems**:
- Adopted for aesthetics.
- Care neglected.
- Chronic skin problems.
- Result: suffering dog.

## Myths to debunk

**Myth 1**: "Folds are just 'cute'".
**False**: they require daily maintenance.

**Myth 2**: "They are easy dogs".
**False**: cleaning + health require commitment.

**Myth 3**: "All Shar Peis are the same".
**False**: lines with different issues.

**Myth 4**: "Blue tongue is abnormal".
**False**: breed characteristic.

**Myth 5**: "They live a long time".
**False**: 8-12 years average.

## The truth

The **Shar Pei** is a **fascinating** but **demanding** breed:

✅ **Unique appearance**.

✅ **Ancient history**.

✅ **Loyal character**.

✅ **Stable family dog**.

❌ **Fragile health** (entropion, FSF, allergies).

❌ **Daily fold care** necessary.

❌ **High health costs**.

❌ **Not very long lifespan** (8-12 years).

**Adopt it if**:
- You have dog experience.
- Adequate space.
- Time for care.
- Veterinary budget.

**Do not adopt it if**:
- You are looking for an "easy" dog.
- You want a luxurious life without commitments.
- You have limited funds for veterinary care.

**Investment**: €1,500-2,500 + costly care.

**Benefit**: 8-12 years of unique companionship.

And remember: behind the iconic folds lies a **ancient, loyal, fragile** dog. Treat it with respect and care, and it will give you years of deep affection.

Breed for those who love **commitment and uniqueness**.