Miniature Shar Pei Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Miniature Shar Pei dog breed.

Though the breed is a “miniature,” these dogs are not small. Height can reach up to 17 inches at the tops of the shoulders; average weight is 25-40 pounds.

The Miniature Shar-Pei has an interesting personality. While the breed is exceptionally loyal to its owners, it can be guarded, aloof, and sometimes aggressive to strange people or animals. These dogs behave best when they spend time with other, more personable dogs while they are puppies. When trained well, Miniatures make fantastic companions; they can be extremely playful with others, yet laid-back and calm when left alone.

These dogs require a good bit of maintenance. Because of the loose skin and wrinkles, care must be paid to this breed’s skin, or irritation may develop. They should be brushed 5-6 times per week, and require a bath once or twice a week using a mild soap.

The Chinese Shar-Pei, from which the Miniature is bred, existed in Asia as early as 250 B.C., when it was depicted on pottery pieces from the Han Dynasty., Shar-Peis were originally cross-bred from Mastiffs, Chow Chows, various bulldog breeds, and terriers. Interestingly, through the centuries this breed began to subdivide into two separate sizes; the smaller Shar-Peis were originally considered unhealthy, poorly bred versions of their larger counterparts. Around the time the Chinese Shar-Pei was officially recognized by the AKC in 1992, it was discovered that the smaller versions of the breed existed because of a recessive gene in the Chinese Shar-Pei; thus the Miniature became acknowledged as a sub-species of the Standard.

The Miniature Shar-Pei is almost “square” in dimensions, since its height is generally equally proportionate to its length. Broad but short, the Miniature, like its Standard cousin, has a slightly large head (often described as “hippopotamus-like”), a blue/black tongue, and numerous wrinkles on its head, neck, and shoulders. Members of this breed display a thick, rounded tail that usually curls up over the back. This breed, like the Standard, has thick loose skin, and its fur is short. “Shar-pei” literally translates to “sand-skin,” and the breed is known for its rough, short coat. It has sunken, almond-shaped eyes, and thick ears that point forward and lie flat on the head.

Three words describe this breed: loyal, independent, and calm. Though the Shar-Pei seems to have a frowning expression, its behavior belies that, as the breed is normally intelligent, devoted to its handler, playful, yet easy-going when not bothered. These dogs are excellent companions and good watchdogs, but tend to be a bit dominant without proper training. If its handler does not firmly establish him- or herself as the predominant creature, the Miniature Shar-Pei will assert its own will. The breed is extremely devoted to its owners, and will develop a loyal, lasting relationship to its family, especially if introduced when it is young. The Miniature has been described as standoffish, even aloof toward strangers.

The main health issues a Miniature Shar-Pei may suffer will be due to its loose skin. The folds may cause minor skin irritation; a more serious issue is “entropion,” a condition in which the skin over the dog’s eyes is so thick that it causes the eyelids to rub against the cornea of the eye. Surgery may be required to remove this excess eye skin. Entropion may be avoided in puppies using a process called “tacking,” during which the pup’s excess eye skin is held away from its eyes with stitches, giving the puppy time to grown into its skin as it ages.

This breed may also develop minor allergies that require a veterinary visit; the allergies, while relatively expensive to treat, have little effect on the dog’s overall health.