Breed Health
Shar Pei Health Issues
The Shar Pei’s distinctive wrinkled skin brings a specific set of health considerations unique among dog breeds.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Shar Pei Fever
A hereditary inflammatory condition largely unique to the breed, causing recurring fever and swollen joints; managed with veterinary guidance, sometimes long-term.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
Deep wrinkles can trap moisture and bacteria if not cleaned regularly, leading to painful skin infections.
Entropion
An inward rolling of the eyelid very common in the breed due to its wrinkled face; often corrected with a minor surgical procedure, sometimes even in puppies.
Hip Dysplasia
A joint malformation that can affect mobility; screening of breeding parents lowers the odds in puppies.
Preventive Care
Daily wrinkle cleaning and thorough drying help prevent chronic skin infections in this breed more than in almost any other. Puppies should be checked early for entropion, since correcting it before chronic irritation sets in protects long-term eye health. Any recurring, unexplained fever or joint swelling is worth a prompt vet visit to evaluate for Shar Pei Fever.
Did You Know?
Shar Pei puppies are often born with even deeper wrinkles than adults — much of the skin looseness is "grown into" as the dog matures, which is part of why puppy screening for eye issues matters so much.
Shar Pei Gifts
Copyright © 2005–2026 Dog Pound. All rights reserved.