Every breed of dog has hereditary health issues to contend with, just as humans have hereditary health issues within their families.  Some breeds of dogs have more health concerns than others and the Chinese Shar Pei ranks about medium, or in the middle of the spectrum.

Health related problems are greatly reduced if you purchase your purebred puppy from a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable of the hereditary issues and avoids breeding any of these conditions into their puppies. This being said, genetics can be unpredictable and even the most carefully planned and researched breedings can produce problems. But the risks and chances are greatly reduced compared to someone who just puts two dogs together to produce a litter of puppies. A reputable and knowledgeable breeder will also give you the information you need to make an informed and educated choice about the purebred puppy you are interested in.  You should know about the types of health problems, if any, you may encounter. Mixed breed dogs can also have hereditary problems. They can acquire the hereditary problems from every breed that was mixed together to produce them.

It would be unrealistic to think that you will ever own a dog that will experience no health problems in their lifetime. It is just as unlikely to expect that you or your children would never need to be seen by a doctor. However, understanding the breeds specific health problems and learning more about how often they can occur and what you should do to prevent or cope with them if they arise will help you preserve the health and longevity of your pet.

It is very important for the health of your Shar Pei puppy/dog and your peace of mind that you take him/her to a veterinarian experienced in treating Chinese Shar Pei. It is strongly recommended that any surgery or treatment of problems specific to the Chinese Shar Pei breed be performed by a veterinarian who is knowledgeable and familiar with the breed.

Unfortunately, not all veterinarians are familiar with the unique traits of the Chinese Shar Pei. It is worth the drive or a long distance phone call to be sure your dog is getting proper care and attention. Check out our Helpful Links page to find a Shar Pei knowledgeable veterinarian in your area.