There are many Shar Pei allergies that can be overcome with some careful thought. Unfortunately there are also a number of autoimmune problems that your Shar Pei will face that may end in medical problems requiring professional medical care. Special veterinary care is usually required for some of the allergic skin conditions and even when treated will require constant future management by the pet owner. Combined with strong behavioral tendencies the Shar Pei is not a low maintenance pet and it is also quite an expensive pet to own.



As with all pet allergies, Shar Pei allergies are usually caused by something we do to them. Often allergic reactions result from a change of food or a change of shampoo. As owners we need to consider the results of our actions at all times and given that the Shar Pei is now a pure breed recognize that the pure breeds often exhibit less tolerance for change of all forms.

A Shar Pei is a large dog and can weigh up to sixty pounds for a large specimen. Its large number of wrinkles exacerbates the potential for skin allergies on such a large dog. Of course these features of its appearance are based on the historic uses of the breed. A Shar Pei can be frightening when this rather unusual collection of skin and fur faces you off. Their tendency towards aggressive behaviors can lead to additional problems with routine care items such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Shar Pei allergies can become a serious concern if they require a vet. Routine veterinary assistance is not typical easy with a Shar Pei and many vets may not approach the dog unless it is under sedation or anesthesia.

Shar Peis that were not suitably trained may end up with some Shar Pei allergies originating with dirty ears or damaged paw pads. Shar Peis are in general rather easy to annoy, and because of their powerful nature and their low center of gravity a fully-grown Shar Pei cannot be physically subdued by an average person.

It is unfortunate that such an unusual dog is hard to take care of in this manner given their tendency to exhibit certain health problems. A Shar Pei is clearly not your traditional pet. With a documented history going back hundreds of years in China they have largely been bred for their temperament and not for their robust health. Although Shar Peis can live to the age of fifteen most live for eight to twelve years.

Although the Shar Pei has some very well documented problems, all pets do as they are after all simply animals, lower in the food chain than homo-sapiens. Despite their aggressive behavior with a tendency to some unusual Shar Pei allergies and tolerance issues they are very lovable and friendly to those that they trust.

Shar Pei allergies were the least concern as efforts were made to stabilize the population. Today there are over hundred thousand Shar Peis in existence. Although Shar Peis come with some endemic problems such as their temperament and health issues, as long as they are trained and adequate precautions are maintained for the safety of those around them they are in fact a good family dog. Furthermore, with consideration of their special needs their medical concerns can be managed.