Famous for their wrinkly faces and strong regal personalities Shar-Pei are a slightly more rare site in the US, as they come in at 64 on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breed list. Weighing in at 45 -60 pounds on average, these dogs need a bit more space than popular breeds like Chihuahua, Cavalier King Charles, and Maltese.
With a life expectancy that can range widely from 8-12 years on average, it is important to understand the health issues that can impact this beautiful dog breed.
What medical conditions commonly affect Shar-Pei?
Separation Anxiety
These loyal dogs are prone to separation anxiety. Symptoms of separation anxiety include barking or whining when left alone, using the bathroom indoors, destroying things including windows, walls, the side of the crate, panting, excessive licking, loss of appetite, and needing to be close to their people at all times (sometimes called velcro dog). The treatment for separation anxiety can include crate training, behavior modification and medication in more severe cases.
Mast Cell Cancer
Dr. Jeff Vidt explains: “Due to the increased mucin in the subcutaneous tissues of Shar-Pei spread of mast cells may occur more easily as well — the mucin may also hinder the identification of the tumor margins and thus the complete surgical removal of mast cell tumors. There appears to be an inherited or genetic aspect to mast cell cancer as well as it appears more often in some lines of Shar-Pei.” When…
