As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked about different breeds and their typical temperaments. One dog that frequently comes up in these discussions is the Chinese Shar Pei. With their deeply wrinkled skin, hippopotamus-shaped head, and scowling expression, Shar Peis have an undeniably intimidating presence. But are these unique-looking dogs really as aggressive as they appear?
The truth is, like many breeds with a strong guarding background, Shar Peis do have the potential for aggressive behavior – but that doesn‘t mean they can‘t also make loving and devoted companions. Proper socialization and training from a young age can make a world of difference. However, this is a challenging breed that requires an experienced owner willing to put in considerable time and effort.
As a veterinarian, I‘ve seen both sides of the Shar Pei coin – from poorly bred dogs with serious behavior problems to well-raised Peis that are gentle and affectionate with their families. Understanding what makes this breed tick is key to bringing out their best.
Ancient Breed, Turbulent History
The Chinese Shar Pei is an ancient breed with a fascinating yet tumultuous past. Statues dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) depict dogs resembling the Shar Pei, suggesting they originated in southern China at least 2,000 years ago.[^1]
For centuries, these versatile dogs served as hunters, herders, guardians, and fighters. Their loose skin, compact build, and tenacious spirit made them formidable opponents in the fighting ring. Those wrinkles weren‘t just for show – they allowed the dogs to twist out of an enemy‘s grip and protected their vital organs from injury.[^2]
However, in the 20th century, the Shar Pei breed nearly vanished altogether. As China underwent major social and economic changes, dog fighting fell out of favor. By the 1970s, only a handful of Shar Peis remained.[^3]
The breed‘s savior was a Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law, who appealed to American dog lovers to help preserve these unique dogs. His efforts paid off after LIFE magazine featured the Shar Pei in a 1979 article. Suddenly, the rare "wrinkle dogs" became highly sought after in the U.S.[^1]
But with the Shar Pei‘s rapid rise in popularity also came problems. Unscrupulous breeders eager to cash in on the trend began churning out puppies with little regard for health or temperament. This led to a proliferation of Shar Peis with both physical and behavioral issues.[^3]
Bred for Guarding, Not Beginner Owners
The Shar Pei‘s history as a guardian and fighting dog is still very much a part of the breed today. Bred to be suspicious of outsiders, these dogs retain strong protective instincts and a natural wariness of strangers. They form incredibly tight bonds with their owners and can be aloof even with friends of the family.[^4]
While devoted to their humans, Shar Peis are also independent thinkers. They can be stubborn and strong-willed, preferring to do things their own way. Training a Shar Pei takes consistency, patience, and a firm hand – they won‘t respond well to wishy-washy owners who let them call the shots.[^5]
These traits make Shar Peis ill-suited for novice dog owners or families with young children. They need confident leaders who understand guarding breeds and are committed to training and socialization.[^4]
Many Shar Peis are also prone to dog aggression, especially if not properly socialized. Same sex aggression is common, so most do best as the only dog or when paired with an opposite sex companion.[^5] Shar Peis have a high prey drive and shouldn‘t be trusted around cats or other small pets.
Nature, Nurture, and Curbing Aggression
So what‘s the key to raising a well-adjusted Shar Pei? It all starts in puppyhood. From a young age, Shar Peis need plenty of positive exposure to new people, animals, places, and situations. A lack of early socialization often leads to fearful, anxious, and aggressive behavior down the road.[^6]
The ideal time for socialization is between 3-12 weeks old, when puppies are most open to new experiences.[^7] Shar Pei pups should be enrolled in reward-based training classes right away and taken on frequent outings to experience the world. Introducing them to friendly strangers, other dogs, and novel stimuli will help boost their confidence.
Socialization shouldn‘t stop after puppyhood, though – it‘s a lifelong endeavor. Shar Peis should continue meeting new people and dogs in positive ways throughout their lives. Enrolling them in dog sports like obedience, tracking, and agility is also great enrichment that keeps their mind and body engaged.[^6]
It‘s equally important to train your Shar Pei using positive reinforcement from day one. Harsh corrections will only damage your relationship and potentially bring out aggressive behaviors. Focus on rewarding desired actions with high value treats, praise, and playtime.[^5]
Providing plenty of physical and mental exercise is also key for this intelligent, active breed. Bored Shar Peis are much more likely to act out. Aim for at least an hour of aerobic activity daily, along with puzzle toys and interactive games to keep them mentally stimulated.[^4]
The Stats on Shar Peis and Dog Bite Risk
Despite their tough persona, statistics show Shar Peis are far from the most aggressive breed out there. According to a study of dog bite fatalities from 1979-1996, Shar Peis were responsible for 0.8% of attacks.[^8] Research on dog bite injuries treated at US emergency rooms from 2005-2018 found Shar Pei bites made up just 0.2% of cases.[^9]
No dog is 100% risk-free, but with good breeding, training, and socialization, Shar Peis generally pose no more of a bite threat than the average dog. Still, because of their guarding nature and standoffish personality with strangers, even well-raised Shar Peis need close supervision in new situations.[^6]
The Special Shar Pei Bond (When Done Right)
When placed in the right home and given the structure and socialization they need, Shar Peis can be immensely rewarding companions. Yes, they require more work than the average dog, but for experienced owners willing to put in the effort, the payoff is an incredibly devoted and affectionate friend.[^1]
Well-raised Shar Peis are generally calm, clean, and quiet. They don‘t bark excessively, and they‘re not overly hyper or destructive in the house.[^5] While not fawning or needy, they form exceptionally deep attachments to their owners and love just hanging out wherever you are. That wrinkly mug and soulful gaze will melt your heart!
Shar Peis are also highly intelligent and retain their ancestral instincts to hunt, guard, and work alongside their humans. Participating in dog sports together is the perfect way to channel those natural drives while strengthening your bond.[^4]
The Bottom Line on Shar Pei Aggression
In summary, the Shar Pei does have aggressive tendencies hardwired into the breed that can‘t be completely trained away. They will always be somewhat suspicious of strangers and prone to guarding behaviors.
However, with knowledgeable owners committed to early training and lifelong socialization, Shar Peis can learn to discriminate real threats from normal interactions.[^6] The key is putting in the considerable work required to help these dogs reach their full potential.
If you‘re thinking of adding a Shar Pei to your life, honestly assess whether you have the time and experience to handle this powerful breed. Thoroughly research breeders and avoid those that breed for exaggerated features or the wrong motivations. Adopting an adult Shar Pei from a rescue group is another great option, as their temperament will already be known.
When raised with love, consistency, and proper socialization, Shar Peis make faithful, affectionate, and endlessly fascinating companions. That scowling expression will keep you smiling for years! Just expect some wrinkles along the way – both the adorable skin folds and the training challenges.
References
[^1]: American Kennel Club. Chinese Shar-Pei. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei/[^2]: Dogtime. Chinese Shar-Pei. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei#/slide/1
[^3]: Morris, D. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square Publishing, 2008.
[^4]: ASPCA. Chinese Shar-Pei Care. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/chinese-shar-pei-care
[^5]: Petfinder. Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Breed Information. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/chinese-shar-pei/
[^6]: American Shar-Pei Club. Is the Chinese Shar-Pei the Right Breed for You? https://www.americansharpeiclub.org/right-breed
[^7]: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on Puppy Socialization. https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf
[^8]: Sacks JJ, Sinclair L, Gilchrist J, Golab GC, Lockwood R. Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1996. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000; 217: 836-840. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10997153/
[^9]: Essig G et al. Dog Bite Injuries to the Face: Is There Risk with Breed Ownership? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Int J Ped Otorhinolaryng 2019; 117: 182-188. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30473352
