How Much Does a Shar Pei Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Although the Chinese Shar-Pei breed is the 134th breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, it appeared hundreds of years ago. It was developed to guard, hunt, and later to fight, being known for its characteristic fur that is short, shaggy, and with loose and wrinkled skin, at the same time being recognized for its devotion to its family.

Today, the Shar-Pei puppy lives its life as a beloved pet. Its name means “sand skin” and refers to its distinctive, hair-like fur. This is not the only unusual thing about a Chinese Shar-Pei quadruped. He is like a solid mass of loose folds of skin that make him look like he is wearing a voluminous, oversized suit.

How Much Do Chinese Shar-Pei Puppies Cost?

A Shar-Pei puppy likely costs somewhere between $550 and more than $1,400. There are several factors that influence the average cost of this breed, such as the breeder, age, geographical location, quality, parents, and gender. For instance, a popular type like the bear coat Shar-Pei would have an average price of around $2,200 at some reputable breeders.

Often, it is hard to find a miniature Shar-Pei, that has a weight of less than 40 pounds and a height of up to 17 inches, and costs anywhere between $850 and $1,800. Also, you will have to pay for the extra shipping fee in case you are able to find one outside of your area.

There were more than one hundred listings with prices ranging from $550 to $1,000 on the classified website which connects buyers with dog breeders, Puppies.com, at the time this article was written. Most of these breeders offered a veterinarian examination, current vaccination, a health guarantee, and registration paperwork.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

If you purchase a Shar-Pei puppy from a reputable breeder, it should always come with up-to-date vaccinations, registration paperwork, a travel crate in case it is going to be shipped, a health guarantee, and a health checkup by a licensed vet. Also, the dog may be neutered/spayed and/or microchipped.

Shar-Pei breed overview

Apart from the characteristic folds, the Shar-Pei is one of the rare dog breeds whose tongue is dark blue-purple. The head is broad, with a flat muzzle and thick lips reminiscent of a hippopotamus. The ears are small, drooping, and worn next to the head. The tail is held up and twisted on the back forming a tighter or wider curl. In the adult Shar-pei, the height at the withers is 19 to 24 inches, and the body weight can reach up to 40 to 60 pounds.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Cairn Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, or Boston Terriers.

Representatives of the Shar Pei breed do not require too much attention from their owners, being therefore suitable for busy people who cannot devote much time to a pet. They are good protectors, guard dogs, and watchdogs, but in some cases, they can show too little patience with children and their games.

Which are the additional expenses?

Similar to any pet, you should also consider the cost of owning the dog, as you’ll surely need to budget for recurring costs like surprise/routine vet visits, daily food, shelter, water, toys, and accessories. The annual costs with a healthy dog would be anywhere between $680 and $850. This amount may increase by two or three times, maybe more if the puppy were to come down with a serious illness.

From time to time the dog will also have to visit a professional groomer.

Shar Pei puppies must be used to common hygiene procedures at home, such as cleaning the ears and claws, but also cleaning the folds. It is also very important to clean his ear canal and get him used to taking drops or tablets from a young age.

To be as easy as possible to raise and integrate into the community, the Shar Pei dog needs professional training from a young age. Similar to the Bull Terrier breed, the Shar Pei lends itself better to an experienced owner who has raised and trained dogs and is less suitable for those who have their first pet.

Although this dog has a great temperament, he still needs a firm attitude and a lot of patience, as well as plenty of socialization. Plan on spending around $55 or even more for basic starter classes, depending on the number of classes needed.

Important things to consider

In the feeding of the Shar Pei breed, it is good if the food in his bowl contains 20-24% protein and at least 12% fat.

We can talk about several health problems that specimens of this breed can face, the most common being related to skin infections that can form in large folds, but also eye diseases. Also, this breed can suffer from Shar Pei fever, a specific condition that causes fever and inflammation of the wrists.

Shar Pei needs rare bathing when the dog is dirty or has a disturbing smell. Too frequent washing will remove the protective sebum from the dog’s skin and predispose it to irritation, itching, and dermatitis. It is necessary to use a special shampoo for dogs that does not dry the skin and to use moisturizing balms.

The short fur of the Shar Pei makes it less resistant to extreme temperatures. If you choose to keep him in the yard, provide him with a well-insulated cage, which will protect him both from the cold of winter and from the hot days of summer. It is equally important to limit his exposure to the sun on days when the radiation is intense.

Tips for saving money

Take into consideration adopting a Shar-Pei dog from a rescue group or local shelter. Maybe you will not be able to find the exact breed, but you could find a similar one. Moreover, you will buy or adopt a dog that really needs a forever home, instead of spending thousands of dollars on a dog from a reputable breeder.