Do Shar-Pei have lots of medical problems?
No. When the Shar-Pei first came to this country, there were only a few dozen dogs from which to start a breeding program. Unfortunately, some early dogs had health problems. Over the past 25 years dedicated breeders have carefully worked to eliminate health problems by breeding only sound, healthy dogs. Most Shar-Pei do not require eye entropian surgery (some require eye tacking, this allows the head time to grow into the extra skin) and do not have skin problems. Shar-Pei do not have an under coat of hair, so when they lose their coat of hair in the Spring, they can look pretty untidy – this is normal. The holes and pits in their coat is not a skin disease, it is a natural process. After a few weeks of brushing out the old hair a new coat can grow in. Because of the small ear canals and tight ear flaps, the Shar-Pei can develop ear infections. It is necessary to do regular inspection and cleaning of their ears to prevent costly vet bills.
