There’s so much to love about the charming Chinese Shar-Pei! Have you ever met a Shar-Pei? If so, you would remember them! They’re famous for their squishy faces, unique wrinkled skin, and distinct blue-black tongue. These dogs are like no other breed you’ve ever seen. They’re distinctive, eye-catching, and always the talk of the dog park.
Just imagine being wrapped in a cozy, oversized, soft sweater. This is how it feels when hugging a Shar-Pei. Their skin is thick and loose, simulating exactly a comfy oversized sweater. Do you know that these fascinating wrinkles serve a serious purpose? It is believed these extra folds were handy for Chinese farmers who originally bred these dogs to guard livestock and property, as the wrinkles made it hard for predators to get a firm grip on them.
But with a coat that unique, many prospective pet parents wonder, “Does a Chinese Shar-Pei shed a lot?” This is a question that holds a lot of weight, especially for those who suffer from allergies, own sensitive furniture, or just prefer not to spend most of their time vacuuming pet hair. If this sounds like you, hold onto your hats – and your lint rollers. You’re about to find out all you need to know about the surprising shedding patterns of the Chinese Shar-Pei.
When you think of a Shar-Pei, sweeping the house for floating dog fur may not be the first thing that crosses your mind. But, you might be amazed to learn that these no-nonsense guard dogs do, indeed, shed but far less and differently than what you would expect from such thick-coated canines.
Part of what makes the Chinese Shar-Pei so distinctive is its coat. But did you know there are actually three types of coats a Shar-Pei can have? There’s the “horse” coat, the “brush” coat, and the “bear” coat, each varies in length and consequently in their shedding patterns too.
Let’s start with the horse-coated Shar-Pei. This type’s short, bristly fur is closest to what the original Chinese Shar-Pei had. In terms of shedding, horse-coated Shar-Pei is most prone to shed but in an unusual, almost unnoticeable manner. Their hair is so short that when it sheds, it leaves no long, visible strands lying about. It’s more like little spikes that get into your clothes and upholstery and could be challenging to completely clean up.
The “brush” coat is slightly longer, maxing out at around an inch in length. They shed more visibly than horse-coated Shar-Pei but still less than a lot of other breeds. Bonus, their hairs are not as prickly when they shed, making it easier to handle.
Lastly, there’s the “bear” coat. Now, bear coats are a bit tricky because technically they are considered outside the breed standard set by The American Kennel Club, but they still pop up now and again. Bear-coated Shar-Peis have truly thick, luscious fur that sheds quite a bit more than the other two coat types.
Regardless of the coat type, the biggest surprise comes twice a year! Brace yourself for the shedding season. During this wonder of nature, also known as “blowing the coat,” Shar-Peis will shed more profusely – leaving tufts of hair that you may not have thought possible from one dog. But, not to worry – this is only temporary, usually lasting about two to three weeks.
Now that you know about the Shar-Pei’s shedding patterns, let’s look at how to manage it. Regular brushing is your best friend here. Brushing loosens and removes dead hairs before they have a chance to fall off on their own. This is especially helpful during the heavy shedding periods. For a horse or brush coat Shar-Pei, a rubber curry brush will do the trick. If you have a bear coat Shar-Pei, a pin brush will work better. Plus, dogs usually love being brushed, so it’s a win-win situation!
The key part of keeping shedding under control is to ensure your dog’s skin and coat health. Along with regular grooming, make sure you provide a diet rich in essential fatty acids, or consider adding a vet-approved skin and coat supplement.
Remember, while Shar-Peis do shed, their unique coats mean you aren’t dealing with dog hair in the typical way you might expect. So, whether you’re a fan of the Shar-Pei’s distinct look or you’re in love with their loyal and independent nature, don’t let the fear of shedding stand between you and your potential best four-legged friend. If you can stand a little fur in your life and are prepared with a lint roller and a trusty brush, then you and a Chinese Shar-Pei could be the perfect match! After all, what’s a little dog hair in comparison to a lifetime of companionship, love, and lovable wrinkles?
