Unexpectedly, Shar-Pei dogs, renowned for their unique wrinkly skin and sly, hippo-like face, do not shed a lot! Isn’t that a valuable nugget of information to all the prospective pet parents who love this ancient dog breed but fear the onslaught of dog hair that might come with it?
Now that we’ve covered this interesting factlet, let’s dive deeper into what it really means to have a Shar-Pei as a pet and the truth about their shedding patterns. Ready? Let’s hit the ground running!
Shar-Peis, historically, were used as farm and hunting dogs in their homeland of China. Fast forward to modern times, and their formidable appearance combined with a loyal and protective nature just gives them away as top-tier pets. If you are looking for a smart, sensitive, and protective dog, you have just hit the jackpot! However, at the heart of it all, Shar-Pei is an adorable, loving dog that can blend well into your family life.
Now, onto the golden question, shedding. After all, not everyone can handle seeing their recently vacuumed rug begin to look like a dog bed, right? The good news is, despite their plush double coat, Shar-Pei dogs are not likely to turn your home into an exhibit of tumbleweeds made of dog hair.
These pooches have a short, bristly coat—one of their many distinctive features—that sheds only minimally. However, this doesn’t mean that your home and clothes will be completely free of dog hair. It’s important to note that like all dogs, Shar-Peis tend to lose more fur in the spring and fall that coincides with the change in seasons. This process, known as blowing coat, ensures their skin and coats are equipped to handle the temperature changes that come with the different seasons.
No need to fret; there is a solution for the semi-annual shedding season. Regular brushing can become your ticket to a relatively hair-free house, even during these periods. Brushing their coats not only helps to control the shedding but it also works wonders to distribute natural skin oils that keep their coat shiny and healthy. Use a grooming brush designed for short-haired dogs for the best result and to ensure your Shar-Pei enjoys the grooming sessions.
But before you start brushing your Shar-Pei every day, let’s hit the pause button. Unlike most breeds, Shar-Peis have very sensitive skin. Rather than daily grooming, they fare better with weekly brushing. This routine is usually enough to handle any loose hairs that might be hanging on their coats. Always remember to be gentle during brushing sessions because a Shar-Pei’s skin is more susceptible to damage and can suffer from various skin issues.
It’s worthwhile noting that this breed may exhibit small clumps of hair loss due to may reasons like seasonal changes, allergies, skin infections and inadequate nutrition. If your Shar-Pei begins to lose hair excessively or develops bald patches, it’s crucial to get them checked by a vet.
You might have heard of people suggesting bathing your dog frequently to control shedding. However, in the case of a Shar-Pei, frequent baths can in fact exacerbate shedding and skin issues. Therefore, save the baths for when your furry friend has romped in the mud or does start to emit a doggy odor.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Shar-Peis is that they have a unique kind of hair, horse-coat or brush-coat. The horse-coat, true to its name, is rough and prickly to touch and the brush-coat, though slightly longer, doesn’t exceed an inch. Regardless of the type, regular brushing is the secret to preventing shedding and promoting a healthy skin and coat.
Shar-Pei dogs have wormed their way into the hearts of many, with their distinct appearance and charming persona. Yes, they do shed, but not excessively. A simple, consistent, and gentle care routine is your key to maintaining a prim and tidy household. So take that leap, embrace the enchanting world of Shar-Peis, and rest assured, you won’t be drowning in a sea of dog hair!
