Originating in China, the Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed that has been around for thousands of years. However, they became popular in the US only recently due to their adorable face and wrinkled skin. In this article, we give some information about a Chinese Shar-Pei price and a brief history lesson about them as a breed.
What do you think of Shar-Pei? Loving dogs, affectionate to their owners, devoted with an independent personality and reserved nature. They are more than that!
Yes! Shar-Peis are expensive in all breeds. But they are worth the price.
A Chinese Shar-Pei puppy will cost between $1,000 and $3,000. The dog’s price depends on its lineage, so it is essential to know about the history of your new pup’s family before you buy it. The lifespan for a Chinese Shar-Pei is around ten years.
The Chinese Shar-Pei price, along with all the first-year expenses (supplies, medical expenses, food, microchips, training), ranges between $1760 to $4585, with an average cost of $2835. In the subsequent years, the cost decreases $720 – $2245 with an average of $1455 per year.
About the Shar-Pei Dog
This breed needs constant companionship and loves to be around people or other pets. They are very social animals who love attention from their owners! If you’re looking for an active companion that isn’t too big, then this could be just what your family needs.
This breed of dog can prove challenging for novice owners to care for and provide adequate training. If you’re looking into purchasing this breed, it’s essential to know the costs involved.
This article explores some of those expenses and offers tips on how to maintain a healthy Shar-Pei. If you’re planning to get a Shar-Pei puppy, stick around for a few more minutes because this article entails everything about Shar-Pei price and other related information you must know. Stick around!

Shar-Pei Dog Price
A dog with an all-in-one package won’t be expensive? You think!
They are purebred, smart, rare, and the oldest breed, which makes them the most expensive among all. The average Shar-Pei price ranges between $800 to $2000, with an average price of $1000.
However, the price may increase to $2800 to $3000 depending upon the breeder you’re buying from and the quality of a dog. It is recommended to buy a Shar-Pei from a reputable breeder to avoid future problems.
This will initially cost you more but will save you from future registration and medical expenses. However, you can reduce the price range by getting an older dog or adopting it from a shelter house.
Moreover, the price range depends on multiple factors described below;
● Type of a Coat
Shar-Pei puppies come in diverse coats that are brush coat, horse coat, and bear coat. Now you know why they are the rarest breed.
The price range differs according to the coat’s popularity. For instance, if you’re demanding the bear coat Shar-Pei, get ready to empty your wallet as these coat-type dogs will cost you the earth.
● Dog’s Age
Yes, a dog’s age impacts the purchasing price. The Chinese Shar-Pei puppy price is often more than the older dogs, as they are cute, adorable, and easy to train. For instance, a six-month-old Shar-Pei will cost you around $700, but the price will increase to $1200 for 6 weeks old Shar-Pei.
● Breeder, You’re Purchasing From Or Pedigree
An American kennel club breeder who has spent years learning about different dog breeds and holds authentic information about a particular breed will surely charge you extra. Likewise, pedigree dog breeders help potential puppy buyers by providing information relating to the dog’s temperament, behavior, health issues, and training needs.
If you are getting the Shar-Pei for the very first time, it is recommended to go for an experienced breeder rather than prioritizing the bargained amount.
● Breeder’s Location
If the breeder is located in a posh area, the dog’s associated cost will be more. This will increase the dog’s cost, and consequently, the breeder charges an extra amount.
● Documentation
The breeder is offering you all the documents that will be needed in the dog’s identification and registration process. Whoa! Why won’t he charge you extra then? These documents are a mandatory requirement to undergo American kennel Club registration procedures.
● Health Screening
A responsible dog breeder cares for their dog’s health. To ensure Shar-Peis good health, many breeders get breeding dogs vaccinated along with doing necessary health screenings. This increases the dog breeding costs, which the breeder will pass on to the puppy buyer.

Initial Cost of Owning a Shar-Pei
No doubt, the initial cost of owning a Shar-Pei is too high; however, the cost of subsequent years is surprisingly low.
The initial cost includes;
● Housing
Like humans, dogs do need a cozy, neat, and tidy place to live and rest. And when the place is accessorized with necessary supplies, it makes the dog feel special.
To make him feel extraordinary, grab a dog crate or dog bed for your little pooch. Also, put a food and water bowl near the crate, so it is easy to live in.
● Training
Training a Shar-pei is as difficult as nailing jelly to a tree due to independent and reserved personalities. They are dominant, and at times, aggressive, which makes training challenging.
It is necessary to give them home training or choose one-on-one training by hiring a professional dog trainer, which will cost around $150 – $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1 hour sessions).
● Licensing
Your dog needs to get licensed as per the government’s law and order; besides, your dog has a right to get registered and have an identity. The cost of licensing ranges between $10 – $20, with an average cost of $15.
However, if any dog is found unregistered, the dog owner is likely to be punished with high penalties.
● Microchip
Though Chinese Shar-Pei puppies are calm and quiet, they need a microchip, which helps in finding them if they are lost. The cost of a microchip is between $25 to $50 with an average cost of $40. American Kennel Club reputable breeders will ensure the puppy is chipped prior to sale.
● Medical Check-ups
To ensure your dog’s health and wellness, it is necessary to schedule vet visits and visit a licensed veterinarian regularly to get your pup checked. Note: Make sure your pup is vaccinated to avoid potential health issues and diseases.
Below is the table portraying the veterinarian costs of a Shar-Pei.
Medical Cost Range ($) Average Cost ($) First year vet cost $395 - $797 $595 Spay cost (optional) $50 - $450 $250 Subsequent years vet cost $380 - $825 $605
Note: The cost of the veterinarian may change according to the location, dogs’ age, and health condition.

The Cost of Supplies for a Shar-Pei Dog
Providing your dog with essential supplies stimulates the feeling of love and care. After thorough research, it is determined that the first-year cost of supplies ranges between $185 to $790, with an average cost of $410. However, the supply cost in subsequent years decreases from $75 to $330, with an average of $185 per year.
Below is the chart representing the estimated cost of supplies. However, the price may change due to external situations.
Supplies | Range ($) | Average Cost ($) |
Food and water bowl | $5 - $40 | $15 |
Leash | $10 - $40 | $20 |
Collar | $5 - $20 | $10 |
ID card with phone number | $5 - $20 | $10 |
Bed (36” or 42”) | $20 - $85 | $50 |
Crate (36” or 42”) | $30 - $120 | $55 |
Plastic poop bags (900 - 1080) | $15 - $110 | $55 |
Pooper scooper | $10 - $30 | $20 |
House training pads (75 - 100) | $15 - $45 | $25 |
Stain and odor removal sprays | $5 - $20 | $10 |
Toys | $30 - $100 | $60 |
First aid kit | $15 - $50 | $30 |
Brush | $5 - $45 | $15 |
Shampoo | $5 - $20 | $10 |
Tooth brushing kit | $5 - $15 | $10 |
Toenail clippers | $5 - $30 | $15 |
The Feeding Cost of Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei puppies are 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 55 pounds. They are medium-sized dogs but require food as per their age.
It is recommended to feed them high-quality food to maintain the good health of your beloved puppy. Below is the table of the estimated costs of feeding a puppy and an adult Shar-Pei.
Food Cost (Yearly) | Range ($) | Average Cost ($) |
Puppy | $130 - $265 | $195 |
Adult Dog | $140 - $405 | $245 |
Yearly Treats | $115 - $335 | $240 |
P.S. the feeding cost may vary with the brands you’re feeding to your pup.
The Medical Expenses of Shar-Pei
Shar-Peis are purebred, which means like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain genetic health conditions. However, some diseases happen due to the owner’s negligence or the dog’s curious nature.
Below is the list of potential diseases and their diagnosis plus treatment cost.
Disease | Cost of Diagnosis and Treatment |
Patellar luxation | $1500 - $3000 |
Hip Dysplasia | $1500 - $6000 |
Elbow Dysplasia | $1500 - $4000 |
Entropion | $300 - $1500 |
Cataracts | $1500 - $5000 |
Atopic Dermatitis | $100 - $1000 |
Demodectic Mange | $200 - $1000 |
Fold Dermatitis | $300 - $2500 |
IgA Deficiency | $2000 - $5000 |
Heartworm and Flea Medication | $60 - $105 |
Allergies | $80 - $2000 |
Skin Fold Infections | $300 - $800 |
Amyloidosis | $600 - $3000 |
Hypothyroidism | $350 - $800 |
Chinese Shar-Pei Appearance
The Shar-Pei is one of the oldest and rarest breeds, bred in Ancient China to protect, hunt, and fight. The hippopotamus-shaped head, blackish-blue tongue, small ears firmly fixed to their head, wrinkled skin, and thorny coat. They are found in an array of colors that is black, cream, red, fawn, sand, and lilac. Their jaw-dropping features and beautiful colors catch the attention of their surrounding people.
Moreover, their mild temperament, nobility, and low maintenance make them the best home dog. Despite their independent nature, they are easy-going and love to socialize.
No doubt, all their traits cannot be jotted down at one moment. They are pure love, perfect in all aspects, which also makes them expensive.
Chinese Shar-Pei puppies have a unique head shaped like a hippopotamus, complete with wrinkles. He used to be a farm dog and a guard dog and has excellent herding, tracking, and catching skills. The Chinese people believed his ugly face would scare off evil spirits and because he has an imposing presence, he is rarely challenged.
The Shar-Pei is often stubborn but is highly intelligent. He’s a quick learner but needs lots of human interaction as well as daily exercise. He only needs an occasional bath, but he does need his toenails clipped and his ears cleaned regularly. His name literally means “sandy coat.” He performs in tracking, obedience, agility, and conformation events and he stands 18 – 20 inches tall.
Shar-Pei Dogs Personality Traits
Shar-Peis have the most impressive personality, polite and courteous. They portray the true meaning of love, devotion, and sincerity. Despite their medium size, this breed can be violently dangerous.
Here’s everything you need to know about their personality;
● Looking for a Buddy?
Remember Frederick, King of Prussia regarded dogs as man’s best friend; he wasn’t wrong. Shar-Peis are social pack animals.
Look into their eyes, and you’ll see devotion, compassion, and integrity!
Congratulations! You’ve found your best bud with whom you can maintain healthy relationships for a lifetime. They love to snuggle and thrive for their owner’s affection. They are known for the symbiotic relationships they maintain with their loved ones.
WARNING: Being an independent breed, they can develop behavioral problems in front of strangers. Shar-Pei needs proper socialization training in their early life to prevent aggression and aloofness.
● Wrapped Up in a Calm Soul
Like other dog breeds, Shar-Peis are not packed in an energized soul. They are notified as low-energy dogs with fewer exercise requirements.
A routine walk and moderate exercise are enough to keep them happy-go-lucky. Moreover, their calm nature doesn’t create much fuss and mess around the home.
● Bundle of Love
Like every other dog breed, Shar-Peis are a bundle of love. They catch their owners’ attention at any cost and crave their love and affection.
This breed is a perfect combination of independence and sincerity. They show their love by standing beside their loved ones for hours and hours without making any disturbance.
● At Liberty!
This breed is independent in nature and is capable of making its own decisions, and at times, deceit. It is necessary to provide them with adequate training and teach them to obey the commands.
Note: Respect their independent nature or else…!
● Unbelievably Intelligent
Shar-Peis are unbelievably intelligent. Don’t let them outsmart you!
They are smarter than other dogs and even humans. They are intelligent enough to grab new things quickly, understand the working methods, and help their owners in everything.
Challenge a Shar-Pei, and see the magic!
● Builds a Protective Shell Around You
Shar-Pei was originally bred to protect livestock and farms. They are alert and protective, which make them an excellent home dog. They love their family and take care of them against every harm and uncertain situation.
However, they need confident domineering leadership to keep them well-mannered and well-behaved.
● Grooming
No more worries about frequent grooming sessions and sheddings.
Shar-Peis have short and bristle coats that are shed only twice a year, spring and fall. They are low maintenance and require minimal grooming. A thorough brushing once a week would be enough to remove dirt and make him look good.
● Stubborn
Yes, Shar-Peis can be aggressive and cannot withstand any stupidity and chaotic environment. They can be stubborn at times and can lead to intense barking or growling.
They need humble treatment because once they decide not to perform a particular task, their endless efforts are meaningless.
P.S. If you’ve children in your home, it is recommended not to get Shar-Peis as they are not child-friendly and can harm your kids due to their tomfoolery.
Shar-Peis Health Issues
Every purebred dog is prone to inherited chronic diseases; Shar-Peis are one of them.
This doesn’t sound like adopting them? No way! A healthy lifestyle, quality food, exercise, weight management, and routine check-ups can keep your little puppy healthy and happy.
Here are some potential health problems to consider before indulging in a long-lasting relationship.
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Entropion
- Retinal Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Skin Fold Infections

Chinese Shar-Pei Price Conclusion
If you think Shar-Peis are expensive, yes, they are! But they are worth the price. From their features to their traits, everything is jaw-dropping. And you’ll adore every moment spent with your pooch. Make sure you train them properly to avoid behavioral problems and challenges.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a friendly, loyal dog who can be trusted to watch over your home. This breed needs an owner who will help them maintain their wrinkles by brushing and moisturizing the skin with a special lotion.
They also need regular exercise because they are pretty lazy! If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog that’s just as happy lounging around on the couch or running in the park, then this might be the perfect fit for you.
However, if you don’t have time to brush out its fur every day or take it on daily walks, this may not be the right choice of breeds for you.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most beloved dog breeds in America. These wrinkly, drooling family members are known for their loyalty and love of children.
But, despite their adorable appearance, caring for a Chinese Shar-Pei requires specific knowledge about these dogs’ needs. Our next blog post will discuss what owners need to know when they adopt one of these lovable creatures! Stay tuned!
What other essential things should owners know about owning a Chinese Shar-pei? Let us know what!
Happy Pei-ing!
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References and Further Reading:
[1] American Kennel Club, Chinese Shar-Pei Information.