Shar-Pei insurance
Discover the benefits of insuring your Shar-Pei with Agria
Our guide to living with a Shar-Pei
Instantly recognisable, the Shar Pei is known for its deep wrinkles and unusual appearance. However, this breed suffers from multiple health and welfare issues, and ownership comes with challenges. Taking out pet insurance early can help with ongoing vet bills and ensure your Shar-Pei gets the care they need throughout their life.
Shar-Pei quick facts
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Weight: 18-29 kg
- Height: 44-51cm
- Common health issues: Skin disease, eye disorders, ear infections, Shar Pei fever, joint problems
- Country of origin: China
Note - Shar-Peis are classed by The Kennel Club as a Category 2 breed, meaning their physical features can be linked to health or welfare concerns.
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Agria's Lifetime Premium £20,000 dog policy has been the highest-scoring Best Buy for 3 years. We are also a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime and Lifetime Plus dog insurance products. **
*Based on Agria Pet Insurance's number 1 Trustpilot ranking in the category Pet Insurance, correct as of July 2026.
** Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2025. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims.
Where do Shar-Peis come from?
The Shar-Pei, sometimes called the Chinese Fighting Dog, comes from southern China, where it was traditionally used as a guard dog, hunter, and farm helper. Its characteristic loose skin is believed to have been practical, making it harder for opponents to hold onto the dog during fights.
By the mid-20th century, dogs were considered a luxury in China and breeding was largely banned, bringing the breed close to extinction. In 1978, the Shar Pei was even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the rarest dog in the world. Thanks to dedicated breeders, the breed was revived, and today its numbers are stable.
Shar-Pei temperament
Loving
They tend to form strong bonds with their family but are often aloof or wary around strangers.
Stubborn
Their stubbornness can make training more challenging than with many other breeds.
Independent
Shari-Pei's are independent and reserved meaning they're not a highly social or people-pleasing breed.
Early socialisation is essential, but even with careful handling, Shar Peis may remain cautious or reactive in unfamiliar situations.
Appearance and size
Shar-Peis are medium-sized dogs with a stocky build, broad head, and deep wrinkles, especially around the face, neck, and shoulders. They have small, triangular ears and a distinctive scowling expression.
While their appearance is striking, the excessive skin folds are directly linked to ongoing medical issues, particularly involving the skin, eyes, and ears.
Grooming a Shar-Pei
Despite their short coat, their skin folds require regular cleaning and monitoring to prevent infections. Ear canals are narrow and prone to chronic infections, often needing frequent vet treatment. Eye problems may require daily care or ongoing medication.
Shar-Pei training
Shar-Peis are intelligent but independent which can make training a challenge. Socialisation must be carefully managed from a young age to reduce fearfulness and reactivity.
Even with good training, Shar-Peis are rarely outgoing or highly adaptable dogs.
Shar-Pei health issues
Shar-Peis are classed by The Kennel Club as a Category 2 breed due to issues with their eyelids, skin and lips / lower incisors. Many Shar Peis require repeated vet care throughout their lives. Some potential health issues include:
Skin conditions
Shar-Peis’ characteristic wrinkles can create warm, moist areas where bacteria and yeast can thrive, leading to irritation, inflammation and recurring infections. These conditions often require ongoing treatment, prescription medication, and regular vet visits to help keep symptoms under control.
Eye problems
Shar-Peis can be prone to entropion or ectropion, where the eyelids turn inwards or outwards, as well as conditions like cherry eye. These issues can cause discomfort, irritation and potential damage to the eye if they’re left untreated.
Ear infections
Often linked to narrow ear canals. This can make Shar-Peis more prone to recurrent ear infections, causing pain, inflammation and discharge. Ongoing management is often needed, including medication and preventative care to help reduce flare-ups.
Atopy
A form of allergic skin disease triggered by environmental allergens such as pollen, grass or dust mites. Atopy can cause itchy skin, scratching, ear infections and general discomfort. It’s typically a long-term condition that may require ongoing treatment, dietary changes, medication and regular veterinary care.
Shar Pei fever
A hereditary condition that can cause recurring high temperatures, painful joint swelling, facial swelling, and symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Some dogs may experience repeated episodes, requiring monitoring, medication and ongoing veterinary support.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
A condition linked to the breed’s shorter, flatter facial structure, which can lead to breathing difficulties. BOAS can affect breathing, exercise tolerance and overall comfort. Depending on how severe it is, management may include lifestyle adjustments, weight control, monitoring and in some cases surgical intervention.
Because many Shar-Peis require repeated veterinary care throughout their lives, some owners choose lifetime dog insurance to help cover eligible ongoing treatment costs.
For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that Royal Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.
Things to consider before getting a Shar Pei
While every dog deserves compassion and proper care, the Shar-Pei is a breed with well-established welfare concerns.
- They have significant, well-documented welfare issues
- Many individuals require lifelong medical management
- Vet costs are often high
- They’re not suitable for first-time owners
Shar-Pei insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Shar-Pei's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance and Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance claims received between January 2025 and December 2025.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Shar-Pei FAQs
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