Choosing the right breed is very vital for potential canine parents. One of several factors that qualifies a breed as the right fit for you is its size. Dogs come in various sizes and shapes, so picking the right one may take a while. So, the question is, is a Shar-Pei the right-size dog for you?
How big do Shar-Peis get? The average weight and height of a male Shar-Pei are between 55 – 65 pounds (24.9 – 29.5 kg) and 18 – 20 inches (45.7 – 50.8 cm). The average adult weight of a female is 40 – 55 pounds (18.1 – 24.9 kg), and the height is 17 – 19 inches (43.2 – 48.3 cm).
Every dog is perfect when it meets its owner’s requirements; hence, the ideal dog depends on who owns it. Finding the dog that has just the right size is grossly essential, so you should know the size of Shar-Pei dogs before getting one.
Keep reading this article to find out more about the size of the Shar-Pei, as well as Shar-Pei mixes.
How Big Do Shar-Peis Get When Fully Grown?
Every dog breed has an average size they get to at maturity. Each has been researched and has been seen to be true. However, a dog will only reach its size potential if it is adequately taken care of. This means that your Shar-Pei will only be as big as it should be when fully grown if you give it the best care.
When fully grown, male Shar-Pei can weigh as much 65 pounds (29.5 kg) and reach a height of 20 inches (50.8 cm). The female’s size can be up to 55 pounds (24.9 kg) in weight and 19 inches (48.3 cm) in height. But note that these are the average sizes and yours can grow bigger than the numbers you see here.
Your Shar-Pei would have gotten to its full size at about 16 months. And if at this age, your dog is not as big or within the size range you’ve seen here, you should not worry too much. The fact is, every dog is different and unique.
As long as your Shar-Pei is healthy, and your vet confirms they have a healthy weight, everything is fine. And remember, it is risky to put all your faith in statistics because they can mislead you.
Average Height and Weight by Age: What to Expect?
There is no real way to guarantee your Shar-Pei’s size as it grows and develops. And there’s no way to tell precisely when it will stop growing. But looking at other Shar-Pei and judging from how they develop, we can pinpoint the average size your Shar-Pei will be at various stages until it is fully grown.
Bear in mind that every dog, including yours, is unique in its way and may not fit within this average. But chances are, it will fit close to it. If you wish to know how your Shar-Pei’s growth progression will be, look at the table below.
The table below shows the average height of Shiba Inu from the second month until they’re fully grown for both genders:
The table below shows the average weight of Shiba Inu from the first month until they’re fully grown for both genders:
As you can see from the table above, a Shar-Pei’s growth is gradual and will take over a year to complete. So, when you notice your dog doesn’t grow as big as other Shar-Peis after a few months, do not panic. Just take the time to enjoy your dog as a puppy and watch them blossom into adults.
Your Shar-Pei will add a couple of pounds each month until it is fully grown. And after its third month, it’s height will keep increasing at a very slow pace.
This is because, at this time, your dog is mostly “filling out” rather than getting exponentially taller. You may notice that in three months, your dog may only grow 2 inches (5.1 cm), but that’s okay.
Factors That Can Affect the Size of Shar-Pei
Statistically, there is an average size range for Shar-Pei dogs, and a single Shar-Pei could fall outside this range. If this is your dog, then it is crucial to know the various reasons why it is so.
There are a lot of factors that affect and determine the size and growth of your Shar-Pei. Just like us humans, Shar-Pei sizes are affected by some dominant factors. Here are some of them:
Parents: Size has a lot to do with genetics. Simply put, a Shar-Pei puppy with small parents will inevitably be small as well. So, one of the many things you can do to predict your dog size is looking at its parents’ size. Figuring out the average size of both parents will more often than not give you the average size of your pup. This has proven to be true many times, but there have also been exceptions.
Feeding and Nutrition: There are two ways food works to determine your Shar-Pei’s size. First, if your dog does not get enough to eat or is fed insufficiently, it may grow improperly. And if you feed your dog as often as you should without feeding it the “right” type of food, the same problem will persist. Shar-Pei, like other dogs, needs nutrients to grow. And if they do not receive adequate nutrients, there is a huge chance they will not grow to the size they are meant to grow into.
Health: Dogs that have been seriously sick may not grow in the normal way. If you put them close to other dogs of the same breed and age, it may look visibly different (either smaller or bigger, depending on the type of sickness). The risk of this happening is more when the sickness has been prolonged. However, if discovered and treated, there is a possibility the dog can catch up and grow into its full size.
Mistreatment: Like us, dogs get stressed too. The way you treat and care for your Shar-Pei can determine how it grows. Using certain kinds of punishment methods can affect your dog, as well as many other environmental factors. Your Shar-Pei can lose appetite, and this, of course, will affect its growth. If this happens to your dog, and you begin to worry about its health, ensure you contact your vet for professional advice.
At What Age Do Shar-Pei Stop Growing?
To date, there has not been any research conducted to address the answer to this question. However, you will find a lot of personal accounts on when Shar-Pei puppies stop to grow.
This means that whatever info you get should not be how you define your dog because all Shar-Peis are different. A neighbor’s experience will most likely not be yours, but you can use it as a point of reference.
According to vets, reputable breeders, and owners of Shar-Pei dogs, Shar-Pei usually stops growing around 14 to 18 months. Between this age range, your Shar-Pei (whether male or female) would have reached its full height, but its weight may continue to increase well into its second birthday.
A lot of your dog’s growth will be complete in its first year. You’ll notice a slow increase in weight and almost no increase in height after age one. A point to note is that weight can fluctuate as your dog grows, so you might never stop seeing a change in weight for the rest of its life.
Will My Shar-Pei Still Grow After Being Neutered/Spayed?
Neutering or spaying does not stop a Shar-Pei from growing. The procedure is done for a number for good reasons, and growth cessation is not a side effect. Vets and other professionals will always advise you when it is the right time to neuter/spay, and while they’re mostly correct, you should do your research.
The right time to get your Shar-Pei “fixed” is just after its growth plates are closed. The growth plates allow your puppy to grow to its full size safely, and they are powered by hormones.
Spaying/neutering stops the release of these hormones, which will invariably cause the growth plates to remain open for longer.
This will only cause the dog to keep growing way past average size and will cause some problems in the long run while neutering after the growth plates close may cause slower but healthy growth.
So, neutering/spaying should only be done after you’re sure your Shar-Pei has reached full size. Vets advise that your Shar-Pei should be fixed between 4 and 9 months. Taking their advice will be at your discretion.
Why Is My Shar-Pei Puppy Not Growing?
Stunted growth occurs when puppies are too small for their age or aren’t growing at the rate they should. There’s always something preventing their growth because it is not a natural occurrence. There are a few known factors that stunted growth in puppies and are not genetic.
A major cause of stunted growth in Shar-Pei puppies is intestinal worms. Studies show that puppies can contract hookworms and roundworms from their parents or surroundings.
Worms are capable of stealing calories from puppies and cause a slower growth rate. Regular deworming is enough to get rid of this problem.
Also, puppies that experience extreme starvation might be at risk of not growing properly. But this is never going to be the case for dogs in caring, loving homes. And if you’re reading this, then malnutrition is not the reason your dog may have stopped growing.
Another possible cause of stunted growth in Shar-Pei puppies is the portosystemic/liver shunt. The most common symptom of the liver shunt is stunted growth accompanied by poor muscle development.
When you notice that your Shar-Pei pup has stopped growing, it is best to immediately bring them to a vet for proper diagnosis.
Is Your Shar-Pei Overweight or Underweight?
There was a time as a kid when I thought puppy fat was great. But overweight dogs are a recipe for countless health problems and should be avoided at all costs. The best way to tell if your Shar-Pei is too fat or too thin is by how it feels to you.
Of course, checking with your vet or using a scale can give you a more accurate reading, but to get a quick gauge, your eyes and hands can do the trick.
Knowing the percentage of body fat in your Shar-Pei is the best way to tell if they are overweight or underweight. You might not be able to get this information at home unless you have the right equipment. However, there are simpler ways to get things done.
A quick way to tell whether your dog is overweight or underweight is by doing a quick profile check. Looking at your Shar-Pei will not tell you if it is overweight or underweight because of the excess skin on its body. You will have to feel around for its bones.
Place your hands over its body and feel for its ribs, waist, and shoulders. If you cannot feel its ribs, then your dog is overweight. If you can feel them easily, then your Shar-Pei is too thin; hence it is underweight.
If you find it to be overweight or underweight after performing this exam on your Shar-Pei, you need to have ways to fix it. Unless your dog is suffering from health issues, which may have been the cause of its weight problem (in which case, you will need to see a vet), then it falls on you to change things.
Your dog’s diet matters, so you must be careful what and how you feed it. Ask your vet what food is right for your dog and go with that. Observe when you need to introduce your Shar-Pei to high-calorie foods and know how much to exercise it.
How to Measure Your Shar-Pei’s Height?
It is not a difficult task to take your Shar-Pei’s height. Although it is not as easy as it would be if you were taking yours, it isn’t so hard either. You’ll need to get a carpenter’s level, a tape, a marker or pencil, and some treats.
If you’ve had the idea that measuring your Shar-Pei’s height would be hard, check out my four easy steps to do without stress.
Step 1: Stand Your Shar-Pei Against a Wall
Your Shar-Pei should be placed against a wall or door frame for your measurement to be accurate. You have to ensure he is not slouching or distracted, and you should do this without coercing him.
Step 2: Feel for Your Shar-Pei’s Withers
Your Shar-Pei’s withers can only be found when you feel for it because you will not be able to see it. The withers is located at the shoulder blades, and it is the highest point.
Step 3: Place Your Level Across the Withers
After identifying the withers, place your carpenter’s level across it so that the end will touch the wall. Check that the level is placed straight, then indicate where it touches the wall.
Step 4: Take Your Shar-Pei’s Height Measurement
Now you can let your dog move away after rewarding him with a treat. Then use your tape to measure the height from the ground to the spot you marked on the wall. The figure on your tape is your Shar-Pei’s height.
Size Info for Common Shar-Pei Mixed Breeds
Some common dog breeds can be mixed with the Shar-Pei. Some of these mixed breeds that are produced may be healthier than purebred Shar-Pei.
According to Vets, the recessive gene in pure breeds may be less likely inherited by mixed offsprings. Some breeds that are commonly mixed with the Shar-Pei are; Box-a-Shar, Sharp Eagle, Sharbo, Chow Pei, Sharmatian, Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier, etc.
Ba-Shar
The combination of a Basset Hound and a Shar-Pei produces the Ba-Shar. On average, the Ba-Shar is smaller than the Shar-Pei.
The males and females are usually measured around the same size, with their weight averaging between 40 – 50 pounds (18.1 – 22.7 kg) and between 10 – 13 inches (25.4 – 33 cm) in height.
Box-a-Shar
Mixing these two produces the Box-a-Shar, a breed that can either be as big as the Shar-Pei or even bigger. This breed usually takes the trait of both parents without neglect to any.
Males will weigh between 45 – 65 pounds (20.4 – 29.5 kg) and will be as tall as 22 – 25 inches (55.9 – 63.5 cm). Female Box-a-Shar is slightly smaller with a weight of 40 – 50 pounds (18.1 – 22.7 kg) and a height of 18 – 24 inches (45.7 – 61 cm).
Sharbo
The Sharbo is a hybrid mix of the Boston Terrier and the Shar-Pei. The mix between these two is interesting because both were initially bred for dog and pit fighting in the countries where they originated; China and the US.
The Sharbo is not a very big breed, with a weight of about 30 – 50 pounds (13.6 – 22.7 kg) and a height of 15 – 20 inches (38.1 – 50.8 cm).
Sharp Eagle
The result of mixing a Beagle and a Shar-Pei is a bright, intelligent dog with a strong prey drive and an independent nature. The Sharp Eagle earns its name with its strong temperament and skill set.
This medium-sized dog weighs between 30 – 45 pounds (13.6 – 20.4 kg) and will be as tall as 15 – 18 inches (38.1 – 45.7 cm).
Griffon-Pei
The Griffon-Pei is the result of the mix between the Brussels Griffon and the Shar-Pei. The Griffon-Pei doesn’t grow as big as its Shar-Pei parent, and will usually become a medium or small-sized dog.
Males will be between 30 – 35 pounds (13.6 – 15.9 kg) and 14 – 16 inches (35.6 – 40.6 cm) height. Female Griffon-Pei averages between 26 – 32 pounds (11.8 – 14.5 kg) and 13 – 15 inches (33 – 38.1 cm) height.
Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier
The combination of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Shar-Pei produces a courageous and protective pet. This breed is known by many names, including Sharpull, Sharpull Terrier, Pit Pei, Shar Pit as well as Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier.
The size of males is 35 – 60 pounds (15.9 – 27.2 kg) and 18 – 21 inches (45.7 – 53.3 cm) in weight and height, respectively. Females will weigh between 30 – 50 pounds (13.6 – 22.7 kg) will be 17 – 20 inches (43.2 – 50.8 cm) in height.
Chow Pei
The Chow Pei is more likely to have a similar size as the Shar-Pei. They are medium-sized dogs with the combined traits of both parents, making it a fierce and loyal pet.
The male Chow-Pei will weigh 40 – 60 pounds (18.1 – 27.2 kg) and have a height of 13 – 20 inches (33 – 50.8 cm). Females are about the same size, weighing 40 – 60 pounds (18.1 – 27.2 kg) and having a height of 14 – 16 inches (35.6 – 40.6 cm).
Bull-Pei
Mixing Bulldog and Shar-Pei together produces the Bull-Pei. The Bull-Pei male and female will usually measure around the same size range. Their weight ranges between 35 – 65 pounds (15.9 – 29.5 kg), and their height will be about 16 – 18 inches (40.6 – 45.7 cm).
My Final Thoughts
Finding the right size of dog for you is almost as important as finding the perfect breed that would suit you. While there is no universally recognized perfect dog breed, there is a breed that can be perfect for you. Getting a dog that has the right size is important for you, the dog’s comfort, and your household.
Think about how much space the dog is going to take in your home and how much you’ll spend taking care of it. Shar-Peis are medium-sized dogs and shouldn’t be much of a problem when it comes to occupying space. However, if you want a larger dog, you should probably choose a different breed.
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