Group 2 · Pinschers & molossoids
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese breed, known for its deep skin folds, blue-black tongue and hippo-like muzzle. It is calm, loyal and watchful, but independent. The breeding programme requires the parent dogs to be examined for, among other things, primary open-angle glaucoma and lens luxation (POAG/PLL) and pays attention to BOAS.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Shar Pei by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 2 X-ray examinations
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 3 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
X-ray Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Primary open-angle glaucoma and lens luxation (POAG/PLL)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ADAMTS17:c.3069_3074del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (3)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Shar Pei, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Elbow dysplasia (ED), Hip dysplasia (HD), Primary open-angle glaucoma and lens luxation (POAG/PLL) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Patellar luxation (PT) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Shar Pei is happy with daily walks of moderate length. In warm weather, plan them for the cooler parts of the day. Keep the skin folds clean and dry; the short coat otherwise needs little grooming.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia (ED) and Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Shar Pei is loyal and watchful, but independent and often reserved with strangers and other dogs. Early socialisation and calm, consistent training are important. Ask the breeder for the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
