Shar-Pei Growth & Weight Chart
Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
The Shar-Pei is a distinctive dog breed known for its deeply wrinkled skin and "hippopotamus face." This dog breed originated in China and was used as a guard dog, and today, its loyal and independent nature makes it a beloved family pet. Besides their striking appearance, Shar-Peis are calm, confident, and devoted, often forming deep bonds with their families. These qualities and their moderate size make them a popular choice for dog lovers.
However, like all dog breeds, Shar-Peis go through specific growth stages that owners should be aware of to ensure their proper development. Understanding Shar-Pei growth patterns, from puppyhood to adulthood, helps you monitor their health and size effectively. This article will delve deeper into these stages and cover common questions, such as how much to feed a puppy.
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Table of Contents:
Male Shar-Pei Growth and Weight Chart
Here is a chart for the average size of a Shar-Pei male from birth until three years.
Age (months) | Weight (lbs.) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
0 | 2-4 | 4-5 |
1 | 8-12 | 6-8 |
2 | 15-20 | 8-10 |
3 | 20-30 | 10-12 |
4 | 25-35 | 11-14 |
5 | 30-40 | 12-16 |
6 | 35-50 | 14-18 |
7 | 40-55 | 15-19 |
8 | 45-60 | 16-20 |
9 | 48-65 | 17-21 |
10 | 50-68 | 18-22 |
11 | 52-70 | 18-23 |
12 | 55-75 | 19-24 |
2 years | 58-80 | 19-25 |
3 years | 58-82 | 19-25 |
Female Shar-Pei Growth and Weight Chart
Here is a chart for the average female Shar-Pei weight and height by age.
Age (Months) | Weight (lbs.) | Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
0 | 1.5-3.5 | 3.5-4.5 |
1 | 7-11 | 5-7 |
2 | 13-18 | 7-9 |
3 | 18-27 | 8-11 |
4 | 23-32 | 10-13 |
5 | 27-37 | 11-15 |
6 | 32-42 | 12-17 |
7 | 35-47 | 13-18 |
8 | 38-52 | 14-19 |
9 | 40-55 | 15-20 |
10 | 42-57 | 15-21 |
11 | 44-60 | 16-22 |
12 | 46-62 | 17-23 |
24 | 48-65 | 17-23.5 |
36 | 48-67 | 17-24 |
When does a Shar-Pei stop growing?
While this may vary depending on the dog's nutrition, exercise, and genetics, most Shar-Peis experience rapid growth within their first year. Their height stabilizes by the age of 12-18 months. You might notice some growth as your dog fills out and gains muscles until it is 2 or 3 years old. This growth phase is more about building strength rather than getting taller.
Some Shar-Peis may take slightly longer to reach their full adult size. Generally, by the age of 3 years, a Shar-Pei is fully grown in both height and muscle, with any further physical changes being minimal. Regular vet check-ups during this time can ensure healthy development and catch any issues early.
How much bigger will my Shar-Pei get?
The answer to this question depends on your dog's current age. If your Shar-Pei is still under six months, expect significant growth over the next several months. Your furry friend will rapidly gain both height and weight during this time. The pace of growth slows between six and twelve months, but they'll continue to develop, particularly in muscle mass and body structure.
To gauge future growth, compare your dog's current size to the average for its age. Remember that your dog's weight is a significant determinant of its health. So, always keep track of its growth regarding height, weight, and overall body condition. If you notice anything unusual, consult a vet immediately.
Pro Tip: You can also use our puppy weight calculator for an estimation of your Shar-Pei's full size.
What is the size of a full-grown Shar-Pei?
The average weight for a medium Shar-Pei is 40 to 60 pounds. Shar-Peis stand around 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder, giving them a solid but not overly tall frame. A full-grown Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog known for its sturdy and muscular build. Males and females share a compact, square-like body shape, but the exact size can vary slightly. Despite their moderate height, their broad chest, thick neck, and muscular legs give them a robust appearance.
One of the distinguishing features of a full-grown Shar-Pei is its skin. The loose, wrinkled folds that cover their body, especially on the face and neck, remain a defining characteristic throughout their adult life. Their coats, which come in various colors, are short and bristly.
How do I make sure my Shar-Pei is healthy?
While every dog grows differently, your responsibility as a Shar-Pei owner is to ensure it stays healthy. Here is how:
Diet
Nutrition and wellness go hand in hand, so you must be keen on what you feed your dog. Invest in high-quality foods rich in all essential nutrients. Protein is a critical component for supporting muscle development. Also, check if the foods contain fats for energy.
Note that as much as you may want your Shar-Pei to grow fast, don't overfeed it; be careful, especially with carbohydrate intake, to reduce the risk of obesity. On the other hand, underfeeding your Shar-Pei will increase the chances of heart disease.
Exercise
Originally, Shar-Peis were bred for hunting and guarding livestock, so there is no doubt that these dogs are active and energetic. But they still require regular walks and playtime to maintain their health. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, which can lead to joint problems later in life.
Skincare
Due to their wrinkles, Shar-Peis are prone to skin, ear, and eye infections. Regularly clean and dry their skin folds to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. The step can be done using gentle wipes designed for dogs or simply with a soft cloth and water.
Veterinary visits
Regular check-ups with a vet are crucial to monitoring your dog's growth and overall health. Vaccinations, dental care, and flea/tick prevention should also be part of your dog's healthcare routine. Your vet will monitor your dog's weight and check for signs of unhealthy weight gain, such as joint problems. The specialist will then recommend adjustments to restore your dog's health.
Ahead of your vet visits, we recommend investing in pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected health issues in dogs, such as accidents and surgeries. Additionally, consider securing a wellness plan to help cover vet visit costs for essential services, such as vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more.
You can find the perfect plan for your pet on Pawlicy Advisor, which is designed to save you money over your pet’s life by compiling and comparing personalized policy recommendations for free.
Key Takeaways
The Shar-Pei is a unique and fascinating breed with distinct growth patterns and care requirements. Understanding their growth stages, proper nutrition, and exercise needs will help ensure your Shar-Pei develops into a healthy adult. Males and females reach full size between 18 months and 3 years, so it's important to monitor their progress and provide the necessary care, especially for their skin.
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Small Animal Relief Veterinarian
Lila Batiari, DVM is a relief veterinarian located in San Diego, California. She has a special interest in nutrition, pain management, and surgery! Dr. Batiari enjoys working with Pawlicy Advisor to help others avoid everyday situations that some of her clientele experience. She realizes that expensive vet bills for treatment costs could be much easier for patients with pet insurance.
