Chinese Shar-Pei – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

If you are looking to buy or adopt a Chinese Shar-Pei, it is important to be aware of the associated vet fees, grooming and training expenses, food, and supplies prices, as well as the cost of the puppy itself. You will find all this information and more in this article. We have also developed a cost calculator that will help you estimate the cost of raising a Shar-Pei. A Chinese Shar-Pei puppy is likely to cost between $750-$1,800 with the average price being $1,000. First-year expenses are around $2,835 and will be about $1,455/year (or $121/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Shar-Pei is $15,930. These figures are based on a comprehensive list of essentials: supplies, training, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming, license, and microchip. Additionally, if you spay/neuter your dog, buy pet insurance, send your dog to a boarding facility one week every year and need a dog walker every working day, your total cost of ownership could rise between $50,440 and $100,490 through the course of the Chinese Shar-Pei’s lifetime, which we assume to be 10 years. The higher end of the price range applies for premium products and services that you might want to purchase, particularly if you are living in expensive areas. Below, you will find a comprehensive analysis of the expenses that come with raising a Shar-Pei. At the end of the article, we have added a cost calculator that will generate a much more accurate estimate as to the overall, yearly, and monthly costs of raising this breed depending on your situation, habits, and needs. Quick Links How much is a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy? After reviewing over 140 ads from reputable websites like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, we found that the average price for a Shar-Pei under 6 months is $1,000 per puppy. While puppies can be found for as low as $750, they can also end up being as high as $1,800, with almost 80% of prices found falling within that range. The most expensive puppies were even priced at $2,500. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostChinese Shar-Pei$750 - $1,800$1,000 If you are interested in a Shar-Pei puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable shelter or breeder, as this can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of your dog! Adoption can be a much more affordable alternative, as rehoming fees usually amount to anywhere between $50-$500 depending on location. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$300 - $70013 $701 - $1,10070 $1,101 - $1,50038 $1,501 - $1,9007 $1,901 - $2,30010$2,301 - $2,5003Total 141 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think Chinese Shar-Pei breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: patellar luxation, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian The cost of supplies for a Shar-Pei Having the right supplies can make welcoming your new Chinese Shar-Pei into your home that much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $185 and $790. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $410 mark for a dog of this size. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$5 - $40$15Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $5 - $20 $10ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $30 - $100 $60First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 Things do get cheaper as your dog grows, with the cost for each subsequent year falling between $75 and $330. This puts the average cost of supplies for each year after the first one at $185. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$185 - $790$410Subsequent Years$75 - $330$185 Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering. Should a Chinese Shar-Pei be trained? Dog trainer and animal behaviorist Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., would recommend a few group training sessions for a Shar-Pei. These would cover basic obedience and socialization with other people and dogs and typically cost $150 to $200 for 5 hours (5 weekly 1-hour lessons). Chinese Shar-Pei usually do not need any private training. Training CostRangeAverage CostChinese Shar-Pei$150 - $200$175 There are also many good dog training books out there that will ease the process of training your dog, especially for first time owners. "Shar-Pei are sweet and active and tend to bond with one person. They are good for families with older kids. They like to snuggle and play outside."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist The veterinary costs for a Shar-Pei Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning a Chinese Shar-Pei. On average, expect to spend around $595 for the first year on veterinary fees and $605 every year after that. These expenses may vary depending on location as well as your dog’s age and health condition. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$395 - $795$595Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Adult Year Vet Cost$380 - $825$605 Medical cost for the first year with a Chinese Shar-Pei Experts like Dr Leslie Brooks typically suggest a minimum of three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit being scheduled when the puppy is around 8 weeks of age. Each appointment should cost you anywhere between $65 and $170. At her clinic, these include physical checkups, vaccines (including rabies), heartworm prevention, flea prevention and a fecal examination. Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing with heartworm and flea medication after the initial visits, which cost $60-$105 and $70-$105 for the rest of the first year. Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities: Leptospirosis, if the Shar-Pei is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping and hiking trips often ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit).Influenza if the dog is boarded or kept for long periods in a kennel and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme if exposed to ticks especially when camping, hiking, or living in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). As your Chinese Shar-Pei grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $150-$450, depending on your locality as well as the clinics therein. Keep in mind that spays are usually slightly more expensive. Some low-cost clinics also provide sterilization services for $50-$100. Veterinary expenses for an adult Shar-Pei Generally, your adult Chinese Shar-Pei will require at least one trip to the vet for every year. This falls in the $125-$265 range, depending on your clinic and the services provided. This usually includes the annual exam and vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical conditions for older dogs especially). Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually fall in the $80-$150 and $175-$250 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, optional lifestyle vaccines may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other animals or has inconsistent stool quality, adding another $40-$50 to the total. Possible Chinese Shar-Pei health issues Shar-Pei are subjects to some potential medical problems throughout the course of their life according to Dr Brooks. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateAllergiesHigh$80 - $2,000 per yearEntropion (inverted eyelids)High$800 - $1,500Skin Fold infectionsHigh$300 - $800 per yearAmyloidosisMedium$600 - $3,000HypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800 Allergies involving skin and ear itchiness and infections: the cost depends if the pet has constant itching and allergy issues throughout the year or if it just has 1-2 flare ups per year. It would also vary whether the owner proceeded with allergy testing and the pet received allergy injections. Note that the pet may also need to be on prescription food in the case of allergies, which could cost up to $100 per month. Allergies symptoms include itchy skin and skin infections, as well as itchy ears and ear infections. Entropion: cost estimate for surgical correction. Skin fold infections: cost estimate per year for diagnostics and treatment. Amyloidosis: cost estimate for diagnostics and treatment. Hypothyroidism: cost estimate for blood tests and lifelong medications. "Because of their ears being folded down and their many skin folds, Chinese Shar-Pei can have chronic ear and skin infections that need to be treated and managed their entire life, which can be a big expense."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Dog insurance The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, while $190 is the average cost for accident-only plans. This can be particularly important and may help you save a lot of money in the long run. Cost of feeding a Chinese Shar-Pei Chinese Shar-Pei are not the largest dogs, as adults weigh 55 lb. on average (usually 45 to 60 lb.). After combing through the prices of best-selling brands like Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo, we estimate that the cost of feeding a Shar-Pei puppy through its first year is likely to be $195 on average, as puppies will consume around 170 lb. of dry food for the year. Adults generally eat 260 lb. a year depending on the type of food and brand, leading up to a yearly expense of $245 on average. Keep in mind that there can be a massive cost discrepancy between budget and premium brands. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$130 - $265$195Adult Dog$140 - $405$245 The dog owner will also probably want to treat his dog on a regular basis. After review of 27 best sellers on PetSmart, Walmart and Amazon, a cost estimation for the year has been made. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$115 - $335$240 Four dog food brands compared The following figures are based on the purchase of 170 lb. of dry food for the first year. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.5$27.78 (Walmart)$138.90Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.11$21.98 (Walmart)$241.78Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.5$25.83 (Walmart)$129.15Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.6$44.08 (Amazon)$264.48 One will probably need to buy around 260 lb. of food for each adult year of a Shar-Pei. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.9$44.98 (Amazon)$404.82 To make bigger savings, purchase in bulk. Although dog food is perishable, it can be stored for extended periods of time, making bulk purchases a practical and affordable option. Additionally, consider consulting your vet to decide what kind of food goes best for your Chinese Shar-Pei. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceMedium Puppy30 lb.6$65.99 (PetSmart)$395.94Medium Adult30 lb.9$64.99 (PetSmart)$584.91 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming prices for Chinese Shar-Pei According to our dog groomer Corryne Smith, professional grooming for a Chinese Shar-Pei should cost around $40 to $55 per visit. She would recommend around 6 visits per year, unless the owner decides to take care of grooming the dog, which is possible with a little practice. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostChinese Shar-Pei$0 - $330$165 Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care. DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so! Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License It is recommended to license your Shar-Pei, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification much easier. Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range. It could be more expensive if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Microchip Microchips are a great way to identify a dog and are required in many U.S. states. Costs will range from $25-$50. Microchip implants make it easier to identify a lost or stolen animal and quickly notify its owner. They also allow dogs to be on some medical and emergency databases. Dog walking A Chinese Shar-Pei requires regular exercise. If you are unable to take your dog outdoors during the day, a dog walker is recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour), depending on your location, and can be found on apps like Rover and Wag. If you are planning on hiring a dog walker on a regular basis, make sure to include this expense into your budget. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive. Traveling Dog boarding services are a good option in the case of extended travel plans. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services offered and time of year. Make sure to book in advance especially during holidays to increase your chances of finding an available spot for your dog and get the best rates. It is not always the easiest thing when it comes to a 50 lb. dog, but if you are on a tight budget, having friends or family to host your Shar-Pei while you are away will help you save. Taking your dog with you is also a possibility, as some airlines and train companies offer this option. Planning is essential as you will have to submit a formal request in advance and availability can be limited. The cost of traveling with your pet will vary depending on so many factors that it is almost impossible to estimate it and can only be calculated on a case by case basis. Yearly and monthly cost of a Chinese Shar-Pei The first year with your Shar-Pei puppy The first-year cost that comes with a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy ranges between $1,760 and $4,585. This comes down to an average cost of $2,835, with the bulk of the major expenses taking place within the first few weeks. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$750 - $1,800$1,000Supplies$185 - $790$410Training$150 - $200$175Medical$395 - $795$595Food & Treats$245 - $600$435Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$1,760 - $4,585$2,835 You might also want to consider some of the additional costs listed below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 If you choose to neuter/spay your dog and get pet insurance, the cost rises to $3,650 on average for the first year. Add to that a week of dog boarding and a dog walker five days a week for 42 weeks and it will cost you around $8,130. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,160 - $5,815$3,650With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,485 - $11,660$8,130 Yearly and monthly cost of a Shar-Pei for the following years The costs that come with owning a Chinese Shar-Pei do go down after the first year. For each subsequent year, supplies, medical expenses, food, treats, grooming services and license renewal will run you anything between $720 and $2,245, with an average cost of $1,455 (if we break it down further, this comes down to a monthly cost in the $60-$187 range and averages $121/month). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$75 - $330$185Medical$380 - $825$605Food & Treats$255 - $740$485Grooming$0 - $330$165License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$720 - $2,245$1,455Estimated Monthly Cost$60 - $187$121 With insurance, 30-minute dog walks five days a week for 50 weeks and dog boarding for seven days, the average cost climbs to $7,300 for the year (or $608 every month)! Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,070 - $3,025$2,020With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$4,995 - $9,870$7,300 Cost of ownership of a Chinese Shar-Pei In total, the cost of owning and raising a Shar-Pei for 10 years boils down to the $8,240-$24,790 range, with the average cost being $15,930. Total Cost of Ownership (10 years)RangeAverage CostChinese Shar-Pei$8,240 - $24,790$15,930 With additional expenses tacked on, such as spay/neuter, insurance and dog-based services as described in the previous sections, the price of raising a Chinese Shar-Pei falls in the $50,440 to $100,490 range through the course of its lifetime, which on average will be 10 years (usually 8 to 12 years). The average price of raising a Shar-Pei can then be estimated to be $73,830. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (10 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$11,790 - $33,040$21,830With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$50,440 - $100,490$73,830 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Chinese Shar-Pei cost calculator The cost of a Chinese Shar-Pei – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy? On average a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy will cost $1,000 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $750 and $1,800. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Chinese Shar-Pei need training and how much will it cost? Having a Chinese Shar-Pei professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and socialization. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Chinese Shar-Pei? Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450). 5 - How much food does a Chinese Shar-Pei eat and how much will it cost? A Chinese Shar-Pei puppy will eat around 170 lb. and an adult close to 260 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $130 and $400 for a puppy and $140 to $585 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Chinese Shar-Pei be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Chinese Shar-Pei is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect around 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $55 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Chinese Shar-Pei, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Shar-Pei. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.