Shar Peis tend to be expensive dogs with higher prices than other breeds, especially when it comes to veterinary care. You can expect to spend upwards of $27,300-$38,100 on your Shar Peis care throughout their lifetime.
Stick around for an in-depth look at each individual cost, what exactly you should buy for your Shar Pei, and what these dogs cost yearly.
Please keep in mind that these prices are general estimates and may not reflect what you spend on your dog. Coming up with your own budget using the sections below and researching costs in your area will be most effective if you need precise numbers.
How Much Does a Shar Pei Puppy Cost?
Shar Pei puppies from breeders cost $1,000-$3,000 on average, while rescue Shar Peis cost under $500. Adopting a rescue is advised because Shar Peis aren’t ethically bred.
Finding a reputable rescue is important since there have been instances of puppy mills disguising themselves as rescues to continue selling dogs. It’s best to adopt from registered non-profits and to avoid rescues that seem to have endless litters of puppies up for adoption.
If you do choose to shop with a breeder, please make sure they have up-to-date OFA health testing available for both dogs and are breeding as responsibly as possible with this breed. Looking for dogs with longer snouts can also reduce their chances of developing respiratory problems.
Never meet to adopt a dog in a neutral location such as a parking lot, but instead, be sure to see where the dogs are kept. You’ll also want to be able to see the mother dog. She should be in good health and well cared for.
Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Shar Pei
Adopting a rescue Shar Pei can save you money.
©Alexeysun/Shutterstock.com
Other factors that influence puppy prices include:
- The cost of living in your area. Both breeders and rescues may charge more to cover their own costs.
- The puppies’ lineage. Breeders may charge more for the puppies of champion show dogs, for instance.
- The puppy’s coat color. Some irresponsible breeders will charge more for puppies based on coat color. This is considered unethical as they should focus on pairing the puppies based on temperament and the adopter’s lifestyle.
Very low and very high prices from breeders both tend to be red flags. Low costs often indicate you’re dealing with a puppy mill that spends very little on their dogs’ care.
High costs can also mean that a puppy mill or backyard breeder wants to make as much money as possible off of the dogs, and is likely cutting costs behind the scenes as well.
Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Shar Peis
Veterinary care will cost thousands of dollars throughout your dog’s lifetime and is essential to plan for.
©David Raihelgauz/Shutterstock.com
Veterinary care for Shar Peis often costs more than for healthier breeds. Some factors that lead to poor health in these dogs include their short snouts and their wrinkled skin, which can lead to respiratory issues and skin conditions.
Pet insurance companies will also charge more to insure a Shar Pei since they know they’re likely to pay more for their care. If you adopt a Shar Pei, it’s important to have a plan for covering their veterinary expenses, as they can add up very quickly.
Vaccines – $25-75 per vaccine
There are two types of dog vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for every dog, while non-core vaccines are recommended based on an individual dog’s lifestyle.
Rabies is considered a core vaccine and is also mandated by law in most areas. DHLPP is the only other core vaccine, and it covers several common illnesses in dogs.
Some non-core vaccines are recommended for dogs who spend time around others, such as at doggy daycare, dog parks, or dog groomers. Others are recommended based on your area, such as those for Lyme and rattlesnakes.
Speak with your veterinarian about which vaccines they recommend for your dog. If you can’t afford everything they recommend, they can let you know which to prioritize as well.
Below is a table of dog vaccines and how often they should be given.
Shar Pei Vaccine Schedule
| Vaccine | Initial Timeframe | Boosters | Core Vaccine? |
| Rabies | 12-16 weeks old | One year after initial vaccination, then once every three years | Yes |
| DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo) | Six weeks old | Eight weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks old Another booster one year later, then once every one to three years | Yes |
| Bordetella | Six to eight weeks old | 10-12 weeks old, then once every six to 12 months | No |
| Leptospirosis | 12 weeks old | Two to four weeks after initial vaccine, then yearly boosters | No |
| Canine Influenza | 6-8 weeks old | Two to four weeks after initial vaccine, then yearly boosters | No |
| Lyme | 8-10 weeks old | Two to four weeks after initial vaccine, then yearly boosters | No |
| Coronavirus | 6-12 weeks old | Two to four weeks after initial vaccine, then yearly boosters | No |
| Rattlesnake Vaccine | 16 weeks old | 30 days after initial vaccine, then boosters every six to 12 months | No |
The cost to vaccinate your Shar Pei will vary depending on which vaccines they get, how frequently your vet recommends certain vaccinations, and the cost of the individual vaccines. Recommendations on vaccine frequency are made depending on a dog’s risk level.
If you opt to only get the core vaccines, they’ll cost $125-$375 in the first year, then $50-$300 every three years going forward.
If you were to get every vaccine above, it would cost $475-$1575 in the first year, then $166-700 yearly.
Spay or Neuter Surgery – $150-$600
Having your Shar Pei spayed or neutered by your primary veterinarian will cost anywhere from $150-$600 or more. There are also low-cost clinics that offer the surgery for low-income families, often for much less than $100.
Vet clinics will want an exam before the surgery to ensure your dog is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. They’ll also monitor your pup closely during and after their spay or neuter and are more likely to manage your dog’s pain.
Low-cost clinics focus more on efficiency and spaying or neutering as many pets as possible. This can mean sacrificing quality of care to some extent, but the surgery is still relatively safe and there is no shame in utilizing these clinics if you need to!
Check-Ups – $50-$250 per visit
A basic yearly check-up will cost anywhere from $50-$250. You’ll end up paying toward the higher end if you want routine bloodwork and other tests performed, which is highly recommended.
Your dog is likely to need more checkups in their puppy and senior years. In young adulthood, you may only need to visit once a year for a wellness check.
Parasite Prevention Medications – $200-$500 per year
Ideally, your Shar Pei will be on parasite preventative year-round. These medications keep away fleas, heartworms, and other parasites.
Often, dogs will be on one medication for fleas, mites, and ticks, and another for heartworm prevention. However, there are a few medications that cover all of these pests at once.
While the medications are expensive, your dog is very likely to catch parasites without them. Many of these can infect other pets and people in the household as well.
In addition, treatment for heartworm is both expensive and painful for your dog. So, it’s best to keep them protected!
Dental Cleanings – $300-$700+ each
Shar Peis and other short-snouted dogs are more prone to dental disease than dogs with larger mouths. Therefore, it’s extra important to keep their teeth clean!
At-home cleaning can reduce the need for professional cleaning. However, your vet can get your dog’s teeth cleaner–think of it like a human brushing their teeth at home versus going to the dentist.
Dental cleanings for dogs are done under anesthesia so that your vet can thoroughly clean every tooth. This also gives them a chance to inspect your dog’s mouth and see if any dental work is required. With your permission, they can do the dental work at the same time as the cleaning.
Sick Vet Visits – costs range widely
Shar Peis are prone to a variety of ailments, and it’s impossible to predict how much a dog will get sick throughout their lifetimes. Some dogs spend most of their lives only going to the vet for check-ups, while others develop chronic illnesses that require constant care.
Pet insurance typically covers sick visits as well as emergencies or accidents. It’s a huge help in making your expenses more predictable.
Common Shar Pei Health Conditions
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some common Shar Pei health conditions and their costs:
- Luxating patella – $1000-$5000 per knee if surgery is required
- Hip dysplasia – $1,500-$7,000 per hip if surgery is required
- Skin infections – $120 for a vet visit and antibiotics
Cost of Food and Supplies for Shar Peis
Food and supplies for your Shar Pei will cost hundreds of dollars annually.
©Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock.com
Food – $300+ yearly
You can expect a veterinarian-recommended kibble to cost around $300+ a year for your Shar Pei. There are, of course, cheaper and more expensive foods out there as well.
Most vets will recommend a dog food that meets WSAVA standards for a science-based diet formulated by a vet nutritionist. Raw food doesn’t tend to be recommended due to the risks associated.
If you choose to feed canned or fresh food, your budget will jump considerably as these foods are more expensive than kibble. A way to make these options more affordable is to feed them in addition to kibble, rather than instead of it.
Initial Purchases $50-$600
Initial purchases to consider for your Shar Pei include:
- Dog brush
- Nail clippers or dremel
- Food and water bowls
- Collar and leash
- Harness (optional)
- Crate (optional)
- Crash-tested dog seatbelt or car crate (optional but highly recommended)
The amount you spend will vary, especially depending on whether you buy the last two items on the list above. These tend to be the most expensive.
You may also spend less if you already have items you can reuse from another dog. And, you may spend more if you enjoy buying multiples of items like food bowls or collars.
Repeat Purchases – costs range widely
Repeat purchases are things you’ll be buying throughout your Shar Pei’s lifetime. These include:
- Treats
- Toys
- Dental hygiene products (dog toothpaste, dental chews)
- Dog shampoo
- Replacements for worn or chewed items
Shar Peis are strong dogs that can get into trouble with their chewing, and this might cost you a pretty penny! On the other hand, if you manage your dog well (especially through the teething phase) and stick to a budget you can keep these costs relatively low.
Household Purchases – costs range widely
Household purchases include fencing, pet gates, and furniture covers. These vary in price depending on what you already have and what you need. For instance, fencing can cost thousands of dollars, but you can use an old blanket to cover your Shar Pei’s favorite spot on the couch for free.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Shar Pei?
Insurance costs more for Shar Peis than many other breeds.
©Waldemar Dabrowski/Shutterstock.com
Pet insurance for a Shar Pei can cost $30-$135 a month depending on the company and plan you choose. Insuring these dogs does tend to be more expensive since they are at an increased risk of developing health problems compared to other dog breeds.
When looking for pet insurance within your budget, look for plans with low deductibles and high coverage. Make sure that your specific concerns are covered by the plan. For example, not all plans will cover wellness checks, and almost none will cover preexisting conditions.
Other factors that influence the cost of pet insurance include your Shar Pei’s age and the cost of living in your area.
How Much Does It Cost to Train a Shar Pei?
Some people spend just a few dollars on a clicker, while others spend thousands on private training sessions for their Shar Pei. It depends on your preferences and whether your pup develops any behavioral problems.
Of course, training your dog yourself is the cheapest. Shar Peis can be difficult to train if you don’t know what you’re doing, though, so professional help is very useful!
Puppy classes tend to cost a few hundred dollars and are a good middle ground, budget-wise, so that you can learn basic training techniques.
Private training sessions tend to be most helpful because your trainer can focus on just you and your dog. They also tend to be the most expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on how many sessions you book.
Lifetime Costs of a Shar Pei
Shar Peis will cost around $5,700 in the first year and $2,700 in the following years. They live an average of 8-12 years, meaning that you could pay anywhere from $27,300-$38,100 in lifetime expenses.
These numbers are drawn using the mid-range of each cost listed above. Categories with unlisted costs such as repeat purchases and sick vet visits are not included, so you can expect to pay more than is listed above.
The above prices also include things that not everyone buys for their dogs, including pet insurance and yearly dental cleanings. If you forego these items you may save money, though opting out of insurance may mean paying more in veterinary bills in the long term.
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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Waldemar Dabrowski/Shutterstock.com
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