Chinese Shar-Pei health: what owners should know

Shar-Pei autoinflammatory disease, once called familial Shar-Pei fever, is the condition most associated with the breed: it causes episodes of high fever with swollen hocks or muzzle, and in some dogs it is linked with amyloidosis, a serious kidney problem. Entropion, skin fold infections, allergic skin disease, narrow ear canals prone to infection, an underactive thyroid and some other eye conditions also turn up more often than average.

Look for a breeder who hip and eye screens both parents, speaks openly about fever episodes in their lines and favors moderate wrinkling; a DNA test linked to the inflammatory condition is available in some countries. Call a vet the same day if your dog has a fever, swollen hocks, sudden lethargy or refuses food. Book a prompt visit for squinting, persistent head shaking, or a sudden rise in drinking and urination.