Chinese Shar-pei

I suggest you never wash a Shar-pei's head, getting water into ears causes a lot of problems more so for the Shar-pei then other breeds. They have very tiny ear canals and any moisture in the ears can cause major ear infections. I use a waterless shampoo on the head area and wipe with a damp cloth. 2. I always use an ear drying solution after the bath just in case any water did get in the canal. 3. Using powder on the folds is not always a good idea. It can cause irritations in the folds. Most Shar-peis don't have that many wrinkles when they are adults anyway. Using a medicated shampoo is always a good idea with this breed. Make sure you rinse well. The Shar-pei is pretty much a wash and wear type of breed. I usually let them air dry in the summer. I will use a forced air dryer if there is heavy shedding. In the winter I do dry them with a warm setting. 4. Be prepared. Most Shar-pei's HATE water, even when they have been groomed weekly since they were 8 weeks old. I hope some of these suggestions can be of help. I'm on my second Shar-pei so I do have experience grooming them."

Submitted by Eileen Plover