Ownership of any pet should start with a consideration of the health, behavioral problems and liabilities associated with the animal. This is especially true with the Shar Pei. Although Shar Pei allergies can present in a dramatic manner given the unique texture of their skin and hair, these conditions are by and large similar to other dogs with similar skins and breeding. For instance pugs and bulldogs have a similar nasal frame and skin texture.

Pet lovers need to carefully consider ownership of a Shar Pei. Similarly to owning any of the more aggressive dogs the commitment to bring them into your family should only be with the full buy-in of all the family members who will be involved. Furthermore, as allergies tend to worsen as the dog ages and the treatments get more costly, it is important to get a full record of their illnesses if you are considering an older dog. Many Shar Pei allergies are treated with routine bathing and proper care.

A Shar Pei is a large dog and can weigh up to sixty pounds for a large specimen. Its large number of wrinkles exacerbates the potential for skin allergies on such a large dog. Of course these features of its appearance are based on the historic uses of the breed. A Shar Pei can be frightening when this rather unusual collection of skin and fur faces you off. Their tendency towards aggressive behaviors can lead to additional problems with routine care items such as nail trimming and ear cleaning.

Shar Pei allergies can become a serious concern if they require a vet. Routine veterinary assistance is not typical easy with a Shar Pei and many vets may not approach the dog unless it is under sedation or anesthesia.

Shar Peis that were not suitably trained may end up with some Shar Pei allergies originating with dirty ears or damaged paw pads. Shar Peis are in general rather easy to annoy, and because of their powerful nature and their low center of gravity a fully-grown Shar Pei cannot be physically subdued by an average person.

As we move into an era of increasing understanding of the dangers we face from our own pets and the world we have created, the Shar Pei continues to be one of the most common household pets.

Although the Shar Pei has some very well documented problems, all pets do as they are after all simply animals, lower in the food chain than homo-sapiens. Despite their aggressive behavior with a tendency to some unusual Shar Pei allergies and tolerance issues they are very lovable and friendly to those that they trust.

Furthermore, their mysterious origins appear to compensate for many of their shortcomings, and there is an obvious demand in today's pet markets for their very unusual look. However, the need for training and the unusual nature of the health of this animal would nominally indicate that this is one pet that needs a truly committed dog owner and not a part-time pet lover.