Longevity in Shar Pei

The geographic distribution of awarded Shar Pei demonstrates a strong concentration in Europe, with countries like the Czech Republic (33 births, 35 standing) and France (18 births, 27 standing) leading in both births and standings. Ukraine also shows significant representation with 23 births and 22 standings. However, the presence of dogs across diverse regions, including Argentina, the USA, and Australia, reflects the expanding reach of the Longevity Project. This broad participation, beyond the borders of Europe, underscores the potential for future development and continued growth, as more breeders and owners around the world contribute to the initiative.

3. Gender Distribution

• Females: 74
• Males: 69

While there is a slightly higher number of females, the male-to-female ratio is relatively balanced.

4. Health Test Findings

• SPAID Test Results:
  • No test results: 115 (80% of entries) had no recorded SPAID test results.

    Dogs tested in Laboklin: 

  • S/S: 14 dogs (10%)
  • N/S: 12 dogs (8.5%)
  • N/N: no reported results

    Dogs tested at SLU: 

  • CNV2: no reported results
  • CNV6: no reported results
  • CNV10: 2 dogs (1.5%)
  • Combination of CNV6 and N/S: 1 dog
    
    
• POAG/PLL Test Results (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Lens Luxation):
  • No test results: 120 dogs (84%)
  • N/N: 16 dogs (11%)
  • N/POAG: 6 dogs (4%)
  • POAG/POAG: 2 dogs (1%)

When evaluating the number of tested dogs, it is important to recognize that many certificate holders lived or were part of breeding programs before genetic testing became available. 

Nevertheless, the available SPAID and POAG/PLL test results offer valuable insights into the health profiles of Shar Pei with extended lifespans. While 10% tested S/S for SPAID, and 8.5% were N/S, these dogs still achieved notable longevity, indicating that these conditions, while impactful, do not necessarily limit lifespan in every case. 

As we continue to collect and analyze more data, we expect to gain deeper insights into possible correlations. We encourage owners to submit genetic test results, which are critical for understanding the full scope of factors contributing to longevity in the breed.

5. Multigenerational Data 

• 2^nd Generation Certificate Holders: 42 dogs (29%) with at least 1 parent in the Database.

• 3^rd Generation Certificate Holders: 3 dogs (2%) with at least 1 grandparent and parent in the Database. 

• 4^th Generation Certificate Holders: 3 dogs (2%) with at least 1 great-grandparent, grandparent and parent in the Database.

• Littermates: 23 dogs (16%) with at least 1 sibling in the database.

28% of dogs with S/S result for SPAID had at least one parent and one sibling in in the database.
42% of dogs with S/S result for SPAID had at least one sibling in the database.
7% of dogs with S/S result for SPAID had at least one offspring in the database. 

25% of dogs with N/S result for SPAID had at least one parent in the database.
8% of dogs with N/S result for SPAID had at least one sibling in the database.
25% of dogs with N/S result for SPAID had at least one offspring in the database.

The multigenerational data provides valuable insights into the inheritance of longevity traits and health conditions in Shar Pei. Notably, 29% of long-lived dogs had at least one parent recorded in the database, and a smaller percentage extended this lineage to the third and fourth generations. This suggests that longevity may be linked to specific breeding lines, indicating a genetic influence on lifespan. Research supports this, showing that dogs from lineages of long-lived ancestors are more likely to experience prolonged lifespans, potentially due to greater resilience or immunity in certain bloodlines. Identifying and analyzing these lines is crucial to improving breed health and ensuring longer, healthier lives. As the database grows, it will offer further insights into how genetic factors and breeding practices impact longevity and health outcomes in the Shar Pei breed.

Conclusion 

Monitoring longevity has shown to be a meaningful and applicable method in breeding practice, as supported by studies done in other breeds. However, it is essential to emphasize, that longevity is only one of many indicators, and breeding decisions should not rely solely on any single factor. Evidence from practice highlights the significant and relatively rapid impact of using genetic testing in breeding management, particularly for conditions with recessive inheritance patterns (such as POAG/PLL, and, with high probability, SPAID) on the overall population’s recovery. The most effective strategy breeders can adopt, based on current professional knowledge, is to follow long-lived lines while enhancing them through genetic health testing. This approach optimally benefits both the breed and future generations.

The EFSPC Longevity Database has a broad potential to provide more valuable insights into the Shar Pei breed, particularly in terms of longevity and its potential links to genetic and health factors. With 143 certificates issued as of 1 October 2024, the data highlights a broad geographic distribution, gender balance, and some important health test findings related to SPAID and POAG/PLL. While genetic predispositions like SPAID do not necessarily preclude longevity, the health test findings show the importance of responsible breeding practices. The multigenerational data further emphasizes the possibility of hereditary factors in extended lifespan.

Continued data collection is essential to refining our understanding of longevity patterns and informing breeding practices, while further participation from owners and breeders will enhance our ability to promote longevity and improve overall breed health through evidence-based strategies.