Depending upon the airline and their pet travel policies, the Shar Pei breed might be on their restricted breed list for transport via cargo.You might wonder, why?Well, the Shar Pei is a unique breed, famous for wrinkly skin and their unique appearance.Their facial features externally and internally are slightly compressed; unfortunately, their features are similar to many brachycephalic breeds (i.e. French Bulldog, Pugs, etc.).The list of brachycephalic breeds is long, and it includes: Shar Pei, Cane Corso, and Chow Chow. It is not uncommon for them to have an elongated soft palate, stenotic nostrils, and narrowed tracheas, all features recognized asbrachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Clinically, the syndrome leads to snoring, mouth breathing, respiratory noise, respiratory distress, and if stressed, it could lead to struggling to breath, collapse, and death.Due to BOAS, they are unable to tolerate moderate exercise and are prone to heat stroke.
Airlines do care about animals and animal welfare.Many have restricted the transport of Shar Pei and many of the other brachycephalic breeds via cargo, however they are allowed to be transported in-cabin if they are small enough to be transported in a soft-sided carrier or are service dogs.This is because they are under the care of their pet owner during air travel.However, if a dog undergoes respiratory distress during air travel, there's not much a pet owner can do.
Makes you wonder if a Shar Pei is a good candidate for air travel at all….due to them having BOAS. I suggest that you discuss this with your veterinarian to determine if air travel in-cabin is in the best interest of your dog.
Remember, if your dog or cat breed is brachycephalic and they are prohibited for transport via cargo, please view this as the airline is trying to protect my pet. Never try to evade the policy, for you will be placing your pet at risk.
If you have questions or need tips to prepare your pet for air travel, please contact Dr. Nelva Bryant of When Pets Fly @
Shar Pei - Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS) - UFAW
Brachycephalic Dogs: List Of 19 Flat-Faced Breeds | Canine Journal