Puppies are off-the-charts adorable regardless of breed. Fluffy Golden Retriever pups, round-bellied Bulldog babies, teeny tiny Chihuahua puppies — they all have unique qualities that are even cuter in miniature size.
The same goes for Shar Peis. These wrinkly fur babies almost look like pint-sized hippos when they’re pups. Cooper the Shar Pei puppy is a total charmer and clearly loves to cuddle up to his mom, Saki, who seems to enjoy the affection just as much as he does.
In the TikTok from @the_wrinkled_life, Cooper gently pawed at Saki’s face, almost as if he just needed to take in more of his mom than a simple snuggle. The precious pup playfully nipped at her face giving kisses while Saki just allowed her son to be a typical toddler. Apparently, Cooper’s brother Mochi was nearby but taking a nap.
“Bonding with Mama while Mochi snores in the background,” the onscreen text explained.
The sweet scene continued with Saki putting her head on top of Cooper in a sort of motherly hug. The two looked inseparable and completely in sync.
The mother-puppy bond begins immediately since the mama dog is her litter’s main source of nourishment and warmth. Puppies are born deaf and blind with limited motor skills, requiring further dependence on their mother for safety.
Puppies are usually ready for adoption after being weaned at about 8 weeks of age. Ten weeks is preferred so the puppy isn’t separated from their mother too early.
Wrinkles on Shar Peis Are More Than Just Cute
This adorable breed dates back to ancient China and often served as a hunting and guard dog in rural communities. The term “Shar Pei” means “sand skin” in Chinese and comes from the Cantonese language. The breed name is spot on in describing the dog’s rough, sandpaper-like coat which was initially a defensive mechanism against wild predators.
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Those trademark wrinkles on Shar Peis serve a purpose. The loose, saggy skin made it difficult for predators to fully grasp the dog, helping the Shar Pei defend itself more effectively.
Shar Peis are calm, very agile, and highly loyal to their loved ones. And obviously, as we can see from Saki and Cooper, they’re completely adorable.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.