Rescue Network:Network Mission
Owner Education
Placing your Pei
Posting a Pei
Breed Information:
Introduction
Health Topics
AKC Standard
Temperament
How to Guides:
Choosing a Dog
Raising Shar-pei
Feeding Shar-pei
Training Shar-pei
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HEALTH/TEMPERAMENT EXPECTATIONS: The severity of health/temperament issues of any Shar-pei, bought or adopted, will vary according to breeder / evaluator knowledge and the adopter/buyer expectations and past experiences with the breed. Personal perspective and tolerance levels can also influence your outlook on a dog's potential. There's definitely no black and white decision guidelines to determine adoptability and/or compatibility with your family. What one person believes is a good dog, another may not. This is a very personal choice that must be made objective as possible, for the dog and family's sake.
LEARN BEFORE YOU BUY OR ADOPT!!!
Choosing the proper personality for you and your family is the first important step. Here a few topics to consider while making your decision:
| The average Shar-Pei is a glutton for your attention, and will usually create any disturbance they can think of to get it. The more intelligent the animal, the more mischievous they may seem. If you are away a lot, or have many chores at home, be prepared to battle wits with your pet. The more dominant, the more attention it usually requires. |
| Most Shar-Pei prefer a stable territory to purposefully dedicate themselves in protecting those people closest. These intentions make their relationship responsive and endearing to their owners, but if you have a large family, or one where people come and go at irregular hours, this may upset and cause tension, confusion, or unpredictable behaviors. |
| Children and dogs can make a great combination if you keep these things in mind. Consider the age of your child and the antics of a puppy. I couldn't recommend mixing babies and Shar-Pei puppies, because of their bouncy behavior and dominant attitude towards weaker beings. We have twins that have been raised with Shar-Pei, but it required constant supervision to avoid problems as toddlers and school aged children. Even as young adults, they still have to work on their pack leadership skills to successfully take charge of the dogs when we are away. |
| Chinese Shar-Pei were bred to be guard dogs and protectors of their territory. They can be raised to accept strangers, but it requires constant training to avoid relapse into natural behavior. Now I can't guarantee it will keep out a burglar, but it may scare your neighbors away from dropping over for an unexpected visit. |
| Unfortunately, even the best breeders cannot guarantee perfect health, and you can expect to visit your vet for more than just your yearly checkups. Make sure you are financially stable and willing to afford proper care. It is vitally important to check the overall health of the pedigree, especially the parents. Find out when and why as many of the relatives have died, especially when it comes to renal amyloidosis or cancer. This will give you a better idea of the longetivity of your Shar-pei line. When possible, ask for a veterinarian recommendation. |
| Vacations or summertime traveling are one of the major stumbling blocks for owners and their pets if they aren't prepared when travelling with their pet or don't plan for alternative care solutions when they don't. Please read our Travel Guide for more information. |
| Considering the type of devoted personality and relationship that a Chinese Shar-Pei offers, this is most important question towards your decision for purchase. If your intentions are impulsive, we beg you to think things through. Many of our rescue dogs are created by impulsive or uneducated purchases. Learn before you buy! |
Other important areas that you would need to think about are: What type of exercise will be available for your dog? - whether it be daily walks, fenced yard or other containment protection, to allow the dog exercise without running away or avoid being approached by other animals or strangers when unsupervised. A well-controlled dog is vital when living in a suburban area, and a well-balanced dog requires daily exercise to remain healthy!
What type of veterinary care is available? Unfortunately, not all regions of our country are populated with enough Chinese Shar-Pei to offer a veterinarian educational experiences on working with our breed. Plan ahead, you may need to look outside your general area. Don't expect your current vet to know the right information, many people have lost their puppies and adults due to inexperienced veterinarians.
What kind of obedience or handling classes are offered in your area? You may be surprised to find out that there are no classes available, they will be farther away than planned, or they will be more expensive than planned. Don't neglect the needs of your pet--an untrained Shar-pei can be a threat to itself and your community!
REFERENCE GUIDE TO CHOOSING A HEALTHY CHINESE SHAR-PEI: See Home Care for more information on caring for a sickly Shar-pei.
| EYES: avoid eyes that tear, drain, or have that extremely "puffy" look. These are signs of allergies or entropion and usually require surgery to correct. |
| EARS: extremely small or flattened ear canals provide an unhealthy environment for recurring yeast or ear infections, especially during extreme temperatures or allergy seasons. |
| PALATE: elongated soft palate can cause respiratory distress when hot or sick, and is usually associated with snoring or choking. |
| SKIN: reddened, flaking, or unexplained hair loss are underlying symptoms for poor diet, allergies, or unhealthy genetic breeding. |
| BITE: overbite and tight lip are major faults within the breed, possibly causing poor eating disorders, mouth sores, or early loss of teeth. |
| HIPS: hip dysplasia is still prominent in many bloodlines, causing crippling at a young age. Make sure parents are x-rayed for dysplasia. |
| GENERAL HEALTH: dog must be alert, active, and look the appropriate weight to be in generally good health. Because of these and many other genetic disorders, including early kidney failure and cancer, there are many bloodlines that do not live as long as others. Research your pedigree and require the breeder to allow you to see the actual parents and as many of other relatives as possible. |
Tips for Buying a Dog: see our helpful buying checklist for more information to find a reputable breeder, or visit your state page below for available adoptions.
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