How to Select a Chinese Shar-Pei

The Shar-pei, which means "sand skin," originated in China as early as 200 B.C. This breed, with its wrinkled face and short ears, was originally a farm dog and then a fighting dog. The Shar-pei is bright and willful at times, needing consistent training. Extremely loyal to its family, the dog can be rather aloof with strangers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Electric Dog Clippers
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Bristle Brushes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Tags
• High-quality Dog Food
• Dog Shampoo

1. Choose a Chinese Shar-pei if you are looking for a watchdog that is protective and loyal. Because it is standoffish with strangers, the Chinese Shar-pei makes an excellent watchdog.

2. Consider a Chinese Shar-pei if you have children and cats in the house. If socialized at an early age, the Chinese Shar-pei does well with both. Be aware, though, that these dogs can be aggressive with other dogs.

3. Reconsider getting a Chinese Shar-pei if you are not willing to be firm and consistent in your training. This breed can be stubborn and independent at times and may not heed your words if you are soft-spoken.

4. Keep in mind that a Chinese Shar-pei does not do well in weather extremes, especially heat. But this breed is fine living in an apartment or a house.

5. Note the following features: The dog's head will be wrinkled, but its facial expression should be keen and sharp. Its body will be thick and compact. It will have one of three types of coats: the brush, which is long and smooth; the horse, which is short and rough; or the bear, which is similar to a chow coat. Coats may be solid colors or sable.

6. Realize that Chinese Shar-peis are prone to certain health conditions, such as entropion, familial Shar-pei fever, ear problems and allergies. Some dogs with familial Shar-pei fever may also suffer from swollen hock syndrome during fever episodes. Some will go on to develop kidney failure due to anyloidosis.

7. Ask the person who supplied your dog whether he or she did any screening for health problems specific to the Chinese Shar-pei.

8. Look at potential breeders very carefully, asking if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. You can check references through a club to make sure the breeder does not run a puppy mill and that it carefully screens for health problems before breeding.

9. Know that a Chinese Shar-pei will grow to be 18 to 20 inches tall and will weigh 40 to 55 lbs. at maturity. Expect the dog to live about 10 years.

10. Realize that you will probably pay between $300 and $500 for a pure-bred Chinese Shar-pei.

Tips & Warnings

• Chinese Shar-peis are prone to cutaneous mucinosis, blisterlike accumulations of mucin under the skin. This condition is normal in the breed.
• This breed has an avid dislike for water and will avoid it whenever possible.
• Chinese Shar-peis will lose their wrinkles as they age.
• Chinese Shar-peis tend to snore.
• These dogs will drool after eating.
• When adopting a Chinese Shar-pei, be aware that people commonly give up Chinese Shar-peis because of behavioral problems such as aggressive separation anxiety.

[wesleyv12]

on 3/11/2008 thats a great story about the shoebox! who could leave a puppy like that?! i have 2 pei's, skyla, a female who is a year and a half, and diesel, who is 4 months. there is no better breed on the planet! i disagree with the last part of the article...pure breed shar pei's are going to run more than 3to5 hundred, if they are being sold for that cheap, i would be very curious about their pedicure, papers and health.

on 8/8/2006 I own two Shar-peis (a 7 year old male, and a 3 year old female), each of whom I have had since they were puppies. I also rescue Shar-peis. These are regal, loving, beautiful dogs who need to know you are the leader of the pack -- just like small kids need to know that what Mom or Dad says, goes.

Too many of these wonderful dogs are thrown away every day because their owners did not take the time to research the breed, and make the effort to train the dog to respect the owner as boss. All dogs need this effort made.

I can't think of a more wonderful breed to have as a pet.

on 7/23/2006 About 2 years ago my girlfriend bought a purebred Shar-Pei and he is incredible! Very loving, playful, and has a great personality. He loves cats, but not dogs. He's also very protective. Unless he met a dog as a puppy, or the person is very elderly, he will growl and snip at someone if they try to touch him. My suggestion is socialize your puppy whenever possible!

Also, be prepared to shell out some $$$ for eye surgery. From what I've heard, most Shar-Peis have to have at least one surgery. Our Ralph had 4 - 2 temp tackings and 2 permanent surgeries.

Overall he is a great dog, but requires much attention and time. This is not a mutt that you can leave outside for days at a time if you go on a weekend vacation. Be prepared to have a friend (who the dog knows well) take him out at least 3 times a day when you're gone; if you have to take him to a kennel, make sure you've checked it out, and the workers are familiar with Shar-Peis -- they must be firm and establish dominance. Hope this helps.

on 11/22/2005 I have a Sharpei/Rottweiler mix that I found three years ago in a shoe box in a vacant home that someone had just moved out of. Now three years and a lot of photos later, he is our baby! When I read what you said about Sharpeis, I could not believe it! Even if he is half Rottweiler, he is just what you said about Sharpeis. He's hard headed, he does what he wants when he is ready, and he is very protective of me and my wife (VERY!). His head feels like a mink coat and his body is like horse hair. My wife does not know who snores more, me or Rusty. He is my shadow. I will enjoy him and give him the best years I can give him!