How to Adopt a Chinese Shar Pei

If you're thinking about purchasing a Chinese shar-pei from a breeder, consider adopting one instead. Best known for their large wrinkly faces, Chinese shar-peis require extensive exercise and consistent obedience training due to their stubborn personalities. Their short, coarse, sandy-colored coats require little grooming besides an occasional wash. If you have a loving home to provide to a rescued shar-pei, adopt a dog in need.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Locate a Chinese shar-pei to adopt. To find a rescued shar-pei near you, look online at Shar-Pei Rescue North America (see Resources below) or contact your local humane society. They can connect you to shar-pei rescue organizations in your area or let you know when they have a shar-pei available for adoption.

2. Complete the adoption application. Most Chinese shar-pei rescue organizations require you to fill out an extensive questionnaire before you adopt one of their animals. Be prepared to answer questions about your home, your family, your other pets, your past experience with pets and your reasons for wanting to adopt a Chinese shar-pei. Have a list of personal references readily available as well as the names and contact information of your veterinarian and dog groomer.

3. Pay the adoption fee. Many rescue organizations ask that you pay a fee to cover the cost of care while your dog was in foster care. This includes the cost of food, relevant supplies, veterinary care, the cost of spaying or neutering and the cost of inserting a microchip. Make additional donations of food, supplies or money if you want to support to continued work of the Chinese shar-pei rescue organization.

4. Know how to care for a Chinese shar-pei. Every dog breed has unique demands and needs. The same holds true for the Chinese shar-pei. Familiarize yourself with the skin and eye issues that are common in the shar-pei breed. Talk to your veterinarian about these common health problems, or educate yourself online at Canis Major (See Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• Chinese shar-peis are typically very intelligent and quick to learn. Enroll your adopted shar-pei in obedience classes to help curb stubborn behaviors.

Resources

• Shar-Pei Rescue North America
• Canis Major: Learn how to care for your Chinese shar-pei