How to Care for a Chinese Shar Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei dog breed is unmistakable as a puppy because he grows into his skin. This wrinkly-skinned sweetheart is adorable as a puppy, with a "hippo" head and scratchy coat. Despite its adorable appearance as a puppy, this dog is a serious guardian type that is aloof and standoffish. Recognized by the AKC in 1992 and a member of the non-sporting group, this often stubborn breed is not for everyone.
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Instructions
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Shar-Pei puppies are adorable, but as adults they are not so readily recognized because the wrinkles disappear. Keep your Shar-Pei's wrinkles clean. Although those wrinkles are the cutest and most unique part about the Chinese Shar Pei dog, it is also the hardest part to care for. The coat is very short, so grooming is easy. But the folds of the skin can become infected with bacteria and yeast, especially in humid areas. You have to take time every day to carefully clean inside the wrinkles. Take your Chinese Shar Pei to a veterinarian at the first sign of inflammation or infection.
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The Shar Pei originated as a multi-purpose farm dog in China. Watch out for eye problems. The Chinese Shar Pei dogs tend to have eye problems in which eyelashes curl inward to irritate the eyes. Due to poor breeding in the beginning, a lot of Chinese Shar Pei dogs in the United States have this problem. Carefully examine your dog's eyes to see if he has a problem. Most dogs that have this inward eyelash problem tend to tear up a lot and his eyes are irritated and red. This is a painful condition. Go to a veterinarian at the first sign of this problem and he will perform surgery on this dog to correct the problem.
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The Shar-Pei is aloof with strangers but fiercely loyal to his own family. Feed your Shar-Pei a hypo-allergenic food. Due to over breeding, a lot of Chinese Shar Pei dogs also suffer from food allergies. They are allergic or can develop allergies to grain, corn, wheat, and soy. To prevent these allergies which manifest itself through itching skin for the Chinese Shar Pei, you should feed this breed foods that are designed for breeds with food allergies. Experiment with a variety of foods such as fish and potatoes or commercially-available allergy foods from Science Diet.
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Socialize your Shar-Pei with other dogs. Socialize your Shar-Pei. Properly socializing your Chinese Shar-Pei dog is essential because this dog has lots of guarding instincts and will not hesitate to defend you. This might be a good thing when you are truly in danger but can get you and your Chinese Shar Pei in serious trouble at times. Puppy training is essential. Take your Shar-Pei to a puppy kindergarten class or an obedience class if he is older. This is always the best way to train and socialize your dog.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your Chinese Shar-Pei to the veterinarian as soon as you adopt him. The vet knows what health problems are inherent in this particular breed and will be able to look for early warning signs of trouble.
Never get a Shar-Pei or any other breed from a pet store that sells puppies. Always get your dog from a reputable, responsible breeder where you can see at least one of the parents.
References
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