DOG FAQ - Do Shar Pei have a lot of medical problems?

The Shar Pei was the "Rarest Dog in the World" according to the Guinness Book of World Records when they were first brought over to the United States. And only a few Shar Pei dogs were sent to the United States, so in the beginning there was a very limited gene pool for a breeding program. Unfortunately, some of these first dogs had health problems.

Dedicated Shar Pei breeders have carefully worked towards eliminating these health issues by researching pedigrees and communicating with other breeders so that they only breed Shar Pei dogs that are sound and healthy. Unfortunately, some of the diseases that affect Shar Pei dogs are recessive and they can appear in even the most carefully planned breeding.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Shar Pei puppies expensive to buy?

In the early 70's there were only a few Chinese Shar Pei and they were considered the world's rarest breed. The Shar Pei became a fad with Shar Pei puppies selling for thousands of dollars. Today however, Shar Pei are no longer considered a rare breed. Prices for Shar Pei pets and show quality dogs are comparable to what you would expect to pay for any other pure bred dog. Shar Pei puppies are more expensive than adult Shar Pei when they are purchased as pets or companions. Remember that adult Shar Pei also make wonderful family members.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - How long does a Shar Pei live?

An average life of Shar Pei dog is approximately 9 – 12 years of age, but some have been known to live as long as 15 years or more.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Shar Pei shed?

Yes, but Shar Pei do not shed year around. They tend to shed in the spring and in the fall. The spring shed is the heaviest due to shedding of the winter coat. And the first spring shed for Shar Pei puppies is especially heavy because puppies are also shedding out their soft puppy coat. Some Shar Pei dogs will develop a moth-eaten appearance to their coat during shedding. This is particularly noticeable on the horsecoat Shar Pei. This is normal and is not a sign of skin disease. Bathing and brushing will get the old dead hair out and promote new hair growth.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Shar Pei good with other dogs and cats?

Yes. When raised from puppy hood with other pets, Shar Pei are loving and devoted family members. Although some Shar Pei are aloof and standoffish towards strangers, they bond quickly to their new families. Socialization for Shar Pei puppies is very important. Puppy kindergarten and beginning obedience will socialize your puppy with other dogs, people and unfamiliar surroundings. Shar Pei thrive on attention and training school is a wonderful and rewarding way to bond with your dog.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Shar Pei snore?

Yes, Shar Pei snore, some more then others. The Shar Pei also snort which may be mistaken for growling. As with all squashed-faced breeds, Bulldogs, Pugs, etc., snoring and snorting go hand-in-hand.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are they suspicious of strangers? Do they make good watch dogs?

Yes, Shar Peis are aloof with strangers and make excellent watch dogs. They are defensive of their home and loved ones. They are an independent breed, very owner-oriented. "A plus as well as a minus in the training situation. Independence is a plus because dogs possess the necessary confidence to work at a distance from their handlers, but it's a minus because it sometimes translates into stubbornness". Training sessions should be brief and not with force. Shar Pei respond best to praise and or food reinforcement as a reward for good behavior.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why do Shar Pei shy away when a person tries to pet them on the head or approaches to quickly?

"The breed's eyes are hooded by skin, which limits its peripheral vision. As a result, they have difficulty seeing people approach from either side until they're almost directly in front of them. The sudden appearance startles the dogs, which causes them to shy away. When approached from the front, Shar Pei don't react this way." Always let the dog sniff your hand and allow him/her time to familiarize themselves with you. Sniffing is a dog's way of making friends just as we say "Hello" or shake hands. Young children especially should be taught how to approach a dog and a child should never approach a dog unless with their parent(s) and the Shar Pei's owner are present.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What happens if a Shar Pei has a spotted black tongue, is it mix?

If the Shar Pei has a spotted tongue it is a major fault. The tongue should be a bluish black unless it is a dilute in which case a lavender tongue is acceptable. A solid pink tongue is a disqualification.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why is its tongue black? Do any other breeds also have a black tongue?

The Shar Pei shares this distinctive characteristic with only one other breed, the Chow-Chow, indicating that there may be a common ancestor.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Will adult Shar Pei stay wrinkled like Shar Pei puppies?

No. Shar Pei puppies grow into their wrinkles. Adult Shar Pei tend to retain wrinkle on the forehead, neck, and shoulders. Some adult Shar Pei have more wrinkles than others, and usually the horsecoat Shar Pei has fewer wrinkles than the brushcoat Shar Pei as an adult.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

SHAR PEI AND CHILDREN

Shar Pei truly enjoys human company, especially children – they can play with them for hours and stand any liberties the children might take. Shar Pei is extremely patient and discreet. They are never aggressive without an obvious cause.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover

TRAINING

The Shar Pei is very intlligent and learns easily. He can do extremely well at obedience training. It is very important that early socialising be carried out, with humans and other dogs. Shar Pei have a quick and engaging intelligence. This intelligence and their eagerness to please makes many Shar Pei successful in obedience competition. However, their high intelligence may cause boredom with overly repetitive training, so training should be combined with play and new tasks to accomplish.

Shar Pei must be the easiest breed in the world to house break. It's not unusual for 6 to 8 week puppies to prefer and ask to go outside when there is a pet door near the whelping box, Shar Pei instinctively copy mama's behavior and bounce out the pet door to relieve themselves. New owners should take their puppies outside immediately after feeding and about once every 2 hours. After a Shar Pei has its scent down on the ground, it prefers that area. Shar Pei are fastidiously clean and are famous for holding it in until they can go outside.

Shar Pei - Dog Lover