Buying or Adopting a Chinese Shar-pei
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Chinese Shar-pei until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Chinese Shar-pei the right breed for you?
Chinese Shar-pei Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Chinese Shar-pei?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No dogs of the same sex in the household
- No cats in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Shar-pei stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Chinese Shar-peis are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Shar-pei to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Chinese Shar-pei, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Chinese Shar-pei?
Chinese Shar-peis are fairly common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Shar-peis rank 61st. Unfortunately their popularity is often based on their unusual wrinkly appearance, without owners being aware that those physical characteristics are associated with numerous health problems.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Chinese Shar-peis are available from Dog Rescue groups. Shar-peis may be turned over to Rescue because of health problems, or because their dominance and stubbornness become too hard to handle. There might be issues with aggression toward other animals. But other Chinese Shar-peis are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Chinese Shar-peis are occasionally found here. But Shar-pei Rescue groups do try to move Chinese Shar-peis out of shelters and into their rescue network.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Chinese Shar-pei from a show breeder, who breeds their dogsto match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Chinese Shar-pei from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Chinese Shar-pei puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal elbows
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Chinese Shar-pei ends up with cataracts and crippled joints.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Chinese Shar-peis are sometimes found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Chinese Shar-pei Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Chinese Shar-pei puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Chinese Shar-pei puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.