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Are the Shar-Pei a rare breed?
Are the Shar-Pei expensive to buy?
Do Shar-Pei have lots of medical problems?
Do Shar-pei have a bad temperament?
Must you dry and powder Shar-Pei wrinkles after a bath?
Does it require a lot of work to house break a Shar-Pei?
Are Shar-Pei highly intelligent?
Are Shar-Pei very social?
Will adult Shar Pei stay wrinkled like Shar Pei puppies?
Are Shar Pei good with children, other dogs and cats?
Do Shar Pei shed?
How long does a Shar Pei live?
Do Shar Pei snore or drool?
Can a Shar Pei live in an apartment?
Does a spotted or pink tongue mean the Shar Pei is from a mixed breeding?
Can Shar Pei tolerate temperature extremes?
Why should I spay or neuter my Shar Pei?
What should I ask for when buying a dog/puppy?
What should I see when I go look at puppies?
What should I do if I want to buy a puppy?
What should I do when I get the puppy?
When should I start training?
When should I say goodbye?
When is the right time to show my dog affection?
Why do some dogs snap at people while they are eating?
Self feeders, are they ok?
A high strung dog, is it inherited?
When do I start to walk my puppy?
Licking, is it dominance or submission?
Can I remain alpha if I walk my dog running free?
Why does my dog hate it when I touch his food?
What should an owner do if they are emotionally upset and their dog comes over and lays on top of them?
Does the Shar Pei need special grooming and does it suffer from allergies?
How much do I feed my Shar-Pei?
Does the Shar Pei need a lot of exercise?
How do I go about breeding my dog?
Is the Shar Pei breed suitable for children?
What is entropion?
Are the Shar-Pei a rare breed?
In the early 70's, there were just a few dogs, and they were the world's rarest breed. The government of mainland Communist China had an active program of destroying all dogs. As fanciers from the United States became involved with saving the Shar-Pei, it's quick intelligence and engaging personality made it an extremely popular companion. So much so, that when the Shar-Pei entered the AKC Non-Sporting Group in August, 1992, over 70,000 dogs were registered as foundation stock - the largest breed ever to join AKC. Not hardly a rare breed anymore, but still quite impressive.
Are the Shar-Pei expensive to buy?
No. When the Chinese Shar-Pei first came to this country, they were very expensive. Today however, Shar-pei are a very popular breed of dog. Prices for pet quality and show quality dogs are comparable to what you would expect to pay for any other pure-bred dog. I would highly suggest though that you check with a few reputable breeders to insure you are not paying to much.
Do Shar-Pei have lots of medical problems?
No. When the Shar-Pei first came to this country, there were only a few dozen dogs from which to start a breeding program. Unfortunately, some early dogs had health problems. Over the past 25 years dedicated breeders have carefully worked to eliminate health problems by breeding only sound, healthy dogs. Most Shar-Pei do not require eye entropian surgery (some require eye tacking, this allows the head time to grow into the extra skin) and do not have skin problems. Shar-Pei do not have an under coat of hair, so when they lose their coat of hair in the Spring, they can look pretty untidy - this is normal. The holes and pits in their coat is not a skin disease, it is a natural process. After a few weeks of brushing out the old hair a new coat can grow in. Because of the small ear canals and tight ear flaps, the Shar-Pei can develop ear infections. It is necessary to do regular inspection and cleaning of their ears to prevent costly vet bills.
Do Shar-pei have a bad temperament?
No. Temperament problems are not a Shar-Pei affliction. Any dog, any breed - when bred improperly can have temperament problem. Shar-Pei are intensely loyal to their family and make excellent watch dogs. Like all dogs, however, they should be socialized. Some Shar-Pei are aloof toward strangers. Because Shar-Pei have a quick intelligence and are eager to please their family, they are very easily trained.
Must you dry and powder Shar-Pei wrinkles after a bath?
No. Shar-Pei do not require any special treatment when bathing. You don't have to powder or dry their wrinkles with a Q-tip. Like any other breed, you must thoroughly rinse the shampoo from the coat and wrinkles. Although Shar-Pei hate water, they are easily trained to stand for a bath. Because they are fastidiously clean, they greatly appreciate how they feel after a bath. A good dog shampoo and a simple toweling down to keep them from dripping on the carpet is all that's required. The short coat naturally air-dries in a few moments. (An added note about our Shar-pei, they don't like baths, but they love to wade in the creek.)
Does it require a lot of work to house break a Shar-Pei?
No. Shar-Pei may be the easiest breed in the world to house break. It is not unusual for a 6 to 8 week puppy to 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. Shar-Pei are fastidiously clean and are famous for holding it in until they can go outside.
Are Shar-Pei highly intelligent?
Yes. Shar-Pei have a quick intelligence. Training should being when your puppy can answer to it's name, while not looking at you. However, their high intelligence may cause boredom with overly repetitive training, so training should be combined with play and new task to accomplished.
Are Shar-Pei very social?
Although some Shar-Pei may be aloof toward strangers, they are very attached to their dog and human family.
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.
Are Shar Pei good with children, other dogs and cats?
Yes. When raised from puppy hood with children and 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.
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.
How long does a Shar Pei live?
An average life is approximately 9 – 12 years of age, but some have been known to live as long as 15 years or more.
Do Shar Pei snore or drool?
Yes, Shar Pei snore. Some are louder than others and Shar Pei puppies can be the worst ones. Some Shar Pei puppies have an elongated soft palate, which they grow into as they mature. This can cause more and louder snoring when they are young.
Shar Pei do not drool continuously like some breeds. But they can get a little slobbery after eating and drinking. Shar Pei puppies tend to drip water down their chin and chest when drinking. But they out grow this – just like a child needs a bib when younger, but outgrows the need. A towel placed under the water bowl will catch most of the dripping water.
Can a Shar Pei live in an apartment?
Yes, Shar Pei adapt well to apartment living. Most Shar Pei are wonderful couch potatoes by the time they are a year old. They enjoy playing and going for walks and are equally happy lazing about the house.
Does a spotted or pink tongue mean the Shar Pei is from a mixed breeding?
No, this does not mean the dog is from a mixed breeding. If the Shar Pei has a spotted tongue it is a major fault for the ACK show ring. The tongue should be solid black or bluish black in pigmented Shar Pei dogs. A Shar Pei with a dilute color will have a lavender tongue. A solid pink tongue is a disqualification from the AKC show ring. This does not mean the Shar Pei dog is from a mixed breeding, nor does it indicate health problems.
Can Shar Pei tolerate temperature extremes?
No. Shar Pei should not be left in the sun for long periods of time. If it is extremely hot and humid, it can even be too hot for your Shar Pei dog outside in a shaded area. Shar Pei are also not winter dogs and can not be outside for long periods of time in the extreme cold. Just be aware of how hot or cold it is outside. If it is too hot or cold for you to be outside, then it is too hot or cold for your Shar Pei to be outside too.
Why should I spay or neuter my Shar Pei?
Puppies placed in homes as pets and companions from Carpe Shar-Pei are on a spay/neuter contract and must be spayed/neutered at 6 months of age. Sometimes people are reluctant because it is a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. And of course, people have heard horror stories about dogs not recovering from surgery. However, the risks involved with not spaying or neutering outweigh the slight possibility of a surgical complication. Anesthesia used to be a risk factor, but with today?s advances it has been greatly reduced. Make sure that your veterinarian is using an anesthetic such as isoflourine, which is reversible in case of complications. Your Shar Pei will be feeling normal and fully recovered from the spay or neuter surgery in just a couple of days, but it is important to limit their activity for a week to 10 days following surgery.
Female dogs come into heat every 6 – 8 months. There is a bloody discharge and they attract local male dogs which could get them pregnant without you even knowing. There are too many "unwanted" dogs in this world to take chances. Spaying removes both the uterus and both ovaries and not only eliminates the messy heat cycle, but a female dog spayed before her first heat will have a near zero chance of developing mammary cancer and it will totally eliminate the chances of her developing uterine or ovarian cancer and pyometra. Older unspayed females are at considerable risk of developing pyometra. Pyometra is a life threatening infection of the uterus that can occur approximately 6 weeks following a heat cycle. Bacteria enter the uterus causing it to swell dramatically, fill with pus, dying tissue and toxins. Pyometra is extremely common in older female dogs. Spaying will not change her temperament and she will not get fat. Spayed females make better pets. And overeating and lack of exercise causes a dog to be fat, not spaying.
Male dogs start to experience hormone changes after 6 months of age that could lead to him becoming territorial and urine marking the inside and outside of your home. He may also become more prone to running off to follow the scent of females in heat in your neighborhood. One of the most important medical concerns is prostate cancer. Neutering your male dog will eliminate the chance he will develop prostate cancer and certain types of hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus. Excessive perpetual discharge is reduced by neutering, as is aggressive behavior towards other male dogs, and inappropriate mounting. Your male dog will still be playful, friendly and active. And he may grow to be a little bigger. Testosterone is involved in causing the bones to stop growing. So dogs neutered before puberty (usually 6 months) tend to grow a little bigger than dogs neutered after puberty.
What should I ask for when buying a dog/puppy?
What should I see when I go look at puppies?
What should I do if I want to buy a puppy?
What should I do when I get the puppy?
When should I start training?
Training is a great way to exercise your dog! Did you know there are certificates for ...
When should I say goodbye?
This is a very personal decision and can be very difficult to make. We have been there too, if you need to talk.
When is the right time to show my dog affection?
When the dog is submissive and acting calm. Holding his head low. Ears relaxed and slightly back. Dog might curl into a circle. Basically they are slinking themselves smaller telling you they do not wish to be boss. You can give your dog all the love and affection you wish at this time.
Not when he is excited, scared, nervous, anxious, nor when he is showing signs of dominance very perky and proud looking and asking you for attention. A dog who is asking to be pet is demanding that you do something for him. A demand from a dog is an alpha behavior. Carrying himself proud with a stance that makes them look bigger. Ears perked. When dogs carry themselves like this they look beautiful, but in the dog world it is a dog trying to puff themselves out for the role of the leader. Dogs should not be petted at this time.
When a dog is showing signs of dominance the dog should receive no affection until you are able to make them realize they are not boss and they accept it and begin to act submissive. The more submissive and stable minded the dog gets the more love you can give him. Dogs should not get any affection until the dominance is under control. Your affection will reinforce whatever mind frame (in human words "Mood") the dog is in.
Why do some dogs snap at people while they are eating?
A dog who snaps is a dog who is communicating to you that he is your leader and he simply wishes that you leave him alone while he eats (leader eats first... it's canine instinct). This is why it is so important to be 100% pack leader at all times consistently. When someone is not or is wishy, washy about it the dog becomes either unsure and test you, or they simply are convinced and become alpha. A dog communicates by growling, then snapping and biting. It happens because of the humans. It is the responsibility of the humans to understand this and be alpha 100% of the time or you will be tested by your dog. Dogs who are not 100% secure with their place are stressed dogs. Since we cannot allow a dog to be pack leader 100% of the time allowing the dog to make all the decisions, the dog becomes stressed and anxiety ridden. Sure your dog may look happy because he is always excited, however excitement in a canine animal is NOT happy. It is just that, excited. Most dogs in America are not stable, balanced dogs because most people do not understand this. Dogs also have an instinct to migrate and how many people do you know who own dogs? Now how many dogs do you see going for walks? How many dogs that you DO see walking are walking in front of the humans? Pack leader goes first. Whatever happened to a dog heeling?? So dogs are pack leader during their walks (in front), with what little walks they get in the first place and then they get home and their owners expect them to behave, to not guard their food. They expect them to listen to them, to not bolt out the door, not bark obsessively, and to not chew things up. A dog who does not get a daily walk develops mental stress because he has this instinct to migrate. Packs of dogs get up in the morning and walk, they hunt to find food. Nope, sorry a big yard and or big house does not cut it. It's just like a big cage to them. Most dogs are unstable, hence the reason we have so many dogs getting killed in the pounds. It's the humans fault and oh so very sad. We take these animals and we have them live with us, yet we only take what we need as humans and do not give the dog what he needs as the canine. Then we kill the dog for being unstable and get a new puppy. We can blame the pet over-population problem on the breeders, however have you ever heard of supply and demand? If everyone were to keep their dog for life the demand for new pups would go down.
Self feeders, are they ok?
It is not recommended to leave food down for a dog for psychological reasons. Instinct tells a dog the pack leader decides when it is time to eat. Leaving the food down all of the time is allowing the dog to decide. If humans allow dogs to believe they are pack leader it causes various behavioral issues and sometimes it simply confuses the dog. A confused dog is not a happy dog. When a dog is not 100% clear about the order of the pack they do not feel secure. Therefore if you display leadership with something's and not with others the dog is never 100% sure.
A high strung dog, is it inherited?
Being high-strung is never a breed "trait". It is by no means inherited. What a dog can inherit is a higher energy level, but any dog who does not receive the proper amount of exercise can become anxious and high-strung. When a dog is high-strung and extremely excitable it is a sure sign of a lack of mental and/or physical exercise. The whining is anxiety, from the lack of exercise and/or leadership. The more daily exercise you give your dog, where it not only makes him tired, but challenges his mind at the same time, the calmer your dog will be. Please keep in mind, exercise such as tossing a ball or a romp at the dog park is excited exercise and will keep your dog at a higher level of excitement, therefore, less calm. A pack walk is the perfect type of exercise to calm a dog. It not only physically makes them tired, but it mentally challenges them because they need to follow you and that takes concentration. It also reinforces the fact that you are pack leader, leading to respect and a better behaved dog.
When do I start to walk my puppy?
Now is the time to teach her to follow you. She might not be the easiest dog to walk because she is small but bring treats and/or a favorite toy and make it a fun thing. You will be teaching her to follow and now is the best time to start. After you get the actual walking down, which you can do by walking backwards with food in your hand as she tries to eat it, slowly begin practicing the heeling on a lead. Teach her to not pass you (pack leader goes first). She should be following you. That will be the foundation of your relationship. Keep it positive and happy. Food always helps. Be aware of her energy level and what she can handle at this time. Meaning don't OVER walk her for miles and miles. Use your best judgment on the amount she can handle, but do walk her daily.
Licking, is it dominance or submission?
Licking can be a submissive behavior and it can also be a dominance behavior. Mother dogs lick and groom their puppies and for the pups it is the mother displaying dominance. Mom says stay here and be groomed because she is alpha over them and she says so. Submissive dogs may also lick but not in an obsessive kind of way and they hold themselves low with their ears back as if to say, you're my boss. So it really all depends on the dogs body language.
A submissive dog will hold himself very low, slinking himself down to try and make himself appear smaller. He will approach a human with his head lowered and his hears slightly back. A dominant dog will carry himself high and proud. He approaches things with an air of confidence. He may also be very persistent as to what he wants.
If, in describing the licking you use the word "obsessive", it is likely being done out of dominance.
Is the dog intense with great concentration? What happens when you tell the dog, "No"? Is there any growling? Is the dog persistent at getting back to the task of licking you?
Are his ears back with the body and head held low? When you send the dog away, does the dog either back off or lower his head as he attempts to approach you again?
Watching how your dog approaches you on a daily basis will help you determine if your dog is acting in a dominant or submissive manner. If your dog constantly walks around high and proud, he is most likely in a dominate state.
Can I remain alpha if I walk my dog running free?
Yes, that is ok to allow him to run free, so long as you are making the calls, not him. Make sure he is calm, and in a submissive mind frame when you leash him up and when you take off the leash. If he is really excited when you are trying to take the lead off wait until he calms down. That is pretty important. You decide when he gets let off and you decide when he is to come back, and you decide what direction to go in. Change up on him often. So if he is ahead and he turns right, you turn left. If he will come without you even calling him and run back in your direction that is even better. Show's he is following you. So long as he comes back when called and you are making all the decisions in the run, and you still take him for leashed pack walks to reinforce who is alpha in your pack, it is all good. Dogs need this type of, "off lead run your heart out" time.
Why does my dog hate it when I touch his food?
Your dog is not necessarily "hating it" when you touch his food. Nor is he being "mean". He is communicating with you. What he is saying is, "This is MY food. Leave me alone while I eat it." Is this a problem? You bet it is. It's a big problem. It means your dog is alpha over you. There are different levels of dominance and even if your dog has never bitten, always keep in mind that growling or the bearing of a dogs teeth eventually does lead to biting. It is time you reassess your human to dog communication skills and take the alpha position back away from your dog before it escalates into a larger problem.
What should an owner do if they are emotionally upset and their dog comes over and lays on top of them?
If you are having a bad day and are emotionally upset and your dog comes over and lays on top of you, be it your feet or lap what does it mean? To the human it is very comforting. We feel that our dogs care and are trying to make us feel better. That's the human side to the equation.
What does it mean to the dog? Dogs do feel human emotion and since they are pack oriented animals that need to know who the strongest being is so that being can run the pack, they see the weak as lower. It's instinct and there is nothing we can do to change that. A dog will pick up on a human's weakness and willl claim the person as their subordinate by laying on top of them, be it their feet or their lap. Sometimes a dog will lick the person. In the dog world the leader is on top. The leader will often cover up the lower member by standing over them.
It is not realistic to say a human who owns a dog can never get upset. But it is a fact that when they do the dog will feel the human as being weak. Different dogs will have different reactions. Some may become worried, stressed, anxious, and/or upset because his leader is now weak and/or become empowered and try and "Save the Pack" by taking over. If you are emotionally upset and a dog comes over and lays on top of you, send the dog away back to his dog bed (or other area). Do not allow the dog to get on top of you. Try and take deep breaths and do your best to not be upset anymore. But to say you can never get upset is not going to happen, so you just deal with it when it happens and not allow the dog to be "In your face" or standing over you during that time.
Does the Shar-Pei need special grooming and does it suffer from allergies?
The healthy Shar-Pei doesn't have special needs for keeping the skin and coat in good condition. Skin problems can come from allergy, infection, or fungus. Some common allergy problems are plants and grass, wet grass (from dew and from rain), carpet treatments (cleaners, odor control products, etc.), feeds, pollens, and molds. Shar-Pei may also be allergic to fleas and mites.
One phenomenon that effects only the Shar-Pei is a contact dermatitis caused by his/her own short stiff hair pricking its own skin. People can have this reaction too from the very stiff and short Shar-Pei coat, if they hold onto a squirming puppy or adult.
When a coat or skin condition gets out of control you need to consult your vet. You want to know the following from the vet:
You can have any or all of this going on at one time. Your vet can run tests to check for specific problems and can help you with a program that can eliminate or control them.
How much do I feed my Shar-Pei?
Feeding your Shar-Pei should be easy. A medium protein food will satisfy the needs of most dogs. Four feedings a day for young pups (to 16 weeks), three feedings for 4 to 6 months, and twice a day after six months of age, will work for most, unless your dog has special needs and recommendations from your vet.
Does the Shar-Pei need a lot of exercise?
Most Shar-Pei will get plenty of exercise from following the owner or family around, but a fenced running area is essential for the Shar-Pei. Busy mornings can be gotten under control with a turnout area for your dog. For some family social events a fenced area away from the confusion can keep your dog safely out of the way of interference by guests that are not familiar with dogs.
How do I go about breeding my dog?
Breeding your female should be a well thought out decision and you should have a plan for the future of the puppies. There are a number of good books on the subject, but you should not undertake the task lightly.
The actual expense and labor of the enterprise can be much more then you may be prepared for. You will need to be able to set up an appropriate environment for whelping and raising the pups. Cleaning the puppy area, feeding, exercise, and socialization is time consuming. Vet care for the puppies' eyes may involve numerous trips to the vet, and then there are dewclaws, shots and de-worming.
You may need to advertise pups for sale and meeting with prospective owners can turn any schedule into chaos. Get a couple of books and read them cover to cover, then find a friend who has done it before, you will need a lifeline.
You must also comply with any purchase contract you have signed when getting your puppy. Contact your breeder if in doubt.
Last but not least check out this site before you start:Blue Grace
Is the Shar-Pei breed suitable for children?
The Shar-Pei is really no different than most breeds in that they need to be raised and socialized with children when they are puppies and they need basic obedience training. If your Shar-Pei needs to be a real friendly around company and visitors, then this needs to be a part of its growing up. If your Shar-Pei needs to be tolerant of other dogs the same principle will apply.
What is entropion?
Many breeders are having more success with breeding Shar-Pei that are less prone to entropion, but this eye problem (rolling in of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to irritate the cornea) is not exclusive to Shar-Pei. Other breeds also have this problem as well as ectropion (rolling out of the lids). Entropion can first be seen at a few weeks of age when the pups should be opening their eyes. These very young pups will need to have temporary tacking - eyelids "tucked'-up by the vet to help them open their eyes. This might be the only time in that puppy's life that a temporary tacking will be needed. Other pups may need help with their eyes as older puppies when they really start to wrinkle up. Facial structures grow and mature, and these changes can lead to a temporary need for eye tacking.
Other catalysts for a temporary eye tacking can be allergy or illness. If your vet recommends the eye surgery before the age of six months, ask him/her to consider the temporary eye tacking if there is any chance that the cause of the problem might be outgrown or will resolve itself.
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If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. |
Credits:
Paper and canvas prints of
"Growing Up Chinese Shar-Pei" by Barbara Keith are available online.