Chinese Shar Pei....any advice from those that have owned one? :)

[just_in_time]

Hello all you animal lovers! Cheer to you! I am VERY interested in purchasing a Shar Pei at the end of March 2005. I have done ALOT of research on the breed and am convinced that they can be an excelent family pet IF brought up properly..socialized properly. I am just interested in hearing stories of people that have owned them or do own them..all stories! Of course I would prefer happy stories! :) Look forward to hearing from you!

[sammy101]

Welcome to Pet Talk!
Ive never owned a Shar Pei,but i've met a few on my walks,and they seem like very sweet dogs,Socialization is the key to having a wonderful dog,and that includes all breeds.
Just wondering,have you looked into rescuing a Shar-Pei?

[wolfsoul]

I've never owned a shar pei, but I have met a few, and they are very sweet dogs. Their fur feels likes bristles -- very coarse. An interesting breed. There is a breeder around here as well; she breeds miniature shar peis. Have you contacted a breeder or rescue yet? :)

[just_in_time]

thanks for the responses! Yes to the questions..I have done ALOT of research including looking into rescue of unwanted Shar Pei, but unfortunately I need a dog that is properly socialized as I have two children. Maybe one day in the future I would adopt one in need. I have gone to three breeders. Only one has meet my criteria. She does alot with her dogs and puppies > she even takes them from around 4-6 weeks to local schools and old age homes to get them used to people and other animals. So I am excited about getting one. The puppies are not born yet..not for another few weeks but will be ready for around the end of March. Gives me even more time to talk to people. I have spoke with trainers, breeders, vets, and groomers. Everyone has something different to say. I really agree about the comment that all dogs are similar in that they need to be socialized in order to live in harmony with humans and other animals.
SO what animals do you all have? I used to have a Siberian Husky but she died about a two years ago. Her name was Arctic "Shadow" It was very sad....now I am ready for another pet.

[Corinna]

I haven't had one but check Petfinder.com
We rescued a newfy x he was supposed to be a shar pai /newfy. but hes chow/newfy best rescue we have ever done.

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by just_in_time
she even takes them from around 4-6 weeks to local schools and old age homes to get them used to people and other animals.
That is actually a very risky thing to do. They don't allow puppies this young to have full vaccinations, and so there are a variety of diseases that the puppies could pick up. I've seen way too many cases of new owners taking their puppy out befor they've had their shots, and the puppies picking up parvovirus and dieing. I hope that maybe you can pass this information along to the breeder. It's good that they want to socialise the pups -- but it's better to bring people who they know do not own dogs themselves or own dogs that have been properly vaccinated to see the puppies, instead of bringing the puppies to places where other dogs may have been, or people with dogs that may be carrying something can touch the puppies and spread the disease.

[just_in_time]

Thanks again for all the responses!! Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! LOL what a boring night I am having! LMAO
The breeder I am possibly buying from has bred Shar Peis for almost 22 years...so I am assuming she would be responsible with them! I get a two year health guarantee with the puppy for all hereditary issues or conditions.. so I am covered there!
Thanks for the web site, I will check it out!