All About The Shar Pei Puppy

The most ancient of breeds, the Shar Pei puppy has been guarding homes and families since the early days of its inception in ancient China. Known for the large folds of skin which cover its eyes, neck, and shoulders, the Shar Pei is as good tempered and protective as he is ugly. Originally bred in China as a fighting dog, the Shar Pei is fiercely loyal to, and protective of its family members making it an excellent addition to any family with children.

And yet, as sweet-tempered as this dog may be, it would seem that few have recognized its redeeming qualities. Once named the most rare dog breed in the world, the Shar Pei puppy has only gained recognition from the American Kennel Club since 1991. But happily, the Shar Pei puppy is slowly becoming more and more sought after, as more people realize that this gentle breed's temperament more than makes up for its unusual appearance.

There are three different coat styles that you will find on the Shar Pei puppy. The horse coat, a short, coarse haired dog that looks to be more skin than fur, the brush coat, which is slightly longer and softer, but still considered appropriate for show and the bear coat, a longer, softer coat that is not considered to be acceptable for show as it completely hides the folds and wrinkles that make this breed so distinctive.

Irresponsible breeding practices have made the Shar Pei puppy more prone to certain health conditions that do not plague other dogs. A certain condition known as entropion causes the Shar Pei puppy's eyelashes to grow inward instead of out. While this can be corrected through surgery, it is far more responsible to simply do your research to find a reliable breeder who doesn't breed the same puppy stock over and over again. Talk to your vet if you aren't sure where to find a good breeder.

There are also certain skin conditions that can plague a Shar Pei puppy, but many manufacturers of dog food are now offering a specially formulated dry food that will help to alleviate these conditions. You can also get a specially formulated antihistamine for your Shar Pei puppy that will help to ward off these skin conditions. But the best way to avoid these health issues, is to only purchase your new Shar Pei puppy from a breeder with a long history of making certain their dogs are healthy, and do not practice incestuous breeding.

With the right amount of care, the Shar Pei puppy can provide you and your family with many years of enjoyable companionship. Owning a Shar Pei puppy is a great responsibility; but if you take proper care of them, the undying love and fierce loyalty you will be rewarded with makes that responsibility well worth the effort.

Melissa Coleman has been a fan of the Shar Pei puppy for many years, and has tried to educate as many as possible about the positive qualities of this unusual breed. Shar Pei puppies need quite a bit more attention and care than many other breeds, and so dog lovers are often reluctant to take on the responsibility. But if you are dedicated to your Shar Pei puppy, it can give you a great many years of fierce loyalty and companionship. For anyone looking for information about the Shar Pei puppy, whether it is about their history, their care, or you just need to know how to choose Shar Pei puppy names, this article will provide what you are looking for.