Selecting The Right Shar Pei Puppy

Around 200 B.C. the Shar Pei breed started in China. The Shar Pei is easily recognizable by its wrinkled face and short ears. At first they were used as a farm dog but were then used as a fighting dog. Shar Pei puppies will require consistent training, but they can be bright and willful. While being aloof with strangers they are also extremely loyal to their family.

It is important that you choose the right Shar Pei puppy if you are going to add one to your household. When choosing a Shar Pei the first thing you must do is consider whether or not the breed is right for your household. The Shar Pei is likely a good choice for you if you want a watchdog that is protective and loyal since they are standoffish with strangers. The Shar Pei is also a good option if you have children or cats in your household since the Shar Pei will do well with both if they are socialized at an early age. It is important that you always remember that the Shar Pei can be aggressive around other dogs.

A Shar Pei puppy may not be right for you if you are soft-spoken since Shar Pei puppies require firm and consistent training. The Shar Pei breed is stubborn and independent which means they will often not heed commands of a soft-spoken person. A Shar Pei will do fine if kept in an apartment or house but they shouldn't be outside in weather extremes, particularly heat.

You also want to consider some of the health conditions that are specific to Shar Pei puppies. A few of the more serious conditions include entropion, familial Shar Pei fever, ear problems and allergies. Some dogs with familial Shar Pei will develop anyloidosis, which can eventually cause kidney failure. You should ask the person who you are getting your Shar Pei puppy from whether or not they have been screened for health problems specific to the breed. If not then you may soon see expensive medical bills and decrease your dog's quality of life.

You should consider your Shar Pei breeder just as carefully as you consider the Shar Pei puppies. Ask the breeder if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Be sure to check with the clubs after you have received the references from the breeder. If you don't check you will run the risk of getting stuck with a breeder that is running a puppy mill. Going with a reputable breeder means the person has carefully screened their dogs for all health problems before starting breeding.

Before making your final selection you should be prepared for how Shar Pei puppies will turn out. They will eventually grow to be about eighteen to twenty inches tall and have a weight between forty and fifty-five pounds at the point of maturity. A Shar Pei will usually live about ten years. For a pure bred Shar Pei from a reputable breeder you will likely pay about three hundred to five hundred dollars. After carefully considering these things you will know whether or not a Shar Pei puppy is right for your household.

Melissa Coleman has raised many Shar Pei's and knows what to look for in a puppy. It is a difficult process to select Shar Pei puppies, but beneficial to get the right addition to your household. It is helpful to learn how to choose the right Shar Pei puppy.