Shar pei's Have you owned one??

[Jax Tellers Old Lady]

Hi there I would love to here if you have owned one or own one? We have the opportunity to be given a four year old female but just would like some background on what to expect from this breed.

Any info would be great thanks.

[Jax Tellers Old Lady]

anyone??

[Teley]

:yes:Me here!

That was my first and only dog. Well, rather, he was Shar Pei cross Rottweiler.

The thing you should remember about Shar Peis is that they are fighting dogs -- that's just what they are genetically, you can't get it out. He is a wonderful dog, but I wouldn't suggest him around small children. I would always have to watch him around DS in case any sudden movements were made.

They are wonderful dogs, they are awesome and they have a big heart -- but I would not let them play unsupervised with the kids, and I would teach the kids how to behave around a dog.

It also matters what sort of training she's recieved, if she's being trained up well you shouldn't really have many problems.

[HelenHasTwins]

I use to wash a couple when I had my dog grooming business, and I have looked after a couple working in dog kennels, the ones I have been around were great, very quiet, loyal dogs.
They are a very strong breed.

They do get problems with there coats though, you will have to wash them with special shampoo for allergic coats etc, as they can get skin irritation.

I am not sure how they are around kids, but in my opinion most dogs act how you treat them and train them....

Maybe google the breed to find out a bit more

Helen

[Jax Tellers Old Lady]

:)Thanks for your help. I do have three year old son. This dog comes from a home that had a five year old so they say she is great with kids and she is trained. Their reason for giving her away is because their are no children for her to play with anymore.

I will definatley do my research before making a decsion.

[Harlequin]

Regarding the 'fighting dog' thing:


Eventually their use as a pit fighting breed diminished, because they simply did not ever posses the mentality or attitude to be a fighter. Most Shar Peis appear, to this day, to be rather disinterested in other animals.

They aren't innately aggressive. They are just dogs.

They sound like they'd be a good pet, sodor :)


Temperament

The Shar-Pei is dignified, calm, and confident, aloof with strangers, and a bit arrogant. He can also be a clown with his family.

These characteristics can make the Shar-Pei difficult to train unless he is well-socialized as a pup and taught early that the human word is law in the household. Once convinced of your superiority, the Shar-Pei will accept his place in the order and be a dependable, devoted companion and child's playmate.

Although he is considered a consummate watchdog, the Shar-Pei should never be aggressive to people or other dogs.

This is a people-oriented breed, so when looking for a pup, make sure the breeder gives her dogs plenty of human contact.

Sounds fantastic if she's trained & socialised :D

[Mum2Tyla]

okay I am not a fan of this breed but this is a eneralisation, i ahve been a vet nurse for many years and have not met many nice tempered ones, they ahve alot of health problems, skin, eyes, ears and teeth, we actaully call them a vets dream as they are always at the vets, in saying this i am sure ther are many with great temperam,nets but when getting an adult dog you always take on the chance of taking on behavioural problems, people are not always 100% honest wehn trying to rehome a dog, i would try and spend some time with the dog adn your son and ask if you can take the dog home for a few days to see how it goes if you do decide to take her, good luck

[EmyLou]

I have a pei cross and would not have another. She will be the only pei cross/pure i ever own.

Em

[prideNJoy]

I agree with what Harlequin said. :yes:

Also, as previously mentioned, they are known to have skin and eye problems, both of which are generally picked up as puppies.
If she is 4 now, and no signs of problem's then she is probably from good blood lines so should not be an issue.
If they are on a cr@ppy food (ie. supermarket stock) their skin can flair up, so be cautious of the type of food you feed.
Keep away from beef and corn in particular with them, those two foods are the biggest allergins in dogs with sensitive skin.

[Teley]

Okay, they seem to be getting a pretty bad rep here.

What I would just like to point out is: every individual dog has a different temperament so you really need to consider that, sometimes what is usually true for the breed isn't completely true for that individual dog.

Also, I'd just like to reiterate that Shar Peis are wonderful dogs:thumbsup:. But they take a lot of effort and caring after, and you have to be firm with them and train them. If you do all that, they're great dogs.

[*babygirl*]

we've had two males... one caramel and one chocolate:bee: i loved both of them very much but they do like to PLAY and as they get quite big i wouldnt recommend then around small children... i've also met a few VERY beautiful females... and next time i buy a dog it would be a female for sure:D

[moochymoo]

I agree with Mum2Tyler.
I have known many, many Shar Peis over the last 18 years, i also know a registered breeder of them.
With the type of temperament they have - it is not a breed i would ever recommend with children.
They are also a high maintainance dog and have many health problems - lots of vet bills.
I would be suspicious of a family that rehome their dog suddenly because "there are no more children to play with". I would be wondering if there were underlying factors that they are not disclosing to you.
Dont get a dog just because one has been offered to you. If you want a dog - do your research on exactly what breed would suit your family.
MissPhantom - Yes every dog has its own personality, but it is known that each breed has its own temperament characteristics - its like saying a Whippet can have the same personality as a Pitbull. They have been bred for different things, each breed are generally known for particular characteristics and traits - some good, some bad. But it has to suit your lifestyle and a Sharpei is not one that i would say suits the average lifestyle with children.

[MyBabyRolls]

I have had my shar pei for 2 years she is the best dog ever if i ever get another dog it would be another shar pei for sure.
They may be fighting dogs but not all of them want to fight, my dog has never hurt anyone ever. They are very protective dogs trust me i know my dog barks everytime she sees someone walking past & even when my family comes over. She has never been agresive with children everytime a kid goes near her she will walk away.
They do need alot of love and care.
I have resently found out my lil girl is having puppies and she had started getting a bit snappy toward my neighbours 8 weeks old pup i surpose every woman gets a bit snappy at times.
I think i have said everything i wanted to say if anyone is thinking of getting a shar pei i hope this info helps they are great dogs.
Have a great day everyone.:smiliedance:

[Lukeysmummy]

Hi

I agree with many of the things already outlined by other HBers. While all dogs, regardless of breed, have their own personality, we would hope that responsible breeders breed dogs that are "true to type". So we'd hope that most shar peis would share most of the breeds characteristics. Personally, I don't think that the majority of these characteristics would suit a family, particularly if there wasn't much time available to commit to training.

I have met a few shar peis through my work, sadly, some of those have been for behavioural issues, while the ones I have met in my general classes, have been more difficult to train than many other breeds.

I would also be wary of re-homing for the reason stated. Those of us who have dogs would most probably agree that we LOVE our dogs, and not having a child to play with would simply mean more playing with adults:D. In my home it would anyway.

Also, advice I give to many people with young children who want a dog is to choose a breed, meet a few breeders of your breed, choose a responsible breeder and wait for the right puppy for your family. I work for a welfare org, so am certainly not against re-homing dogs, I simply know that I wouldn't risk the chance that I am taking on more than I could chew in regards to behavioural issues (that may not even surface until the dog becomes comfortable and confident in your home) when I have kids to consider.

Good Luck making your decision!:)