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Dixie Shar-Pei Fact or Fiction
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Are the Shar-Pei a rare breed? In the early 70's, there were just a few dogs, and they were the worlds 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 (see History of the Breed) 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 practically like baths, but they love to wad in the pond. Go figure.)
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.
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To contact us about future litters or just to ask a question, please e-mail us at Mail@DixieShar-Pei.com OR CALLDean HughesDecatur, Alabama256-466-6363We spend a lot of time outside,so you may have to leave a messageand I will return your call.
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