Shar-Pei – Towel Dog

Best Places To Find Shar Pei Puppies For Sale

2011-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

The most ancient of all dogs, Shar Pei puppies have quickly gained a reputation within the last twenty years as being one of the most desired dogs for families everywhere. So many people now looking for Shar Pei puppies for sale has led to an uprising of dishonest breeders running puppy mills trying to fill the ever increasing demand for these sweet dogs. Sadly, many people do not realize just how dangerous it can be to buy a dog from one of these mills, nor how to tell them apart from an honest breeder.

The first thing that one must remember when looking for Shar Pei puppies, is that a respectable breeder would never, ever place one of their Shar pie puppies for sale in a pet store, or in any other place where they would lose control over what kind of home their dogs were going to. Understanding this can help you to ensure that you only buy Shar Pei puppies from a quality breeder.
The thing to remember about quality breeders is that they would never place Shar Pei puppies for sale in a pet store, nor would they offer their dogs to anyone whom they had not thoroughly researched themselves. Quality breeders are most concerned that their pups are given to only the best possible homes. The Shar Pei puppies for sale that you find in pet stores most often come from less than reputable breeders who run breeding kennels known as puppy mills.

These puppy mills churn out pups by the dozen, and these dishonest puppy breeders care little for more than making money off of their dogs. The pups found in these mills, and consequently in the pet stores, are usually quite sick and need much medical attention if they are to have any sort of life. You can help to ensure that your dog comes from an honest breeder, simply by refusing to purchase any of the Shar Pei puppies for sale from any pet store.
You can easily find top quality Shar Pei puppies for sale simply by asking your local vet about the respected breeders in your area. By choosing a vet recommended breeder to purchase your Shar Pei puppies from, you can rest assured that you will be getting only the finest quality dog, and that you won't have to spend thousands of dollars for medical bills on a sick pup.

So, in conclusion, just remember when you are looking for Shar Pei puppies for sale that not all breeders are created equal. And if the breeder you are considering does nothing to ensure that his or her dog is going to a good home, by asking about the conditions in which the dog will be kept, then it is an almost certainty that they are running nothing more than a puppy mill and should be avoided at all costs. Doing so will help you to rest assured that you and the puppy you choose will have a long and happy life together.

The last twenty years have brought an increased awareness of what wonderful pets Shar Pei puppies make. This article has been written for everyone who is concerned about giving their puppy the properShar Pei puppy care, and those who may be interested in finding Shar Pei puppies for sale.

Very Cute Shar-Pei Puppies

2011-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

Shar-Pei Puppy Baby

2011-01-14T16:39:00.000-08:00

Keeping Your Chinese Shar-Pei Healthy

2011-01-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Your dog is a living, breathing animal and as such is subject to a myriad of diseases, just as humans are. Everyone who purchases a puppy hopes that he will live a long, full, healthy life, but life doesn’t offer any guarantees, and it will be your responsibility to help keep your dog as healthy as possible. Just as it is important for you to have periodic medical checkups, so it is for your dog. The first time you see a vet should be within forty-eight hours of purchasing you new puppy.
This is an “insurance policy” of sorts to assure you and your breeder that the puppy is healthy at the time of purchase and has no obvious health problems.

Ticks
This is another external parasite that, though it does not produce more than a short-lived skin reaction, can carry a myriad of other, more serious illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and canine ehrlichiosis. The most common symptoms of this last disease are lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, pale membranes in the mouth, lymph node enlargement and blood in the feces. Your veterinarian can prescribe treatment.
It is most important that you check your dog for ticks, especially in the spring and summer when they are most abundant.
Ticks reside in grass, shrubs and trees and will take every opportunity to attach themselves to you or your dog to feed on blood. Some are so small as to go unnoticed, such as the deer tick which is a carrier of Lyme disease. If you find a tick attached to you or your dog, use tweezers to gently remove it, holding the tweezers as close to the skin as possible so as to remove all of the tick. Place it in a small container filled with alcohol. If you or your dog becomes ill, you may want to confirm that the tick was a carrier of one of the aforementioned diseases.
Ears
While small and close to the head, Shar-Pei ears are extremely mobile, which allows for more air circulation than the ears of drop-eared dogs such as the Basset or Cocker Spaniel. Occasional cleaning to remove wax buildup should be routine.
If your dog scratches at his ear, shakes his head a lot, or tilts his head with his ear lowered, he probably has an ear infection. An infected ear will emit a distinct odor. See your veterinarian for treatment. If the problem is a chronic one, you should also have your vet check for ear mites (parasites that invade the ear and cause itching and inflammation) and/or a yeast infection. Shar-Pei who have problems with allergies will often have chronic ear problems, and if this occurs, your veterinarian may recommend an ear resection. This is a surgical procedure in which the veterinarian opens up the ear with a lateral incision so that air can more easily circulate.
Anal Glands
The anal glands are located on each side just below the dog’s anus. You may notice that your dog will voluntarily empty his anal sacs after a bowel movement or if angered or distressed, and the odor is unmistakable. Routine evacuation is nature’s way of cleansing these glands. However, if you notice your dog “scooting” his rear on the floor, it can mean one of two things: he may have worms, or he may have impacted anal glands caused by secretion buildup. In the latter case, these glands may need expressing. This is an unpleasant job I would rather leave to my veterinarian, but some owners do not find this task as objectionable as I do. Make sure the secretion buildup has not caused an abscess. If one of the glands is infected, the skin will be red and inflamed and you may see pus coming from the rectum. If you suspect an infection, this calls for veterinary intervention.
To complete this task, it is best to wear rubber gloves and gently probe the area with your thumb and forefinger until you locate the small, round gland. Gently express the contents of the gland into a soft cloth or tissue. This is sometimes a two-person job, one to hold the dog’s head and talk to him gently and another to do “the dirty deed.” If the glands become impacted or infected on a regular basis, your veterinarian may recommend that they be removed.

Reproductive Organs
Although the testicles in male puppies are present at birth, they do not descend into the scrotum until several weeks of age, some sooner, others later. Ask your vet to check for testicles in your new puppy if they are not visually evident when he gets his first vaccination. If they are not “down,” don’t worry yet. You probably have a late bloomer. Once the testicles have descended, it is possible for the puppy to “pull them up” because it takes some time for them to become firmly entrenched in the scrotum.
If, after six months, the testicle (s) are not down, consult with your veterinarian, and if they have not descended by one year, you should have him neutered. A great number of cancers occur in undescended testicles.

Living with a Chinese Shar-Pei

2011-01-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Intelligence and Intuition
Some generalizations, however, I can make comfortably: Most Shar-Pei are extremely intelligent. Like other intelligent breeds, they can be taught many things, but they also have a superior understanding of their world and the people in it. I can often communicate with my dogs without saying a word. Language only reinforces what you want them to do or how you would like for them to react.

Chinese Shar-Pei are “people dogs.” This I can say unequivocally! They soon become very loyal family members and usually form a strong bond to one member of the family. Wherever you are, that is where your Shar-Pei wants to be. I would be willing to bet that the majority of family Shar-Pei sleep on the bed with “their person.” Mine even wait outside the bathroom door. Other breeds (such as the hunting or working dogs) are happiest when in the company of their own species. The Shar-Pei’s daily relationships with other household pets may be friendly and she may enjoy all the doggie games, but when a person enters the scene, particularly “her person,” the focus of the Shar Pei’s attention changes immediately. Perhaps this intense fondness for people is related to pack instinct and deference to the pack leader. I prefer to think they sense our intelligence and the inventiveness and creativity we bring to situations.
Shar-Pei very quickly figures out what pleases their owners and what does not, which brings up another aspect of their intelligence. If you are to own a Shar-Pei, you must be at least as intelligent and intuitive as your dog. Some Shar-Pei can become very manipulative, and the owner may find him- or herself reinforcing negative or undesirable behavior. For instance, if you are neglecting your dog and not spending enough time with him, you may find that he is doing naughty things to get your attention, much like a child would do.
With Shar-Pei, you must always be the “pack leaden” You must always be the boss! Your relationship with your dog will be a much healthier one. If you are experiencing behavior problems with your Shar-Pei that are beyond your control, seek out a competent trainer or behaviorist before it gets out of hand. Never allow your dog the least bit of aggressive behavior toward you, any member of your family or guests in your home. Keep your dog on a leash and under control when away from your home.
Leaving Your Shar-Pei Home Alone
Because Shar-Pei are “people dogs” and want to be near people, this can pose a problem if you have to work and leave your dog home alone. I personally believe that it is unfair to have a dog who spends eight or more hours alone each day. Whether you have only one Shar-Pei or several, being alone for long periods may bring out some of the less desirable traits for which they were bred. The diligent “guard” may tend to overguard the house, constantly barking, tearing up mail that comes through a door slot, even chasing imaginary noises or shadows. Getting a companion dog may work, but only if their personalities are compatible; otherwise a serious dogfight may occur when you are not home to break it up. Some owners resort to crating their dogs, but once again, this is hardly humane for extended time periods. So much depends on the individual dog, his temperament and how secure and confident he is. On the other hand, I know quite a few Shar-Pei owners whose Shar-Pei manage quite well when the owners are not home. If your Shar-Pei is to be left alone, you must be especially careful about the dog you choose.
Activity Level
Some Shar-Pei are very active while others are content to spend most of their day snoozing on the couch (if you allow it). Most seem to require little exercise, which makes them good candidates for apartment living. As with any animal, however, frequent exercise will make for a healthier dog.
Cleanliness
Shar-Pei are very clean animals, almost catlike, and are very easily housebroken. The healthy Shar-Pei requires very little grooming except when she is shedding, during which time her short, coarse hair will stick to everything!
Because their muzzles are so large, some Shar-Pei can be very messy eaters and, after a meal, your dog may have food all over her muzzle. If you have more than one Shar-Pei, you will notice that they delight in cleaning each other’s muzzles after eating. This is a real ritual in our house. If you only have one dog, you may want to keep her own washcloth handy to clean her muzzle after she has eaten.

Tooth Care of Chinese Shar-Pei

2011-01-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

The practice of good preventive dentistry is just as important for your Shar-Pei as it is for you, and dogs are susceptible to the same dental diseases as humans: cavities, tartar or plaque buildup, abscesses and gum disease. Tartar and plaque buildup can lead to gingivitis, the swelling and inflammation of the gums, which, if left untreated, can result in infections and even tooth loss. Much of this can be prevented with the proper care.

Many veterinarians recommend regular toothbrushing for dogs. This is best begun at an early age, and there are even canine toothpaste products. However, if you notice tartar building up on your dog’s teeth, you may use a homemade paste of bicarbonate of soda and peroxide. Place this paste on a piece of gauze and rub it on the teeth (gauze provides more abrasiveness than a toothbrush). Yon can sometimes scrape away plaque with your fingernail.
Trying to determine whether your Shar-Pei has any gum problems may be difficult not only for you but also for the veterinarian, because many Shar-Pei have black gums. Nevertheless, a good teeth cleaning every year should ensure that your dog has healthy teeth. Most vets will insist that the dog be anesthetized for this procedure.
Access to safe chew toys will also help keep his teeth clean. By safe, I mean toys that will not break and splinter, for example, hard, sterilized bones, or nylon bones, which become rough and abrasive after a little chewing and help to clean the teeth.
If you notice that your dog has particularly bad breath, ask the veterinarian to check the teeth. He may have an abscessed tooth, tonsillitis or any one of several other health problems causing the foul odor.
Source:thechinesesharpe.com

How to Feed Chinese Shar-Pei-Allergies

2011-01-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

It is wise to avoid any dog food containing soy products. This is not a hard-and-fast rule because soy can be an important source of protein for both humans and animals, but some Shar-Pei are allergic to soy products. If your dog develops allergic symptoms such as itching, vomiting or chronic loose stools, check his dog food for soy products.

Should your dog become allergic p to any of the ingredients in his food, I have discovered that there is hope. Ming, an apparently healthy, six-year-old Shar-Pei developed chronic diarrhea. Her owner first had her tested for intestinal parasites, negative. She was wormed anyway, just to make sure, still the diarrhea continued. Following the vet’s suggestion, the owner first tried feeding her rice and beef, then rice and chicken, no improvement. All the tests conducted by the veterinarian came back negative and left everyone I scratching their heads. No one could figure out what was wrong with Ming.
This robust forty-five-pound Shar-Pei was soon reduced to a twenty-eight-pound dog who was fast fading. Then her owner heard about the “Elisa” test and asked her vet to try it. This is a simple blood test that will identify those foods to which your dog is allergic. The results of the test indicated that Ming was allergic to two of the most common ingredients in dog foods: corn and rice. Her owner was given a list of about thirty foods that were high on the “no-no w list, while others were not as offensive to Ming’s allergies. Mind you, this was a dog who had never exhibited any indication of allergies before six years of age. Her owner fed her potatoes, bread and ground beef, all of which were non-allergic according to the test, for a month. The diarrhea disappeared immediately, and she gradually gained back all the weight she had lost. Today, she is nine years old, and although she occasionally has a bout of diarrhea, it is quickly arrested. Her owner searched for food to which Ming was not allergic and found several sources, which included wheat, barley, duck, rabbit and venison. All these special diets are available through your veterinarian.
Source: thechinesesharpe.com

Eye Care of Chinese Shar-Pei

2011-01-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

In past years, eye problems in the Chinese Shar-Pei were much more common than they are today. With careful breeding of those animals with no eye problems, some of the hereditary problems such as entropion are becoming much less prevalent. However, it is still important to be aware of the conditions that can occur in your dog’s eyes.

Watch for excess tearing or any matter exuding from your dog’s eyes. This can occur during pollen season and is usually transitory, but it can be an early symptom of entropion, which is a weakness of the eye muscles that allows the eyelids to turn inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This eventually causes corneal scratching and if not corrected can cause corneal ulcers and even blindness.
To alleviate the abrasion of the cornea temporarily, an over-the-counter ointment used by contact lens wearers may be used in the dog’s eyes. This simply sets up a barrier to help protect the eyes until you can see a veterinarian. If there is a minor infection present, your veterinarian may want to prescribe a triple antibiotic ointment. To administer ointment or drops, hold the dog firmly, pull the eyelid down, and drop the solution in behind the eyelid. This should be done quickly and firmly.
This may be all that is needed, but if entropion occurs during the puppy stage (up to eight months of age), the usual recommended treatment is eye-tacking. The veterinarian will anesthetize the dog, evert the lids and tack them open with sutures. This allows the eye to heal and, hopefully, return to normal. The tissues of the eyelids are very tender, and you must watch for eye tacks that may pull out after a few days or sutures that are turning into the cornea. Veterinary ophthalmologists recommend using silk for sutures, but some veterinarians use stiff plastic material, which if trimmed too short can turn into the eye and rupture the cornea. This will cause blindness, and the eye may have to be removed. The sutures are removed after ten days to two weeks.
As the puppy’s face develops, the need for eyetacking may not be necessary. If after repeated eyetackings, however, the eyelids continue to turn in, entropion surgery will be necessary. This is accomplished by the veterinarian everting the eyelid, removing an eliptical section of skin with underlying muscle to correct alignment, and suturing the incision.
While rare, adult onset of entropion can happen. Stress and weight loss can be factors leading to adult entropion. A one-time eyetacking may correct the condition, but adult cases usually require entropion surgery.
The older dog may eventually develop cataracts, a partial or total opacity (cloudiness) of the lens within the eye. While this most commonly occurs in older dogs, cataracts can occur at any age as the result of trauma to the eye, and are sometimes even present at birth. Surgery can usually correct the condition.
Source:thechinesesharpe.com

Obedience Training Your Shar-Pei

2011-01-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Every Shar-Pei and owner will benefit from some obedience training. You may not be interested in participating in the obedience showring, but the socialization and discipline for both of you will be invaluable, and the Shar-Pei is an ideal candidate. Behavior-modification techniques, whenever necessary, are more easily accomplished through obedience techniques. This breed seems to give respect when respected. Obedience training develops a level of communication between the owner and the dog and through this communication, the dog is better able to find his place within the system, just as he would establish himself within a pack. He is more readily able to understand his owner’s expectations. The trained dog will accept a command graciously and go about his business because he is secure. It is easy to develop your Shar-Pei’s full potential if you are willing to take the time to educate him.

The Shar-Pei is an intelligent animal with a good memory and can be taught to do many things. Many behavioral problems can be avoided simply by making sure he is not bored! Obedience training provides such a constructive outlet. It gives the dog something to do and something to think about In performing the basics of obedience work, your Shar-Pei is using his mind and working in what is perhaps the most important role a dog can fulfill as stated in the Obedience Regulations, “As a companion to Man.”
Obedience schools vary in quality and format like any other institution. It is wise to shop around, visit the classes offered in your area, and ask questions about the qualifications of the instructors (don’t be afraid to ask for references). Talk with the instructors about your needs and expectations; ask how large the classes are. You are making an investment, and selecting the proper school will reward you with a handsome dividend later on.
Source:thechinesesharpe.com

Chinese Sharpei, guard and companion

2011-01-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

Many of the traits of early Shar-Pei, such as an innate intelligence and a keen perceptiveness, were desirable and have been retained in today’s Shar-Pei. The Shar-Pei is very alert and highly responsive, but in excess, these characteristics can produce a highly strung, sensitive and somewhat reserved animal. The breeder’s challenge in the United States was to breed out those less desirable characteristics while keeping those that endeared the breed to its fanciers.
Today, the Shar-Pei has proven that that her innate intelligence is challenged when presented with worthwhile goals, and that her dedication to her master endows her with a willingness to please and participate in any activity where praise is her reward.

The Shar-Pei as a Guard Dog
The breed seems to be well suited to this purpose as Shar-Pei seem to accept their home area quickly and establish boundary areas that they will actively defend. However, Rosie Lucitt, an experienced trainer and Shar-Pei breeder, says, I believe that the independence factor in the Shar-Pei makes the breed an unsuitable choice for guard-dog training. The instinct to naturally protect is there, but to guard ‘on command’ usually meets with resistance. I found that not only are they instinctively protective, but they enjoy their work. This probably is the hindrance to guard training as while they are working, they are very easily ‘carried away’ and what should have been an inhibited protective action (e.g., fierce barking, but no attack) turns to frenzy. This is not to say they won’t ‘guard’ as most people interpret the function. Most certainly, a Shar-Pei will bark at strangers and be an excellent ‘burglar alarm’ in his home. The question is, ‘How far will he go?’ Is his protective instinct readily controllable? What can be done about the high intensity of their aggressive reactions? And realistically, is that what you want the cute, wrinkley puppy to do?”
This does not mean that every Shar-Pei has an aggressive nature. Many are sweet, docile couch potatoes throughout their lives!

The Shar-Pei as a Hunter
Most historical references to the Chinese Shar-Pei mention the dog being used to hunt wild boar, or, in one case, the mongoose. While there is little demand for boar hunters in the United States, I find no reason why a Shar-Pei would not make an excellent hunting dog for other game. They have already proven adept at the basic concepts necessary for a good hunting dog: attention, sit, come, retrieve, heel. All of my Shar-Pei love playing ball and with a little patience will soon learn to retrieve the ball, drop it at my feet and, tail wagging, wait with tensed muscle to retrieve it again. Most have a good, sensitive nose and tracking ability, intelligence, and the strong desire to please the master. Our first Shar-Pei, Down-Homes Prophet, would often suddenly awake from a sound asleep, lift his head, sniff the air (all windows were closed, mind you) and let us know that a cat had passed through our yard. Upon checking, we found that he was always right!
It may also be argued, however, that the same instinct that prevents the Shar-Pei from becoming a reliable guard dog could also take hold when the dog has game in his mouth. Independent Shar-Pei may respond to their own strong instincts rather than obey their master’s orders.

The Shar-Pei as a Herding Dog
It has been said that the Shar-Pei was also used for herding in its native land. One Shar-Pei breeder, Ann Nowicki, owner of Haleakala Kennels in Phoenix, Arizona, told about her “Shar-Pei Shepherds” in the First Quarterly 1992 issue of The Orient Express II, a magazine for the Chinese Shar-Pei: My Shar-Pei, Niblets, has always displayed some herding ability at home. She would keep any Utter of puppies together in a group. She would also ‘herd9 my smooth Chow, Kristy, all over the back yard. Niblets needed a little encouragement the first time she was on sheep. She wasn’t quite sure what she was supposed to do or even what the sheep were. This is not unusual as even traditional herding breeds may require three to four exposures to stock before they get the idea. But Niblets learned very quickly. She instinctively moved to the front of the flock to turn them and would stay back off the stock.
Herding is the most difficult event I have done with the dogs. Not only do you have to watch the dog, you also have to watch the stock and be able to read the animals. We have been herding for a little over a year now and both dogs enjoy it immensely and have improved considerably Fm sure a flock of their own is at the top of their wish lists! There were occasions when I thought none of us would ever get the hang of it. Now that my dogs and I have it all together, it is such a feeling of accomplishment because we have done a job together and also because a Chow and a Shar-Pei can still perform the work they did many years ago in China.

A Breed in Transition
Because the breed is still in transition, this is perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give: It can be foolhardy to generalize as to the health and especially the temperament of the Chinese Shar-Pei! Having warned you, I will now say, if you choose your Shar-Pei carefully, there is probably no other breed that will give you more love or more devotion (and sometimes more exasperation!) than a Chinese Shar-Pei.
I don’t know how many times I have been asked, “Tell me about the Shar-Pei . . . what are they like?” “Are they good with children?” My answer is always, “You cannot generalize about the Shar-Pei.” They have not yet reached that stage of development in their breed history, and indeed, few breeds have. Each Shar-Pei has his own personality and genetic makeup that make him an individual.
Source:thechinesesharpe.com

The Chinese Shar-Pei ,Towel Dog

2011-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Shar-Pei comes from China and is well known for its pronounced wrinkles and unusually dark tongue. The name means “sand skin,” which directly relates to its rugged, short coat. Oddly enough, as the puppies begin to mature, the wrinkles diminish. It used to be that Shar Peis were quite rare, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Shar Peis typically come in black, cream, red, fawn, and many other colors. Moreover, not all the coats are the same; some coats are brush type, while others have a horse or bear coat.
The Shar Pei came form China and was mainly used in order to elevate the lives of peasants by taking on rigorous tasks of herding, pig hunting, and guarding valuables within the home.

This loyal yet somewhat aggressive dog is closely related to the Chow-Chow with regard to the dark tongue. It is quite possible that the Shar Pei shares the same mystical quality as the Chow-Chow. Typically, when an evil spirit is making its presence known, the Chow-Chow’s bark can easily scare offending spirits away.
In China, Shar Peis are known as fighting dogs, whereas in the United States, people refer to them as guard dogs. The Shar Pei shares many similar traits as the pit bull in the fact that the breed was designed for dogfights. Chinese legislation claimed the Shar Pei was a menace to society and has a propensity towards violence. Of course many advocates claim theses dogs’ are not violent in any manner, and they insist that their heritage comes from hunting. Many laws in China supported the banishment of these dogs, and insisted that they become exterminated. However, certain supporters of the Shar Pei saw to it that that enough of them were brought into the United States around the seventies, thus their proliferation today. There are currently over 100,000 Shar Peis throughout Canada and the United States.
Any potential Shar-Pei owner needs to be cautioned of a few things. These dogs tend to be a little suspicious of strangers and can sometimes turn aggressive. In addition, they tend to be very independent and territorial. On the high side, these dogs can be very loyal and loving towards family, yet they have a difficult time dealing with new people. When introducing a new person into the home, it may require patience and the right type of introduction. The best bet may be to introduce as many people to the dog before it becomes too old and becomes hardened in its ways. It is always best not to agitate these dogs, as they do not react well to stress. Furthermore, the Shar Pei is prone to health issues due to forced breeding: allergies, skin issues, and Shar Pei fever are only some of the ailments. So it is wise for any potential Shar Pei owners to be aware of both the positive and negative effects of owning these dogs. With the proper patience, knowledge, and guidance, this dog can be a loving, welcomed addition to the family.
Source: thechinesesharpe.com