The Shar Pei makes an adorable puppy with all its rolls of skin - who wouldn’t want to take one home?  However, this cute bundle is going to grow into a powerful,  independent, sometimes wilfull dog in a few months.  Intelligent and loyal to their family, the Shar Pei is not the easiest dog to train.  They require patience and time.  Socialisation as a youngster is key to ensuring they accept everyone they meet as adults.  Shar Pei can be stubborn and training a Shar Pei should rely heavily on reward.  ​

​

Shar Pei can live up to 15 years - be sure you are ready to make that commitment before you buy.

​

Their original purpose was as a guard dog, herding dog and hunter so many will display some or all of these behaviours.  They have been known til kill rabbits, cats, squirrels and other small furry animals and some will take birds out of the air if they fly low enough.  They will guard the house and unless socialised well, their family too but tend only to bark when there is something to bark at.  

 

Despite being bred for fighting in China in the past, the Shar Pei was soon replaced by mastiff type breeds much better suited to this activity.  The Shar Pei will not look for an argument with another dog but they will be able to defend themselves if attacked and will remember what attacked them.  

 

Other dogs can find the breed hard to read.  Their stance with the tail up over the back, combined with their scowling face can be misread by other breeds and they can be attacked through no fault of their own.  Care should always be taken when out walking your dog and when introducing them to other breeds.

 

A Shar Pei likes to be approached from the front with a hand offered at nose height.  They do not like to be patted on the head or approached form behind, particularly by strangers.  

 

They are very quick to house train with many already fully trained by the time they go to their new home.  They tend to dislike dirt and wet although some will swim.