Our Shar-Pei

What every potential new Shar-Pei owner needs to know and what every present Shar-Pei owner should already know!

A little helpful information to help you better take care of your new wrinkled family member.
*composed by Kwang Tung Temple Dogs.

1. We feed Pedigree ONLY. PLEASE visit our page "What we Feed" before adopting one of our puppies! This page contains perhaps the most valuable information you will need to know!
        2. Do not take your puppy anywhere except to the vet until it recevies it's 4th and final dhppc vaccination. When visiting the vet, do not place your puppy on the floor or any area where other pups could have touched. PARVO is extremely contagious and most times fatal.
Also limit visitors to your home (human or pet) who may unknowingly bring the Parvo virus to your home and puppy.
    3. Bathe your Pei not more than twice a month, especially in the winter. Frequent bathing destoys the oils needed for a healthy Pei coat. These oils also give Pei that unique "musky odor". When you do bathe, place cotton in the ears to limit water intake. Wet ears increase risk of infection. Pei ears can be as wrinkled as the pei itself, and ear infections can be a problem. Clean the ears after a bath with cotton balls and swabs. Your vet should be more than happy to show you how to do this. Contact your vet if you notice a strange, sour smell coming from the ears; this could be the first sign of infection.Be sure to rinse ALL shampoo from the Pei coat to prevent rash.
    4. Contrary to popular rumor, Shar-Pei folds do not get mold, and do not require specialized cleaning. However, after a messy meal, clean the face folds to prevent possible infection.
    5. Your puppy may experience loose stools when she first arrives. This is due to stress form the trip and new environment. This should clear up within a couple of days.
    6. Feed the food your Pei is used to eating to avoid upsetting it's stomach. If you do decide to switch foods, do so by gradually introducing new food to the food your Pei is accustomed to eating.
    7. Because of the wrinkles around the neck area, it isn't a good idea to leave a collar on a Pei when you're not around. The wrinkles can move freely, causing either loosness and escape, or tightness and suffocation. It is recommended to get your Pei microchipped to prevent against theft or loss. (ask us about providing this service)
    8. When walking your Pei, use a snug fitting harness. This protects against the problems posed by a collar. A harness also gives you more control over your Pei.
    9. Pei are not known for being excessive chewers in general. However, all dogs chew to some extent. Invest in a non-chewing spray such as Sour Apple. ALso, spray on deoderant works well to deter chewing. Aluminum pet dishes are best as Pei will chew plastic.
    10. Pei have thick muzzles and need larger, open feeding and watering dishes. They won't be comfortable eating or drinking from small dishes.
    11. Pei do well if introduced to small animals as young puppies, but be wary of introducing an adult Pei to small animals. Pei are natural hunters and will envision this smaller animal as possible prey.
    12. Be wary of rawhide chews. These can get caught in the intestines and cause pain and even death. Soy free dog biscuits are ideal. Also, Nylabone produces a nylon chew rope that they enjoy. ALWAYS buy dog products that are made in the USA. Other countries sometimes do not have the same standards for pets as the USA.
    13. As a Pei owner, from the very beginning, YOU must be the "PACK LEADER". Pei are very much "pack" animals and need the dominant alpha leader. You must take the position form the very start and set standards and rules for your Pei. If your Pei becomes the pack leader, it is not a position he/she will relinquish easily.

*Bonus fact*

Genes say Chinese Shar-Pei have a lot in common with wolves. Shar-Pei are among the three closest of dog breeds to their wild wolf ancestors. Two branches of the canine family tree were the earliest to diverge from the wolves, the study found, and
One branch includes the oriental breed the Shar-Pei.The wrinkly Shar-Pei, it turns
out, is much closer to its wolf ancestors than is the German shepherd.

Could the Shar-Pei actually be a Wolf in sheep's clothing?

People often ask us what it is like to live with one or more Shar-Pei?

We tell them "Watch the Wolf documentaries". Watching Wolves will give you the closest idea as to the workings of the mind of the Chinese Shar-Pei.

14. Always transport your Pei in a pet crate. A loose pet can be hurt in the case of an accident, or worse, become a projectile object and cause harm to others. Also a pet approved seat belt works.
15. Puppies and dogs are severly stressed by change of environment. Make sure you are prepared for the responsibility. Minor and common problems such as diarrhea, cocidiosis, demodex, worms, fleas, mites, injuries, etc must be treated. They are like children in that they are susceptible to pneumonia and other infections due to drafts and cold temperatures.

16. Hernias are very common in puppies and their repair is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding

through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges

in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only

one side.
Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both

sexes.

As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the

puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s).
Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may

occur as the result of stretching of abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy

of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.

Regarding Hernias: Hernias have not been proven to be 100% genetic, and

hernia repairs do not warratn replacement, as it is not usually life threatening and

in no way interferes with quality of life for the puppy. If need be, they can be

repaired simply by your veterinarian. .

If You have 1000 questions, we have 1000 answers!! If you need to know something that we cannot answer, rest assured, we will find the answer!!
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Shar-Pei friendly with children?
A: Shar-Pei love children who love Shar-Pei!!! Shar-Pei are very loving, caring companions. They are almost human in their mannerisms. They make superb pets.

Q: What is the difference between Toy, Mini, Standard, and Colossal Shar-Pei?
A: The only difference between the three size is.... size. Toys measure under 15". Minis measure from 15"-17". Standards measure 18"- 21". Colossal measure 22" and above. There is no difference regarding health or longevity. However, Minis and Toys do tend to keep their wrinkles and puppy-like playfulness into adulthood, more so than their larger counterparts

Q: Are Shar-Pei good with smaller pets?
A: The Shar-Pei (as were most dogs in general) was used as a hunter in it's past, so the instinct to hunt is still very strong. We try to place our Pei where there are not smaller pets in the home. At the very least, we warn each potential new owners of the possibility of the Pei reverting back to it's "hunter" instinct. However, with proper socialization from the beginning, they can live happily in the same home.

Q: What is the Shar-Pei temperament like?
A: Shar-Pei are happy, outgoing, and extremely loyal. They are truly "people" pets, and become valued members of the family they love. Shar-Pei can have every emotion a human can have. This is why they have so often been referred to as "wrinkled humans".
Shar-Pei personalities tend to be connected to coat length at some level. Horsecoats (up to 1/2") tend to be more outgoing and excitable; Brushcoats (1/2" - 1") tend to be more calm and aloof. We try to feel out each potential new owner's personality so that we may help choose the right Pei to fit the right owner, for maximum happiness and compatibility of both owner and Pei.

Q: Do Shar-Pei make good housedogs?

A: Shar-PEi make EXCELLENT housedogs! They are by far the easiest breed to housetrain (most pups are totally housetrained by the first week in their new home) and because of their nature and careful motions, they do very well in small apartments.

Q: Do Shar-Pei bark alot?

A: In general, the Pei is not a "barker", meaning they don't just sit there barking just to hear their own voice or just because they hear the neighbor's dog barking. Shar-Pei will bark to let you know something is there, or they will bark to let a would-be intruder know it isn't wise to come in when not invited!

Q: How do I bathe my Shar-Pei and how often?
A: We have seen many, many problems which could have been avoided if only the new owner would have practiced the bathing methods we suggest. Shar-Pei have oils in their coat which are vital to keeping their skin healthy. These same oils give the Shar-Pei their distinctive "musky" odor. Too frequent bathing can cause many problem; or not getting ALL the soap off when bathing, which requires moving all the wrinkles and RINSE, RINSE, RINSE. This cannot be stressed enough. We strongly recommend using ONLY Head and Shoulders regular shampoo. (NOT the medicated kind) Too often pet owners will buy the veterinary recommended shampoos which can actually cause more problems than help. We have used H&S only since 1995 with great success!

Q: Can I use topical flea and tick treatments?
A: Another problem we have often seen is when Pei owners use topical flea treatments. Although it might work well for some, Shar-Pei many times can be allergic to this treatment, and we have been told of swelling, redness, rash, and vomiting. The Shar-Pei immune system can be compromised by using medications. Holistic approaches often work best with this breed. If you are in an area where fleas and ticks are a problem, talk to your vet about alternative methods to control pests.

Q: Should I have my Shar-Pei puppy microchipped?

A: YES! A breed as unusual looking and coveted as Shar-Pei are stolen frequently. Also, if they become lost, they have a hard time finding their way back home. Both situations can be either avoided or solved if you have your puppy microchipped before leaving our home. As us about this highly recommended service!

Q:How can I reserve the puppy I want/ How can I send payment for the puppy I want?

A: We require a nonrefundable deposit of $150 to reserve any puppy. That amount will be deducted from the total price of the puppy.

We do not accept cashier's checks, personal checks, bank drafts. PLEASE DO NOT ASK. We do accept cash, Western Union, and for your convenience we have added paypal to our website to accomodate credit card users. The transaction fee that paypal charges of 3.5% has been added to the price of the puppy. PayPal users must sign a "no chargeback agreement".

We have accepted PayPal since 2004, and Western Union since 1995.

PayPal and Western Union are totally safe and secure. We never view your personal information. You may use credit card or checking account to make payments through either of these services.