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-- Click on a question to go to
the answer --
Is a Chinese
Shar-Pei the breed for me? Is a Chinese Shar-Pei the breed for me?This is a question that requires research. Read the breed standard and other general information provided by AKC and The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America. Some publications and websites contain false or misleading information regarding the Shar-Pei, so it's best to go to sources that truly know about this breed in particular. In general, if you are looking for a dog that tends to form a strong bond with it's family, requires moderate exercise and is often referred to as "catlike" in its cleanliness, then this may be a breed for you. As with any breed, the Shar-Pei has it's benefits and it's drawbacks. You are welcome and encouraged to contact us if you have any specific questions about the breed or about how a Shar-Pei might fit in with your home and family. I've heard Shar-Pei referred to as "Chinese Fighting Dogs", are they aggressive?As with any breed, proper socialization is important from the beginning. The Shar-Pei is ingrained with an instinct to guard and protect that can be traced back to its origins as the iconic guard dog in ancient China, but this does not automatically translate into an aggressive dog today. Poor socialization and poor care of the animal can create an aggressive dog, no matter what breed it is. It is true that the Shar-Pei has a history of being used as a fighting dog, mostly in the distant past. It's loose skin and strong build made it a formidable opponent, but it is generally believed that the dogs had to be mistreated and drugged in order to make them an appropriately aggressive pit fighter. I want a puppy NOW, why should I wait?If you are lucky, your puppy search may quickly lead to a reputable breeder who happens to have available puppies. However, it is likely that you will face the choice of waiting on a litter from a breeder that you are comfortable with, or buying your puppy from a pet store. Resist the urge for immediate gratification. If you buy a puppy from a pet store you are making two mistakes: 1) you are buying a dog that is very likely to turn out to be a "lemon", and 2) you are helping to perpetuate the evil of puppy mills. Obviously any animal may have health and/or behavioral problems, no matter what the source, but why pay money for a good chance at heartache? Pet store puppies invariably come from puppy mills. Advantages of Working With a Reputable Breeder Your puppy will be raised in our home and will have been socialized with his mother and other dogs for at least 10-12 weeks. Reputable breeders are very selective, and will strive to produce litters based on health, temperament, longevity and enhancement of the breed. We are very aware of the health and pedigree of our dogs, and the dogs we choose to add to our breeding program. This means we can avoid passing on known genetic, temperament and other health problems. The best part about buying from a reputable breeder is that you have a friend for life, if you want one. We love to hear about our "kids", and find out how they are doing. If you have questions, concerns or just want to chat about your dog (whether you took him home yesterday or ten years ago) we are always only a phone call or Email away. For additional information about reputable breeders and where to find them, see the Harrisburg Kennel Club's "Choosing a Breeder" page. What is a "puppy mill" anyway?A puppy mill is simply a large scale dog-breeding operation that is concerned with nothing more than producing as many dogs as possible for as little money as possible. This means that dogs are bred indiscriminately with no regard whatsoever to health and quality. They do not research pedigrees to produce the best possible offspring and the worst offenders routinely pass off bogus pedigrees. Puppies and adults are often housed in dark, cramped, dirty kennels. So many puppies are produced that it is impossible for an individual puppy to have any quality time with a human while it is growing up. The bottom line is that for every decent dog that might somehow come out of a puppy mill, there are dozens that come out with health, genetic and behavioral problems that will never be overcome. How much is a puppy?Price is determined by many variables. In general, however, you should expect to pay in the range of $600 to $1000 for a pet-quality Shar-Pei puppy and $1000 and up for a show-quality puppy. Quality and pedigree are obviously important considerations in determining price. Also, under the right circumstances there may be the opportunity for co-ownerships or other arrangements which would have an effect on price, as well. |
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