Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Ethical Shar Pei Breeder

One of the most rare dog breeds in the world is the Shar Pei (pronounced Shar-Pay). This ancient Chinese breed's name translates to "sand skin" after its short, coarse coat. The Shar Pei faced extinction and was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most rare dog in 1978. The breed has gained popularity since that time and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

The Shar Pei is easily distinguished from other breeds by its unique wrinkled appearance and blue-black tongue. Shar Pei puppies have wrinkles all over their bodies when born but as adults grow into their wrinkles. The original Chinese Shar Pei grew out of its wrinkles almost completely so that the body was smooth and only the face and neck retained wrinkles. A modern Shar Pei breeder maintains a western version of the Shar Pei, which retains more wrinkles. A Shar Pei comes in many colors including red, tan, white, blue-grey and black. The breed's coat comes in three types, horse, brush and bear. Shar Pei also have high-set, short, curly tails.
Buying from a Shar Pei breeder can be easy if a buyer follows certain steps. Because Shar Pei are rare, it may be more difficult to find readily-available puppies, so a buyer should go into the process with patience. Buyers should also research the breed before buying to ensure they have the tools to raise these dogs in healthy, happy environments. It is important for buyers to know that the breed is prone to certain health problems such as entropion (eyelashes curling into the eye), severe skin infections and renal failure from too much protein build-up in the kidneys.

It is also important that buyers prepare to mesh with the temperament of the Shar Pei, which is loyal and protective but also independent. Shar Pei dogs do not take kindly to strangers and bark at new people. They can become aggressive if not trained properly. The Shar Pei's ancestors were trained to fight and that strong spirit can be unleashed at a detriment to owners and other animals if proper discipline is not taught from birth. Buyers should research breeders and make sure the Shar Pei breeder they buy from can provide advice on raising and training Shar Pei puppies.
Reputable, experienced breeders never sell puppies to pet stores. A qualified Shar Pei breeder will screen prospective buyers because they care about all the puppies they breed. They want to be sure each and every puppy goes to a great home with loving owners giving proper care. Backyard breeders or puppy mills mass produce puppies in unhealthy conditions. The puppies produced by these places are sickly, poorly bred. Then these puppies are shipped to pet stores all over the county to be locked up in display cases with very little exercise and not properly socialized for living with a family.

Good Shar Pei breeders will form relationships with rescue centers, veterinarians, animal control and law enforcement in the neighborhoods in which they live, building networks based on a love of animals. These are the kind of breeders you want to purchase a dog from because you are bound to get a healthy, happy friend for life.

There are many ethical Shar Pei breeders. A buyer should always choose a Shar Pei breeder over a pet store when purchasing a Shar Pei. Shar Pei information and how to find a Shar Pei breeder are covered in this article.

No comments:

Shar Pei For Sale