Shar Pei Information For The Shar Pei Fancier

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. Though the Shar Pei has increased in popularity, it is still a rare breed. Finding a good Shar Pei breeder may therefore be difficult depending on what area of the country a potential buyer lives in. Even with common breeds, finding a good, ethical breeder can be difficult. Buyers should do their research on many levels before buying a Shar Pei. Research should begin with deciding why the buyer wants one of these ancient, wrinkled, incredibly cute and lovable dogs. Buyers should research the breed, its physical traits and temperament, and its common health problems. After buyers have determined what Shar Pei characters are like, they should research what this breed requires to be happy and healthy. Next, buyers should begin to research Shar Pei breeders. The local ASPCA or veterinarian may be good places to start. The Internet is another option. However, any site offering next day pets may be suspicious. Any good Shar Pei breeder will want a buyer to be local so they can visit the kennel and get to know a Shar Pei and its parents before taking it home. 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 breeder locate and general Shar Pei information are provided in this article.