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.
Researching a Shar Pei breeder is as important as researching the Shar Pei breed. Unfortunately, there are many unethical breeders who exist only to make a profit. These are commonly known as backyard breeders because they breed Shar Pei in puppy mills in their backyards. Dogs are bred every time they come into heat and parents are kept in cages constantly, never knowing freedom or human kindness. Because of the poor conditions parents are kept in, each litter of puppies is born in poorer health. The health of mothers is also diminished with ever litter since they are not given time to recuperate before breeding again.
The worst breeders sell to pet stores. Most consumers don't realize the terrible cycle they continue every time they buy a puppy from a pet store. The demand causes backyard breeders to continue breeding the parents to make a profit. These bad breeders may also be puppy brokers who make deals with pet stores for puppies they haven't even seen. Puppies are shipped just like merchandise and sold to anyone with a credit card. Never buy a puppy at a pet store, buy only from reputable breeders and maybe we can end the puppy mill practice.
Melissa Coleman is a fan of all dogs large and small and recommends finding a good Shar Pei breeder when buying a purebred Shar Pei. 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.