1. Obedience training is highly advised during the early stages of your Shar-Pei’s life.  Socialization with other dogs in early years tends to encourage a less aggressive behavior toward dogs in later years.
2. Maintaining control of your Shar-Pei is essential when in the presence of other dogs.  Other dog owners may not control their dogs so be prepared for the unexpected.
3. Treats, toys, and other positive reinforcement tools should be used to reward good behavior.  Rewarding your Shar-Pei when paying attention in the presence of other dogs is necessary to maintain control.  When around other dogs, your Shar-Pei may be excited and full of adrenalin making it hard to punish the dog.

1. Sharking is described as a circling and staring motion, characteristic of fighting dogs used to intimidate their opponents.  Shar-Pei were raised as fighting dogs in ancient history and they usually present this behavior when nervous or unsure of something around them.
2. When confined in a small space such as a crate or a cage, Shar-Pei tend to try to bury their food and/or water.
3. This particular breed does not like to go outside in the rain.  Shar-Pei are known to dislike water and will sometimes refuse to go outside if raining.
4. Because they have poor peripheral vision from the excessive skin folds around the eyes, Shar-Peis tend to dislike being pet on top of the head.

1. It’s a good idea when having company over to the house to have the dog in a crate.  This avoids any confrontations with strangers entering into his domain.  Have your guests ignore the dog for the first five or ten minutes until the dog gets comfortable with having strangers in his domain.  Having your guests offer the dog treats under your supervision and control is also a good idea to introduce the idea of having guests in your home.
2. Often times, Shar Pei will stand guard at the door to protect their domain, family, and home.  Try using baby gates to restrict them from blocking entryways.
3. Since most Shar-Pei dislike water, keep a spray bottle containing water on hand.  This may be useful in some situations.
4. Have your guests call before coming over.  This allows you a chance to prepare for the interaction of guests and your dog ahead of time.
5. Keep a supply of treats on hand to reward good behavior.
6. Don’t let your dog be a nuisance to your house guests and use common sense.  Not all people like dogs or know how to act around dogs, especially children.  Be careful and aware of all situations when children are visiting.

The rough coat of the Shar-Pei is one of the most distinguishing features of the breed.  Though the coat always appears healthy, it never appears shiny or radiant.  The coat generally stands straight on the main trunk of the body and lays flat on the limbs.

SHAR-PEI COAT QUALITY

Two types of coat textures are recognized by the American Kennel Club for the Shar-pei.  “Horse,” coats are short and very harsh.  This is where the Shar-Pei’s name originated from, meaning “sandy skin” or “sand-paper-like coat.”

The “Brush” coat has a more pleasant, softer, longer coat.  These dogs often have less trouble with skin infections.  The AKC considers coats longer than one inch at the shoulder to be a disqualification when judging in the show ring.

When caring for a healthy Chinese Shar-Pei, no extra care of the skin and coat needs to be taken beyond regular bathing and brushing when the dog is shedding.  A simple bath in a good quality shampoo and a good towel dry is sufficient.

Normally, Chinese Shar-Pei do not shed year round, only every other season.  Frequent brushing with a rubber curry comb helps with removing old dead hair and promotes new hair growth.  This is particularly important when dealing with horse coats.  It helps to keep their coat healthy.

Skin problems are one of the most common problems associated with Chinese Shar-Pei.  Keeping their skin healthy and taking preventative precautions is an important part of being an owner of a Chinese Shar-Pei. Bath frequently with special medicated shampoo, oatmeal conditioner and your Pei should be fine.

BEHAVIORS

• They are very determined, assertive, and independent dogs.
• They are very smart, attentive, and highly quick to respond.
• They have a tendency to be aggressive.
• They have a low tolerance toward other dogs.
• They are content until they are  Most Shar-Pei are very content until they are pushed to do something they are not willing to do such as nail trimming, ear cleaning, and physical restraint.
• They will fight to death if physically dominated or in a fierce situation.

RESTRAINT SUGGESTIONS

The following guidelines should be used before using restraints:

1. Shar-Pei are very strong and intelligent dogs.  Using excessive force to restrain the dog could result in extreme aggressiveness.  Chemical restraints are highly recommended but always consult your veterinarian about tranquilizers or other chemical restraints before using them
2. Most Shar-Pei dislike nail trims and their feet being handled.  The vein most tolerated for blood drawing is the jugular vein or the lateral saphenous vein, located on the outside of the lower rear leg rather than that of the cephalic vein in the front leg.
3. Because of all the wrinkles behind the head, a gauze muzzle works better than a leather muzzle.  A leather muzzle can easily slip off and could result in a dangerous outcome.
4. Puppy Training and basic obedience classes are encouraged for puppies.  Early use of socialization and dominant training benefits the Shar-Pei breed more than any other breed.

The skull of the Shar-Pei is flat and broad and moderately defined.  The muzzle of the dog is one of the most distinctive features of the breed.  It is broad and full with approximately the same length from the stop to the occiput, or the back part of the head or skull.  The lips and top of muzzle are well-padded and may cause a slight bulge above the nose. The tongue, mouth, and gums are a solid bluish-black color.  A spotted tongue or a pink tongue is a major fault and a disqualification in some cases.  Shar Pei teeth are very strong and meet in a scissor bite.  Teeth that don’t meet in a scissor bite are considered to be a major fault as well.

The Shar-Pei breed have very small, thick, triangular shaped ears  They are slightly rounded at the tip and set high on the skull.  The ears may curl or set forward toward or over the eyes.  Pricked ears are highly undesirable and a disqualification among competitions.

The Shar-Pei’s shoulders are very strong and muscular.  They are well laid back and sloping.  The forelegs when viewed from the front are straight and moderately spaced.  The elbows are also very close to the body.  From the side, the forelegs are straight and the pasterns are strong and very flexible.  When viewed from the side, the forelegs are straight, the pasterns are strong and flexible. The bone is significant and moderate in length but never weighty.  Some owners prefer to remove the front dewclaws but removal of them is optional.  Shar-Pei feet are moderate in size and toes are compact.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters of the Shar-Pei are very strong and brawny.  They are moderately angulated.  The metatarsi are another name for hocks and are relatively short, perpendicular to the ground, and parallel to each other when viewed from the rear.  As for the feet, rear dewclaws must be removed.