Pet Store Versus Shar Pei Breeder
The history of the rare Shar Pei dog breed can be traced back to the Guangdong province of China. Early forms of the breed existed as early as 200 B.C. True Chinese Shar Pei have a different appearance than the Western version. Its heavily wrinkled coat distinguishes the breed. Western versions retain more wrinkles in adulthood than the more rare Chinese versions. Both types of Shar Pei also have small ears, high-set, curled tails, deep-set eyes and blue-black tongues.
The American Kennel Club registered the Chinese Shar Pei as a breed in 1992. The name is a bit of a misnomer since the version registered is really the westernized Chinese Shar Pei. It is ironic that the breed was registered so recently since it is considered one of the fourteen most ancient dog breeds. A Shar Pei breeder in China pushed for Americans to become interested in the Shar Pei since the breed almost became extinct in the 1970s. Though only a few Shar Pei were shipped to the U.S. at that time, the breed has now gained in popularity and numbers.
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.
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.
About the Author: 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. Pet stores do not obtain Shar Pei puppies from ethical Shar Pei breeders. Only an unethical Shar Pei breeder and/or broker will allow puppies to be shipped and displayed to pet stores as merchandise. Shar Pei information and how to find a Shar Pei breeder are covered in this article.
More articles by MelColeman
Print Article | Download PDF | 12 views | Mar 16 2008
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