The ancient Chinese Shar Pei is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The Shar Pei is a real survivor, having endured a history of dog fighting and near extinction. The breed originated in the Guangdong Province of China and was originally bred to fight, with loose skin and small ears that make it difficult for other dogs to bite them in fights.
Shar Pei problem behaviors are few, although many people mistakenly believe the dogs have a difficult personality, perhaps because of their dog-fighting origins and because of the myth that the Shar Pei descended from the Chow Chow, which can be a difficult and temperamental breed.
The reality is that the Shar Pei is a sweet, lovable dog that, besides being bred for fighting, were also trained to work as watchdogs and guardians, protecting livestock from predators. The Shar Pei looks intimidating to some because of its frowning face; however, most Shar Peis are actually friendly and loyal; they make excellent pets.
Shar Pei owners should socialize their dogs at an early age, with other dogs, with cats and with children. Shar Pei behavior problems such as getting along with other dogs, cats and children can be avoided by exposing the dog to these influences when it is a young puppy. That being said, an adult Shar Pei can adapt to a family with other dogs, or cats or children, however more training may be needed, especially if the dog is expected to obey commands given by a child. Owners may consult dog training books for training ideas.
Generally speaking, the Shar Pei is an intelligent, easygoing breed. They are confident dogs that respect the leadership of a confident handler. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from children or other family members that the dog perceives to be below it in the pecking order of the family, but these problems can be overcome with appropriate training and reinforcement.
Some dog breeds are hard to housebreak and have problems even in adulthood. Shar Pei dogs are very clean. Once a puppy is old enough to control its bodily functions, it is extremely unlikely to urinate or defecate inside the house.
One of the Shar Pei problem behaviors that owners complain of is that the dogs bark excessively, probably because of their ancestry as watchdogs and guardians. Shar Pei dogs do tend to bark when strangers approach or when newcomers enter the family home. Barking problems, like other dog behavior problems, can be overcome with patient, consistent discipline. Dog training books can be valuable training aids.
Shar Peis have been known to help themselves to food left out on countertops. This mischievous behavior can be remedied by the owner’s denying the dog access to the kitchen unless the owner is present.
Most dogs need regular exercise, and the Shar Pei is no exception. The breed is quite active indoors, so it does not need the exhausting romps and fetch sessions that some high-strung dogs and retrievers need. In fact, the Shar Pei have a tendency to overheat, and owners should be careful not to exhaust the dogs while playing outdoors, especially in hot weather.
Considering the Shar Pei’s origins as a dog forced to fight to the death, and rising from near-extinction, the Shar Pei’s survival and emergence as a faithful companion and family pet is indeed remarkable.
Shar Pei training is an essential part of socializing the dog. dog training books contain helpful advice for dealing with Shar Pei problem behaviors.