DNA evidence has established that Shar Pei dogs are among the oldest dog breeds in the world. The breed has survived all manner of hardships. Originating in the Guangdong Province of China, Shar Pei dogs were originally bred for dog fighting, as their loose skin and small ears makes it difficult for other dogs to bite them in fights.
These sweet, lovable dogs are thought to have descended from the Chinese Chow Chow, although there is scant evidence to support this theory. Shar Pei training enabled the dogs to work on farms as watchdogs and guardians, protecting livestock from predators.
Shar Pei dogs are sweet, lovable dogs that were also trained to work as watchdogs and guardians, protecting livestock from predators. The Shar Pei may look intimidating because it has been bred to wear a frown on its face; however, most Shar Peis are friendly and loyal and make excellent pets.
It is important to socialize the Shar Pei at an early age. If a Shar Pei gets used to being around other dogs when it is a puppy, the Shar Pei will continue to get along with other dogs as it matures. Similarly, Shar Pei behavior problems with cats and children can be avoided if the dog is exposed to cats and children when it is a young puppy. A Shar Pei who grows up with cats and kids will play well with them as an adult dog.
Shar Peis are generally a calm, easygoing breed. They are confident dogs that need the leadership of a self-assured handler. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from children or other family members whom the dog perceives as being lower in the pecking order of the pack, but these problems can be overcome with training and reinforcement. Some dog breeds can be hard to housebreak and have housebreaking problems even into adulthood. Shar Peis, however, are very clean and, once they are old enough to control their bodily functions, are 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 also been known to act out mischievously, stealing food from kitchen counters. Owners can deal with this behavior by 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.