Buyers Guide

Owning a Shar Pei can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and this wonderful breed exceeds even the greatest of expectations.

Owning a Dog is a big responsibility! Talk to breeders, be sure to ask some specific questions about general health, hip dysplasia, eye problems & skin problems.. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share his or her experience and knowledge with you.

Selecting A Breeder. Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for the breed. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away?, do the dogs have nice clean and clear eyes, how does the coat condition look? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.

Show Quality? Try to forget about those wrinkles and notice the puppy itself. Here are some very important points to look for in 'show' quality puppies

• A solid built puppy, square in profile.
• Straight, strong legs.
• A skull that is flat and broad, remember that too many face wrinkles can sometimes lead to entropion.
• Eyes that are small, dark, sunken, yet visible.
• Ears that are small and triangular.
• A tongue that is blue black, in lighter colored dogs, dilute, the tongue may be blue/black but never pink or spotted.
• The teeth must come together and meet in a scissor like action.
• The puppy must be a solid color, there may be some shading on the back and or ears.
• The puppy may have one of two coat types, a short harsh coat (horse coat) or a softer and longer brush coat, never a long (1") or fluffy coat.
• The tail must be set high, curled over it's back, to come either to the center of the back or to either side.
• The puppy must not be too shy or too aggressive , notice how friendly the sire and dam are, they will possibly be aloof but never shy or aggressive.

How Much Does A Puppy Cost? This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you'll want to make a wise investment. A show or breeding quality puppy complete with a guarantee may cost in excess of one thousand dollars, hence the need for caution before you buy.

Dog Ownership = Responsibility. Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.

Your New Puppy. While waiting for your new puppy to grow to the age when you can take him home, spend the time to check your fencing for security and check the backyard for any hazards that a small puppy might encounter. If you have a pool, how will you keep the puppy and the pool separated. Ask the breeder for a diet chart so that you can have all of the ingredients listed so that your puppy does not have a diet change.