I am your puppy

I am your Sharpei Pup-pei, and I will love you until the end of the Earth, but please know a few things about me.

I am a Pup-pei, this means that my intelligence and capacity for learning are the same as an 8-month-old child. I am a Pup-pei; I will chew Everything I can get my teeth on. This is how I explore and learn about the world. Even Human children put things in their mouths. It’s up to you to guide me to what is mine to chew and what is not.

I am a Pup-pei; I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1 - 2 hours. I cannot ”feel” that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I cannot vocalize nor tell you that I need to go, and I cannot have complete “bladder and bowel control” until 6 - 9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault!. As a Pup-pei, it is wise
to remember that I Need to go potty after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking and around every 2 - 3 hours in addition. If you want me to sleep through the night, then do not give me water after 7 or 8 p.m., and it will avoid you being mad at me.

I am a Pup-pei, accidents Will happen, please be patient with me! In time I will learn.

I am a Pup-pei, I like to play. I will run around, and chase imaginary monsters, and chase your feet and your toes and ‘attack’ you, and chase fuzzballs, other pets, and small kids. It is play; it’s what I do. Do not be mad at me or expect me to be sedate, mellow and sleep all day. If my high energy level is too much for you, maybe you could consider an older rescue from a shelter or Rescue group. My play is beneficial; use your wisdom to guide me in my play with appropriate toys, and activities like chasing a rolling ball, or gentle tug games, or plenty of chew toys for me. If I nip you too hard, talk to me in “dog talk”, by giving a loud YELP!, I will usually get the message, as this is how dogs communicate with one another. If I get too rough,
simply ignore me for a few moments, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy.

I am a Pup-pei; hopefully you would not yell, hit, strike, kick or beat a 6-month-old human infant, so please do not do the same
to me. I am delicate, and also very impressionable. If you treat me harshly now, I will grow up learning to fear being hit, spanked, kicked or beat. Instead, please guide me with encouragement and wisdom. For instance, if I am chewing something wrong, say, “No chew!” and hand me a toy I Can chew. Better yet, pick up Anything that you do not want me to get into. I
can’t tell the difference between your old sock and your new sock, or an old shoe and your £140 Yikes!! sorry..Nikes.

I am a Pup-pei, and I am a creature with feelings and drives much like your own, but yet also very different. Although I am Not
a human in a dog suit, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly Do want to please you, and be a part of your family, and your life You got me (I hope) because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mould me with gentleness and guidelines
and training into the kind of family member you want me to be.

I am a Pup-pei and I am not perfect, and I know you are not perfect either. I love you anyway. So please, learn all you can
about training, and puppy behaviours and caring for me from your Veterinarian, books on dog care and even researching on
the computer! Learn about our unique Chinese breed and it’s ‘characteristics’, it will give you understanding and insight into Why I do all the things I do. Please teach me with love, patience, the right way to behave and socialize me with training in a puppy class, obedience class or clicker training, we will Both have a lot of fun together.

I am a Pup-pei, and I want more than anything to love you, to be with you, and to please you. Won’t you please take time to understand how I work? We are the same you and I, in that we both feel hunger, pain, thirst, discomfort, fear, but yet we are also very different and must work to understand one another’s language, body signals, wants and needs.
Some day I will be a handsome Shar Pei, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I love you.

	*Buying a Pup-Pei*
Things to consider before buying a puppy		Choosing a puppy

Before you bring the puppy home	Evaluating a breeder	Terms used by breeders

Where do you find a Responsible Breeder	What the breeder should provide	The Pet Shop Pup-Pei

You should never come home with any pet that you did not plan on getting before you went out
Bringing home a new Pup-Pei should always be something that is planned in advance...

Do you want a very obedient dog who will salute on command?
If so, don't get a Sharpei... Sharpei's aren't Stupid, but generally
pretty stubborn which makes them harder to train!....

Things to consider before buying a Sharpei pup-pei

Don't buy a dog to teach your children responsibility. It won't happen and you will end up having to take care of the dog yourself. Teach them responsibility using a non-living item. Everyone will be happier in the long run...
Don't buy and breed a dog to teach your children the "miracle of birth". Buy a DVD instead...
Before you get a puppy, you should be very prepared for the responsibility that you are taking on. A puppy is not disposable-
you cannot just "get rid" of it if the puppy becomes a burden on your lifestyle. You are responsible for caring of that puppy for it's entire life.
No puppy is perfect- they will all have accidents on your carpet and chew on your favourite shoes if left unattended. It is your responsibility to watch the puppy and to properly train him or her. There is no "dumb dog", but there are inexperienced pet owners that fail their puppy by not properly training them. The puppy should not be penalised for your lacking skills.

If you are not an experienced pet owner, you should take your puppy to classes so your puppy can learn what is needed, and you can learn how to teach. Puppies cannot be taught everything in one day- training is a constant process, and it is your responsibility...

Puppies need a lot of attention and must be constantly supervised.
A puppy/dog is a responsibility 365 days a year. This includes holidays, etc.
A dog is a long-term commitment (10 to 15 years on the average).
A puppy should be a permanent integral part of your family.
A puppy is not a toy, it is a living sentient being. It is not something to be put in the back garden to be played with only when you feel like it.
Puppies and children are not always a good combinations. Bringing a dog into a family that has children should be done only after a lot of thought and planning. Small children should never be left unsupervised with a dog or puppy. Children are rough on animals and even the best children can be abusive by hitting, pulling or teasing it. Do not buy a pet for a child until the child is old enough to understand how to care for the animal and be gentle with it. It is not fair to put an animal in a situation and then punish it for defending itself when it is being hurt.
A Pup-Pei is a Baby and needs lots of care and rest, over-activity from boisterous children or disturbed sleep will only result in temperament problems later
A puppy is an expense. Like anything else, don't buy one if you can't afford the money and time to properly care for it (i.e. spay/neuter, vet bills quality food, training).
If you do not feel you have the time for a puppy, consider adopting a Rescue Dog.

Do not buy a puppy for the any of the following reasons:

Christmas present, or any other Present..

You saw one (on T.V., at the park, at your neighbours house) and you fell in love with it.

If you can't stand dog hair on the furniture and chew marks around the house,

If you have a busy work or social life

If you travel away from home regularly

If you think that you could breed from it and make money,.. you can't...
the costs and effort far outweigh any rewards and can only be a labour of love

Temperament/activity level:
Various breeds were developed for different purposes, and their temperaments reflect this.
You should get a dog whose temperament fits into your lifestyle

Do not bring home a pup-pei unless:

You have a fenced garden or a safe secure area. There is nothing more heartbreaking than to have a dog run off after another animal or bolt out
into the street. "Invisible" or underground fencing is not considered to be a viable alternative. It can actually endanger your dog, because it does
not keep out other animals
and traps your dog, should another dog enter your garden.
The dog will be allowed to live in the house as a full family member.
You have "dog-proofed" your home. This means getting down at the dogs level and making sure that breakable items, poisonous plants and substances, and hazards for a curious and chewing puppy (i.e. electrical cords, rubbish bins) are out of reach.

Consider the purchase of a suitably sized dog crate.
A covered cosy crate gives a puppy a "safe place" to relax and retreat to.

A crate is not a child's play house. Children should be taught that it is the dog's 'own room" and when the dog is in the crate, he/she is not to be bothered.

Puppies should only be purchased from
Knowledgeable Responsible Breeders

Where do you find a Responsible Sharpei Breeder???

Classified ads - You should use caution when purchasing a puppy through the classified ads. Responsible breeders only breed to improve the breed and usually place their puppies through referrals. Occasionally, responsible breeders will advertise in the classifieds when demand in their area is low or some like to use the opportunity to educate potential puppy buyers.

Local Canine Society - This may not be easy to find, but many of the clubs run ads in the classifieds offering breeder referral services. Also check with vets in the area to see if they can refer you to a member of a local canine society. It doesn't have to be a person with the breed that you want, a club member should be able to refer you to a person for your particular breed.

Internet: Research the Breed on the Internet, do a search under sharpei + uk or other countries, cross-check which sites your choice of breeder is listed on and how involved in the breed the site is, there are plenty of general dog websites, but stick to the breed specific sites for the maximum info on your chosen breed. Beware of breeders who are particularly plentiful with self aggrandisement on their own websites or facebook.

Your Vet - Ask your vet if he/she knows of any breeders of the breed that you are looking for. Your vet knows the type of care that owners give their dogs and the tests that they run (if any) on their breeding stock. It is usually not a good idea to ask the receptionists, who usually will just pull a name from a list of breeders. If your vet does not know of a breeder, ask him for the name of someone in a local dog club.

Local Dog Trainer - Attend some obedience classes in your area. Observe the dogs in the classes. If you like somebody's dog, talk to them and find out who they got it from and ask questions about their breeder. Dog owners love to talk about their dogs!

Talk to the instructor. Tell them what you are looking for and ask them for information.

Dog Shows This is a good way to observe many dogs in the same breed and to note the differences within the breed. Buy a catalogue. Most of them list the names of the owners and breeders, along with their addresses. Make notes about which dogs you like and why. Breeders often are very busy and sometimes stressed at the shows. If you can talk to them, great, but if not, introduce yourself and get a phone number so you can set up a time to talk to them later. Be considerate and do not attempt to approach them when they are at ringside getting ready to show.

Evaluating a Sharpei breeder

Visual evaluation - you can learn a lot about a breeder by visiting their home/kennel. A dedicated Pei breeder will be passionate about the breed,
there will be Shar-Pei objects/ornaments/pictures on view and they will happily 'Talk Shar-Pei' from dawn to dusk and beyond

Kennel conditions - The kennel may consist of outside runs and exercise areas or it may simply be their home, but it should be clean, warm and comfortable. If you see living conditions that are not acceptable for animals, do not be afraid to report it to the Local Council and RSPCA, you may just prevent suffering, hardship and possibly death for an innocent animal.

Puppeis - Are the puppies kept in the house near people and everyday activities or a kennel? Human contact is very important in the first few weeks of life in order for the dog to bond to humans. You want puppies that have been raised in constant contact with people and household events and sounds.

Beware of taking a Pup-pei in Partnership with the breeder, as this always ends up in a Fall out, there are always sharpei's available elsewhere...
Don't agree to meet and buy a Peiby from a breeder for the first time in a supermarket or petrol station car park or other...

Beware of taking a Pup-pei away with you without the Paperwork ie: KC registration and Pedigree. Make it very clear to the breeder that you expect to pick up all the KC documents when you pick your puppy up... if you do not get it when you pick up your Pup-pei, you can call the KC: Tel: 0870 606 6750 to confirm that the puppies registration is being processed.
If there is a possibility that the puppy is Not KC registered, better to pay by cheque! as the breeder will probably tell you, that they will post it, and you will get the paperwork in a couple of day's, this gives you time to cancel your cheque, until you do get the paperwork for your Pup-Pei!!...

(Please bear in mind that not all breeders KC register their puppies, if they are being sold purely as house pets, it is not mandatory that they should be registered, but ensure that the position on whether the puppy will be registered or not, is absolutely clear and agreed, before you purchase, however if you wish to consider breeding or showing your dog in future you Must have the KC registration.)

Other dogs - Observe the other dogs on the premises.

Are their coats clean and brushed, do they have fresh water and warm, clean, comfortable living conditions.
Do they move around easily, and appear bright, happy and healthy?
Are they friendly and outgoing toward people?
Pay particular attention to older dogs, especially longevity of the puppies parents/grandparents etc
A Good breeder will NOT knowingly breed from unhealthy dogs and NEVER from dogs that show any signs of FSF or Swollen Hock.

The breeder - Choosing a breeder is an individual decision. You should choose someone that you feel comfortable with, someone you can talk to easily, and someone who you feel cares about the dogs well-being and your happiness with your dog.

Is the breeder actively involved in dog clubs and/or shows? A responsible breeder is always learning and being involved in dog clubs and shows keeps them informed about what is happening in their breed, health concerns, etc.
Does the breeder have a number of litters at the same time? Are the litters separated and the individuals identified?
How many of the past puppy buyers is the breeder still in contact with after 1 year? 2 years? 5 years?
Is the breeder curious about you? A responsible breeder is concerned about the welfare of their puppies and will insist on certain criteria before placing a pup-pei.

A responsible breeder should discuss and may require the following:

Fenced garden
Dog living in house.
Any genetic or health problems in the breed
Proper veterinary care
Proper care and nutrition
Socialisation, training, obedience classes
Spaying, neutering (if applicable)
They should be able to answer almost any breed specific question that you ask

Additionally, the breeder may insist on visiting the puppy in your home.

The Sharpei breeder should provide the following, when you Pick up your New Pup-pei...

Written information

Pedigree

KC Registration documents

Usually 6 weeks free insurance

A contract which sets out clearly, the conditions of sale and ensures the puppies well-being and safety, the breeder will take the
puppy back, if the puppy turns out to be ill or becomes ill soon after purchase..

A pack containing Information on puppy care, feeding instructions, vaccinations, worming etc and a few days supply of the food that the puppy has been used to, (using the same food for a period will help avoid early days tummy upsets, remember puppies need nutritious, high energy food)

Advice - The breeder should be always available for advice on grooming, training and general information on health and care.

Choosing a Sharpei Pup-pei

Observe the litter and look for the puppy who

active and playful (keep in mind, puppies sleep a lot and it takes them a while to wake up).
Eagerly greets people and does not appear shy.
Has no sign of discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears. Gums should be pink and firm.
Does not have a distended belly (not to be confused with a normally fat puppy)
Moves around easily, with no signs of lameness. Look for a puppy that naturally stands square with all four feet facing forward and sits squarely.
This should be done over a period of time, as puppies lack coordination and muscle tone and will not sit or stand the same way consistently.
Look for a puppy that naturally follows you.
Watch the puppies' reactions to sounds. You want a dog that recovers easily and does not become hysterical over sudden sounds.
Notice puppies that have the confidence to explore new areas without fear.

Puppies bred commercially, indiscriminately and carelessly are likely to…
Suffer physical defects and have hereditary weaknesses
Develop disease.
Worm infestation and a host of other problems..
Die young through hereditary disease..
If you trade with an unscrupulous dealer or breeder, known as 'Back Street Breeders', who care nothing about the breed or health of the pups
their quality of dogs is almost always substandard, however, they do not show their dogs, have no knowledge of the breed, are not members of any Club, their dogs are just Breeding machines and they charge more money for their unhealthy pups, than a reputable breeder who breeds only for good health and temperament of their pups. Buying Back Street Breeders Pups you will be supporting their trade in misery.... Every one you buy,... another takes it place...
Buying a pup-pei or dog in good health is vital for its own well-being as well as your bank balance.
Follow this advice, and man and dog will be long term friends... If you see living conditions that are not acceptable for animals, do not be afraid to report it to the Local Council and RSPCA, you may just prevent suffering, hardship and possibly death for an innocent animal.
Do give your dog a kiss and hug every single day and thank him or her for being such a wonderful part of your life. There's nothing like unrequited love…

Puppies should be examined by a vet as soon as possible after purchase for a general health appraisal. (Please read our Vaccination
page before Vaccinating or Boosting)

Terms used by breeders:

Champion lines - This means that there is a least one champion somewhere in the pedigree. Virtually all pure-bred dogs (and a lot of mixed breeds) have champions somewhere in their pedigree, although you may have to go back 20 generations to find one!
Champion sired - Means that the father is a breed conformation champion. The title of Champion does not guarantee health. Remember also that the sire is only half the pedigree. The Same applies to a Champion Dam....

Obedience titled parents - Means that the parents have completed the requirements for an obedience title. Although it indicates that the parents are probably well socialized, it is no indication of quality and genetic soundness. Advanced titles such as Companion Dog Excellent (CDX), Utility Dog (UD), and Obedience Trial Champion (O.T.Ch.) can be good indicators of stable temperaments and stamina. It also indicates a breeder who spends a lot of time one on one with their dogs.

Experienced breeder - All this means is that the breeder has done a lot of breeding. It means absolutely nothing...

Reputable/well known breeder Has no value unless you know what their reputation is or who their friends are.....

Aftercare - What level of aftercare will the breeder provide and for how long,? Will they take the dog back under their care or help to re-home the dog if your circumstances change, if you can no longer keep the dog due to ill health, relationship problems, etc etc...

Partnership Contracts: Beware of breeders who want to keep control over the puppy for future breeding or show awards i.e. The Breeder will end up with all the money and credit from the litter, Stud Fee, and any Show Awards... You will be left to pay all the costs of housing, feeding, vets etc, and own only half of your dog...

Some Do and some Dont's!

Do some research on your breeder. Don't necessarily believe their own hype - especially if you feel that they think that they are a legend in their own minds.

Do ask a lot of questions when you call the breeder. Have them ready on a piece of paper. This way you won't forget anything. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions, too...

Do ask for copies of all of the paperwork regarding pedigrees, health certifications, etc. Keep these in your permanent records. If the breeder can't back up their statements about their breeding stock on paper, go home...

Do bring your entire family when you visit the breeder for the first time. Spend several hours getting to know the breeder and letting the breeder get to know you and your family. Perfect matches are made this way.

Do ask for copies of all of the paperwork regarding pedigrees, health certifications, etc. Keep these in your permanent records. If the breeder can't back up their statements about their breeding stock on paper, go home.

Don't agree to meet and buy a Sharpei from a breeder for the first time in a supermarket or petrol station car park or other.

Don't buy a dog to teach your children responsibility. It won't happen and you will end up having to take care of the dog yourself. Teach them responsibility using a non-living item. Everyone will be happier in the long run...

SHARPEI The Pet Shop Pup-Pei
(1999 J. Ellis)
[Don't read this if you are sensitive or easily upset, it is a heart wrenching story which will almost certainly bring a tear or two]

I don't remember much from the place I was born. It was cramped and dark, and we were never played with by the humans. I remember Mum and her soft fur, but she was often sick, and very thin. She had hardly any milk for me and my brothers and sisters. I remember many of them dying, and I missed them so.

I do remember the day I was taken from Mum. I was so sad and scared, my milk teeth had only just come in, and I really should have been with Mum still, but she was so sick, and the Humans kept saying that they wanted money and were sick of the "mess" that me and my sister made. So we were
crated up and taken to a strange place. Just the two of us. We huddled together and were scared, still no human hands came to pet or love us.

So many sights and sounds, and smells! We are in a store where there are many different animals! Some that squawk! some that meow! Some that Peep! My sister and I are jammed into a small cage, I hear other puppies here. I see humans look at me, I like the 'little humans', the kids. they look so sweet, and fun, like they would play with me!

All day we stay in the small cage, sometimes mean people will hit the glass and frighten us, every once in a while we are taken out to be held or shown to humans. Some are gentle, some hurt us, we always hear "Aw they are So cute! I want one!" but we never get to go with any.

My sister died last night, when the store was dark. I lay my head on her soft fur and felt the life leave her small thin body. I had heard them say she was sick, and that I should be sold at a "discount price" so that I would quickly leave the store. I think my soft whine was the only one that mourned for her as her body was taken out of the cage in the morning and dumped.

Today, a family came and bought me! Oh happy day! They are a nice family, they really, really wanted me! They had bought a dish and food and the
little girl held me so tenderly in her arms. I love her so much! The mom and dad say what a sweet and good puppy I am! I am named Angel. I love to lick my new humans!

The family takes such good care of me, they are loving and tender and sweet. They gently teach me right and wrong, give me good food, and lots of
love! I want only to please these wonderful people! I love the little girl and I enjoy running and playing with her.

Today I went to the veterinarian. it was a strange place and I was frightened. I got some shots, but my best friend the little girl held me
softly and said it would be OK. So I relaxed. The Vet must have said sad words to my beloved family, because they looked awfully sad. I heard Severe hip dysplacia, and something about my heart... I heard the vet say something about, back yard breeders and my parents not being tested. I know not what any of that means, just that it hurts me to see my family so sad. But they still love me, and I still love them very much!

I am 6 months old now. Where most other puppies are robust and rowdy, it hurts me terribly just to move. The pain never lets up. It hurts to run and play with my beloved little girl, and I find it hard to breath. I keep trying my best to be the strong pup I know I am supposed to be, but it is so hard. It breaks my heart to see the little girl so sad, and to hear the Mom and Dad talk about "it might now be the time". Several times I have went to that veterinarians place, and the news is never good. Always talk about Congenital Problems. I just want to feel the warm sunshine and run, and play and nuzzle with my family.

Last night was the worst, Pain has been my constant companion now, it hurts even to get up and get a drink. I try to get up but can only whine in pain. I am taken in the car one last time. Everyone is so sad, and I don't know why. Have I been bad? I try to be good and loving, what have I done wrong? Oh if only this pain would be gone! If only I could soothe the tears of the little girl. I reach out my muzzle to lick her hand, but can only whine in pain.

The veterinarians table is so cold. I am so frightened. The humans all hug and love me, they cry into my soft fur. I can feel their love and sadness. I manage to lick softly their hands. Even the vet doesn't seem so scary today. he is gentle and I sense some kind of relief for my pain. The little girl holds me softly and I thank her, for giving me all her love. I feel a soft pinch in my foreleg. The pain is beginning to lift, I am beginning to feel a peace descend upon me. I can now softly lick her hand.

My vision is becoming dreamlike now, and I see my Mother and my brothers and sisters, in a far off green place. They tell me there is no pain there,
only peace and happiness. I tell the family, good-bye in the only way I know how, a soft wag of my tail and a nuzzle of my nose. I had hoped to spend
many, many moons with them, but it was not meant to be. "You see," said the veterinarian, "Pet shop puppies do not come from ethical breeders."

The pain ends now, and I know it will be many years until I see my beloved family again. If only things could have been different