Information on Shar Pei Rescues
As puppies, these wrinkled bundles of fur score high on the cuteness factor. But as those wrinkles somewhat diminish as they grow into adults, the cuteness can be factored out and replaced with reality, leading to a shar pei rescue. Also, shar peis can be stubborn; if you are not a strong and confident handler, they will assume the role of boss. Finally, shar peis were originally bred to herd and guard on the farm, and were later used in dog fighting, so some of these instincts may still exist.
The shar pei originated in China several centuries ago, and first came to the United States in the 1970s. Because of their regal and unique appearance, inexperienced breeders rushed the process and some genetic problems arose. A shar pei rescue will inform you it is a common misconception that their wrinkled skin is the cause of their medical problems. In reality, these issues appear to be hereditary. These groups want to place forever adoptions. So rather than hiding a medical issue, a shar pei rescue will want to educate you, thereby ensuring that any adopter is willing and financially able to address these potential problems. Not the least of which is that adopters need to be careful during the summer, as shar peis are very sensitive to the heat.
Shar peis have many attributes. They are very easily house trained and do not often bark. Their distinguishable wrinkled coats require little grooming. And these intelligent yet independent dogs are extremely devoted to their family. Since the shar pei is a unique breed, shar pei rescue groups are not in every state, but they are in several regions. They offer advice and provide articles to answer questions pertaining to any behavior or medical problems. The Chinese Shar Pei Club of America (CSPCA) has an email address and phone number on their web site to provide you with support. They also give new owners an adoption packet with each dog, and they offer a 16-page Owner’s Guide; they affectionately refer to you as “being owned by a shar pei.”
The greatest wish of any rescue group is to be out of business. When people educate themselves before adopting, to ensure that they know all there is to know about the breed they’re interested in, then that wish may eventually come true.
