As dog lovers, we‘re always eager to learn about different breeds and whether they might be a good match for our lifestyle. If you‘re considering adding a Shar Pei to your family, you likely have lots of questions – especially if you have young children or other pets like cats. Can this independent, protective breed really thrive in a busy household?
The answer is yes, Shar Peis can absolutely be wonderful family companions. However, this ancient Chinese breed does have some unique challenges that require a dedicated, experienced owner. With proper socialization and training, Shar Peis can get along beautifully with kids and other animals. But it‘s important to understand the breed‘s quirks before taking the plunge.
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Shar Peis as family pets, with a special focus on Shar Pei-cat relationships. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of whether this wrinkly sweetheart could be your ideal match. Let‘s dive in!
Shar Pei 101: From Fighting Dog to Family Friend
The Shar Pei‘s history is truly fascinating. This breed originated in China over 2,000 years ago and was originally used for hunting, herding, and guarding. Sadly, Shar Peis were also bred for the barbaric practice of dog fighting. In fact, those signature wrinkles were prized because they helped protect the Shar Pei during fights.
Thankfully, dog fighting was outlawed and the Shar Pei transitioned to a companion role. In 1973, a Hong Kong breeder named Matgo Law launched a successful campaign to save the Shar Pei from extinction. A few Shar Peis were brought to the United States and the breed slowly regained popularity. The American Kennel Club recognized the Shar Pei in 1992.
Today‘s Shar Peis are a far cry from their fighting ancestors. Modern breeders focus on producing Shar Peis with mellow, family-friendly temperaments. While they still have a protective streak, Shar Peis can be deeply loving and loyal pets.
So what does a Shar Pei look like? These compact canines typically weigh 40-55 pounds and stand 18-20 inches tall. They have a distinctive large head with small triangular ears and a hippo-like muzzle. The Shar Pei‘s most famous feature is, of course, its wrinkled skin, which is most prominent in puppies. As adults, Shar Peis have a short, bristly coat that comes in many colors, including fawn, red, cream, black, and chocolate.
The Shar Pei Temperament: Pros and Cons
Shar Peis are often described as regal, intelligent, and independent. They are not typically as outgoing or eager-to-please as retriever breeds, for example. Shar Peis tend to be reserved with strangers and can take time to warm up to new people or situations. Early, frequent socialization is key to help Shar Peis develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs.
With their loved ones, Shar Peis are calm, sweet, and affectionate. They often bond particularly closely with one or two special people. While Shar Peis may not demand constant attention like some breeds, they do appreciate being near their favorite humans. This makes them well-suited for owners who work from home or have a fairly quiet lifestyle.
As watchdogs, Shar Peis are naturally alert and protective. They will bark to warn off intruders, but they aren‘t typically aggressive without real provocation. Shar Peis do have a domineering streak that requires a firm, consistent hand in training.
Some downsides of the Shar Pei temperament include stubbornness, aloofness, and a tendency toward dog aggression. These challenges can be managed, but they do make the Shar Pei best-suited for experienced owners.
It‘s also worth noting Shar Peis have some unique health concerns, such as allergies, eye problems, and a predisposition to certain cancers. Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs is crucial for getting a Shar Pei with the best odds of a long, healthy life.
Shar Peis and Kids: What to Know
If you have young children, you‘ll be relieved to hear Shar Peis can be fantastic playmates. They are sturdy enough to handle some roughhousing and many Shar Peis seem to enjoy the attention of little ones. However, Shar Peis are not endlessly patient. They may not tolerate having their wrinkles or tail pulled.
As with any breed, it‘s essential to teach kids how to properly interact with a Shar Pei. Children should know not to approach the dog while it‘s eating or startle it awake. Supervision is a must, especially with toddlers and preschool-aged kids.
On the flip side, Shar Peis need to learn that children are to be respected, not guarded. A Shar Pei may perceive a child‘s playmates as a threat if not properly socialized. Exposing a Shar Pei to many different children from a young age will help them understand kids are friends, not foes.
Shar Peis and Other Pets
Shar Peis can get along with other dogs, but same-sex aggression is not uncommon in the breed. Many Shar Pei owners find a male-female pair is the most harmonious combination. It‘s also important to choose a playmate that matches the Shar Pei‘s energy level – this calm, dignified breed may not appreciate a rambunctious puppy constantly in its face.
The Shar Pei‘s compatibility with cats is a bit more complex. The breed does have a fairly high prey drive, which means Shar Peis are hardwired to chase small, furry critters. A Shar Pei may view a darting kitty as an irresistible target.
However, with early socialization and careful management, many Shar Peis do learn to peacefully coexist with cats. The easiest route is to raise a Shar Pei puppy with a kitten, so they view each other as siblings. Adult Shar Peis can also be successfully integrated into cat-owning households, but the introductions must be done very gradually. Even once a Shar Pei accepts a cat, the dog may still enjoy a chase game. A Shar Pei should never be left unattended with a cat.
Training and Socializing a Shar Pei
The importance of socialization for Shar Peis really can‘t be overstated, especially if the dog will be living with kids or other pets. From 8-16 weeks old, a Shar Pei puppy should be thoroughly socialized with positive exposure to all sorts of people, animals, sights, and sounds. Well-run puppy classes are a great way to jump-start this process.
In terms of training, Shar Peis definitely have an independent streak. They are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they won‘t blindly obey like some breeds. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are all key. Harsh corrections will likely just shut a Shar Pei down.
Teaching basic obedience commands is important, but the most critical skill for a Shar Pei to master is a rock-solid recall. Shar Peis should be swiftly responsive to a "come" cue, even with major distractions. This will help keep the dog safe in case they get loose and will also make off-leash walks more feasible.
That said, a Shar Pei‘s predatory instincts mean they may never be fully trustworthy off-leash, especially around cats or wildlife. A fenced yard or long leash can let a Shar Pei stretch their legs more safely.
Shar Pei-Cat Households: Success Stories
At first glance, Shar Peis and cats may seem like an unlikely pairing. But in practice, many Shar Pei owners report their dogs and cats getting along swimmingly. The key is usually early exposure and training the Shar Pei to view kitties as pals, not prey.
For example, one owner describes raising a Shar Pei puppy with an adult cat. By 4 months old, the puppy had already learned to be gentle with his feline friend and would even cuddle up to nap together. Another owner introduced an adult Shar Pei to a new kitten very slowly, with lots of treats and praise. After a few weeks, the unlikely duo was playing chase and wrestling as if they‘d grown up together.
Of course, it‘s still important to be realistic. Some Shar Peis may have too high of a prey drive to ever be reliable around cats. A knowledgeable breeder or rescue can help evaluate an individual dog‘s cat compatibility. Even in successful Shar Pei-cat households, it‘s best to always supervise interactions and provide the cat with dog-free zones to retreat to. Introducing a Shar Pei and a cat gradually sets the stage for a lifetime of interspecies friendship.
Final Thoughts: Is a Shar Pei Right for Your Family?
Shar Peis can certainly make excellent family pets in the right homes. They are loyal, protective, and affectionate with their loved ones. While Shar Peis may take time to warm up to strangers, they often adore children and can learn to get along with cats or other dogs. However, this is a breed that does best with experienced owners who understand the importance of early socialization and positive training.
If you‘re considering adding a Shar Pei to your family, be sure to do your research and choose a responsible breeder or rescue organization. The American Shar-Pei Club of America is a good starting point, with breeder referrals and rescue contacts.
For Shar Pei owners looking for training guidance, the books "The Shar Pei Owners Guide" by Douglas Lee and "Shar Pei: The Owner‘s Guide from Puppy to Old Age" by Alex Seymour are highly recommended resources. The Shar Pei is a unique and enchanting breed – with the right upbringing, they can absolutely thrive as cherished family companions.
