When you add a dog to your family, something amazing happens, it’s like your heart expands and your life is instantly richer. There is no questioning the undeniable feeling of warmth you get when you get a new pup, but if you have children, there are some extra-special factors to consider. The most obvious question being, is this new dog a good fit for a family with kids?
There are a number of great dogs out there, and many of them are fantastic choices for families with children. However, there are also some breeds that are better suited to non-kid households or homes with older kids. A Chinese Shar-Pei tends to fall within the latter category, being a very loyal and protective dog that can be a great addition to a family with older children. Although this breed doesn’t appear on the insurance blacklist, you still need to carefully weigh the dog’s individual personality, and you might want to seek out a young puppy that you can train from the beginning.
The Chinese Shar-Pei: Family Dog and Protector
Here are four reasons why a Chinese Shar-Pei can make the best family dog if trained and socialized rigorously and early:
- A Chinese Shar-Pei has a calm demeanor, which is always a bonus when it comes to kids.
- A Chinese Shar-Pei, if properly trained, is a well-mannered pooch.
- A Chinese Shar-Pei is protective of his family.
- A Chinese Shar-Pei, as long as socialized early on, loves to be a devoted companion to his family and is extremely loyal.
Getting To Know the Chinese Shar-Pei
The most important thing to remember when it comes to choosing the perfect pup for your family is that each dog is different, even within the same breed. Therefore, if you have children, it’s critical to meet the actual pup that you will bring into your home. In addition to your new pal’s personality, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of the breed. For example, if you want a pooch that is easy to groom, you probably wouldn’t want to get a Shih Tzu or a Cocker Spaniel, no matter how cute they are.
Knowing the basics of any dog breed that you plan to add to your family is an important first step in finding the right pup for you.
Here are some good-to-know facts about the protective and intelligent Chinese Shar-Pei:
SIZE
A Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium to large breed that is between 18 and 20 inches tall and roughly 45 to 60 pounds.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
If you are trying to decide between whether you should purchase or adopt a younger or older dog, your future pup’s lifespan plays a big role in your decision. This is especially true when it comes to finding a dog to grow up with your kids. In the case of a Chinese Shar-Pei, which has a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years, households with older kids are usually a better match, so finding a puppy could be the perfect situation.
GROOMING NEEDS
The wrinkly-faced, short-haired Chinese Shar-Pei only needs a little bit of regular grooming that includes an occasional bath (about once a month), and regular weekly nail trims and ear cleanings. It’s best to get this pooch accustomed to a grooming routine at an early age, especially when it comes to his nails and ears. You can use an ear-cleaning solution to help loosen up debris and gently wipe the dirt away with a soft cloth; your vet can recommend some good products that you can try.
HEALTH ISSUES
This breed comes with several health concerns that you need to be aware of including a host of eye conditions like eyelid entropion, glaucoma, and retinal dysplasia. If you get your pup from a reputable breeder, make sure that your dog has been properly screened for a variety of conditions including hip dysplasia, elbow problems, patella issues, thyroid problems, and several potential eye issues. You can learn more about this breed’s specific health problems by visiting The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America.
EXERCISE NEEDS
If you’re looking for a breed with flexible exercise requirements, then the Chinese Shar-Pei can be a good option. Each dog has his own unique needs and can be perfectly content with a variety of activities that exercise both his body and his mind. This pup can do well in an apartment with access to interactive toys like the Rolly Cannoli and daily walks, but he can also do well with intensive agility training and other rigorous forms of exercise. Ultimately, it’s up to your dog’s individual personality to determine if you’ll need to get some special equipment to meet his activity needs or if a simple leash will do.
TRAINING
This pup is very smart, but he can also be too smart and stubborn, always wanting to do things his own way. Therefore, early training and proper socialization are imperative to raising a well-mannered and well-behaved Chinese Shar-Pei. Keep your sessions positive and consider enrolling your dog into puppy classes to get the ball rolling from the very beginning. If you run into any issues with training, talk to your vet and seek out the advice of an expert. You do not want to get lax with training when it comes to a Chinese Shar-Pei, as this dominant breed will likely decide that he is the boss.
Chinese Shar-Peis and Kids
There are many roles that can be played by a Chinese Shar-Pei: family dog, guard, hunter, or companion. If you’re looking for a family dog, ultimately, it’s worth keeping in mind that you should never assume anything about a pup’s behavior. Even if a particular breed is known to be fabulous with kids (or the opposite), each dog has his own distinct personality and habits that will affect how he acts around children. Therefore, learn all that you can about your future canine companion and always take the time to meet him in person before making your final decision.
You should also plan on starting a thorough and comprehensive training program with your new pup immediately, and with a Chinese Shar-Pei, numerous opportunities for positive socialization are extremely important. It’s also critical that you prepare the members of your household for your new pet by discussing how to properly interact with a dog. Set clear rules and expectations for both your children and your new pup, and avoid leaving young children and pets alone together.
Now that you know more about the devoted Chinese Shar-Pei, you can decide if this pup is the right fit for you and your family. If you decide to move forward and purchase or adopt a dog, you can start your search at petfinder.com or the North American Shar-Pei Rescue.
When you’re looking for helpful tips about how to care for your pets, or you just want to learn more about your faithful friend, check out the rest of our blogs. At Neater Pets, we pride ourselves on getting you the information that you need to make informed choices that allow you to do what is best for your beloved furry pals.