Hello,
I would love to hear people's views on the Shar pei. I have a friend who is interested in getting a puppy but I know very little about them to advise her. She is looking for a family pet and has young children and other animals, cats and a cocker spaniel. Any opinions on the breed would be great.

Thank you
Debbie

I'm probably slightly biased, but they are wonderful! Shar-Pei are very suitable as family pets. The need to be very well socialized as pups and are normally great with their own family animals. They are very people orientated and as long as they are with you, they are happy. They are very intelligent, independent but can be untrustworthy off the lead and dominant if you're not consistent with them.

The only things I would say is go to a well established breeder with a good reputation. Preferably visit several breeders as shar-pei can vary a lot in type. A genuine breeder will not hesitate to show off their adult stock, explain health issues to you and ask you all sorts of questions to see if they think you are suitable to own one of their babies! Obviously all the normal things like are the puppies lively and outgoing, premises clean and puppies raised in the house etc... apply.

I tell you the biggest drawback of shar-pei - they are incredibly addictive and once you have one you'll never be without one again.