| One of the most rare dog breeds in the world is the | | | | interview potential buyers to make sure dog and new |
| Shar Pei (pronounced Shar-Pay). This ancient Chinese | | | | owner are a good match. Professional breeders are |
| breed's name translates to "sand skin" after its short, | | | | also affiliated with other animal support groups and |
| coarse coat. This dog faced extinction and was | | | | rescue centers, recognized by the American Kennel |
| named by the Guinness Book of World Records as | | | | Club and are able to provide references of other |
| the world's most rare dog in 1978. The breed has | | | | owners who have bought Shar Pei from them. Before |
| gained popularity since that time and was recognized | | | | turning over a puppy to a new owner an experienced |
| by the American Kennel Club in 1992. | | | | breeder will have had the puppies evaluated for typical |
| The Shar Pei is easily distinguished from other breeds | | | | health conditions common to the Shar Pei breed, |
| by its unique wrinkled appearance and blue-black | | | | provide medical records and history of vaccinations |
| tongue. Puppies have wrinkles all over their bodies | | | | and evaluations and provide pedigree information and |
| when born but as adults grow into their wrinkles. The | | | | registration papers |
| original Chinese Shar Pei grew out of its wrinkles | | | | A good breeder will never sell Shar Pei to a pet store. |
| almost completely so that the body was smooth and | | | | There are several reasons for this. First, pet stores sell |
| only the face and neck retained wrinkles. A modern | | | | animals just like any other merchandise. Puppies are |
| breeder maintains a western version of the dog, which | | | | shipped from one place to another and put on display |
| retains more wrinkles. A Shar Pei comes in many | | | | for hours at a time. Second, buyers are not screened, |
| colors including red, tan, white, blue-grey and black. The | | | | as they would be by a breeder. Anyone with a credit |
| breed's coat comes in three types, horse, brush and | | | | card can buy a puppy. Third, unsold puppies may be |
| bear. they also have high-set, short, curly tails. | | | | shipped to yet another store, sold to a smaller pet |
| Finding a good Shar Pei breeder may be a daunting | | | | store or euthanized. Shar Pei breeders ensure that |
| task at first because the breed is so rare. Potential | | | | their puppies remain in a stable environment until they |
| buyers can utilize the Internet, the local ASPCA and | | | | are sold to a good home. Lastly, pet stores do no |
| word of mouth to find a good breeder. Most breeders | | | | follow-up on sold puppies. |
| also run or are at least affiliated with rescue centers | | | | Breeders, on the other hand, usually keep one out of |
| that save purebred Shar Pei from abuse and neglect. | | | | every litter for themselves and ask for buyers to |
| Buying a rescued dog may be a good option for some | | | | return dogs to the breeder if owners cannot keep |
| buyers. | | | | them for any reason. Pet stores cannot offer a real |
| Some traits to identify a good breeder include | | | | guarantee or warranty on health or pedigree since |
| maintaining a kennel to whelp and raise healthy | | | | their merchandise comes from illegitimate backyard |
| puppies, encourage visits to the kennel to see the | | | | breeders. An ethical Shar Pei breeder offers pedigree |
| puppies and mothers, the puppies are friendly, happy, | | | | information, registration papers and a warranty. |
| and do not appear afraid of people and they also | | | | |