Q: My husband wants to get a shar-pei dog, however, we have small children. Are they good family dogs?
Are they aggressive? Is there any reports of attacks from these dogs?
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Answers and Views:
Answer by I Love my Pyr.
I don't think they are among the most popular breed. I have heard that they are mean when they get older but I don't know of any personally and that could be in the raising. Just socialize it well and lay down the rules in the beginning.
Answer by ChickenLiLsydney2770
I have a 7-year-old female shar pei and have never had an ounce of trouble with her fully toilet trained after 3 days most loyal and faithful dog I have owned and I have had quite a few she can be stubborn at times if there's an open gate but never goes far and always returns to a whistle. I'm also a new father and have a son of 6 months who she is rather fond of wants to always be close to him when he's nearby. The moral of my story is don't judge a dog by breed or apparent breed analysis.
Ps I originally purchased the dog as a guard dog and she has only had minor contact with friends and neighbors and has never shown any real aggressive behavior she will snarl a bit and stand her ground but I don't believe that she would hurt ANYBODY.
Answer by Lissa
Have to agree that it completely depends on the dog’s personal temperament and socialization as a puppy.
My family has had another shar pei before, but our current pei is just over a year old now. Extremely leery of strangers, but he is always friendly with kids no matter if he knows them or not. But we made sure he was exposed to children when we brought him home as a puppy and the breeder also had a young son so he was definitely properly socialized.
Even still, definitely not a dog for everyone. Mine listens to me well and is a serious love bug. Quite full of personality and even shows some manners. But he can be extremely stubborn (especially when it comes to listening to other family members) and it's really true that they need to understand the pecking order. A great plus, as mentioned by other reviewers, he was extremely easy to house train- very very few accidents from day one, and not once has he ever chewed anything up in the house. The only issue he has is being alone, he loves to be around people even if it's just a matter of being able to see you from down the hallway.
Overall, they’re extremely loyal and affectionate dogs but each dog has his own unique personality and needs serious training and socialization. And if you’re going to get one, who you choose to buy from is a big factor.
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Answer by Serch
Shar peis are not for everyone. If you are looking for a cute dog to play with you better get one of the smaller breeds. Shar peis are strong dogs, both mentally and physically. They need a strong leader who would set the rules from day one.
When I say set the rules, I mean it., I have a Shar pei, and she is very stubborn, but since I am the Alfa male of the house, what I say goes. If you can get your dog to understand it, you will have one of the most rewarding experiences ever. I haven't found a dog that is more loyal, affectionate, smart, sensitive than a shar pei. But watch out, you MUST be firm, but never violent with the shar pei (or any other dog for that matter)
My shar pei is EXTREMELY sensitive to family situations. The other day I had quite a strong argument with my brother and she just kept on licking my hands and did not leave my side. The next day she did not eat at all. Was very depressed. When we play and she bites me a bit too hard, she stops immediately and licks my “wound” like if she were apologizing… :D
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Cindy k Figley says
I have had 2 SharPeis, both was great with small children, though they do like to use their body at time to herd the into a corner together, the better they could keep a eye on them. Never played rough with toys and letting them shake them, I was told it was okay to play tug of war but not to encourage the shaking, which is what a animal does to kill a animal such as a rabbit or squirell. Neither one of them ever bit one of the children or me. They are so clean they almost potty train their selves as long as you offer often enough to go out. One of the most lovable dogs you can get and very intelligent. When my grandson was born she would sniff him when he came in, and they lay near by, if he cried she would come get me and give me the look of what kinda of Granny are you, he is crying.