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
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
miaugh says
I know of a few that are standoffish that I wouldn't trust around kids–and a few that are excellent with the children in their own family. Even if you get one with a great temperament. you should know shar-peis can be prone to recurrent skin infections and allergies.
queenB says
hello
i have raised shar pei for 10 yrs,and have 5 little girls,they are the sweetest things,they are very smart,and easy to train,
i dont know were people got they were mean,cause mine are the biggest baby,i love shar pei and trust me once you get one you will never have another dog!
jeanette brennan says
Totally agree with this message,our 10yr old shar-pei has never given us any problems,he is gentle,loving and adorable,its the little dogs that you have to watch,but its the way you treat them,give them love and they will love you.
JennyAngelicGirl says
Somewhat aloof to strangers, the dogs have a natural instinct to guard home and family and are intensely loyal to their owners
Fetch! says
~ If you get a puppy, this is of no concern. If you adopt a dog you will already know the temperament of the dog before taking it into your home. I personally LOVE Shar Peis. I have a male named Caine. He is an awesome dog. They are extremely loyal dogs and will be very protective of the whole family. Not aggressive but will alert. They are wonderful family pets and a very clean breed. They are super easy to potty train. I have one now and had two in the past. I also belong to the Florida Shar Pei club and it is very common for a Shar Pei to be housebroken at or before 5 months of age. They are easy to train behavioral and will get along with other dogs if properly socialized and raised with other pets. I highly recommend them. If you do get a puppy please research the breeder as this is super important to finding one that has temperament and quality. Not all breeders are created equal. Everyone that comes over is first taken by my Great Danes but once they are around long enough everyone falls in love with my Shar Pei. He and many others are just amazing pets!
Bonnaboo says
Well, Shar Peis can be VERY troublesome with other dogs, and are not for the novice owner. Their coats can give people and kids rashes because of their unusual texture. I would be very careful with a dog of that breed and your children. they are rather aloof. I personally wouldn't do it.
Iggy's Screamin says
Yes Shar Peis can be aggressive,,,,I have never in all the years in the show ring or otherwise of a Shar Pei attacking.
you need to research any breed before buying or getting a dog from a shelter, you have to make sure the dog fits your life style first.
we have a lot of them in our dog club, even tempered dogs, but all say, can be aggressive, but so can any breed.
go to
http://www.akc.org/index.cfm
and research any breed you want for free