Shar Peis are survivors. DNA testing has confirmed that they are one of the world’s oldest known breeds of dog, originating in the Guangdong Province of China. Sadly, Shar Pei dogs were originally bred for dog fighting, with their loose skin and small ears making them difficult for other dogs to grasp. At one point Shar Pei were declared the most rare dog in the world, but the breed survived and is no longer considered such a rarity.

Shar Pei problem behaviors are few, although many people mistakenly believe the dogs have a difficult personality, perhaps because of their dog-fighting origins and because of the myth that the Shar Pei descended from the Chow Chow, which can be a difficult and temperamental breed.

Shar Pei problem behaviors, when they occur, are usually the fault of an owner who misunderstands the breed. The Shar Pei can look intimidating because of the frowning expression on its face, but most Shar Pei are very friendly dogs who are loyal to their handlers. Dog training books can be an aid for owners who are not sure how to train the Shar Pei.

It is important to socialize the Shar Pei at an early age. If a Shar Pei gets used to being around other dogs when it is a puppy, the Shar Pei will continue to get along with other dogs as it matures. Similarly, Shar Pei behavior problems with cats and children can be avoided if the dog is exposed to cats and children when it is a young puppy. A Shar Pei who grows up with cats and kids will play well with them as an adult dog.

Overall, Shar Pei dogs are easygoing and calm. They are self-assured dogs that need confident handlers. Shar Pei training must be consistent, firm and gentle. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from family members whom the dog perceives as being lower in the pecking order of the pack. Owners may consult dog training books for advice on how to overcome these issues. While some other dog breeds may resist housebreaking, the Shar Pei is notoriously easy to housebreak. The dogs are very clean and dislike soiling their living area.

One of the Shar Pei problem behaviors that owners complain of is that the dogs bark excessively, probably because of their ancestry as watchdogs and guardians. Shar Pei dogs do tend to bark when strangers approach or when newcomers enter the family home. Barking problems, like other dog behavior problems, can be overcome with patient, consistent discipline. Dog training books can be valuable training aids.

The breed has been known to steal food left out on kitchen tables and countertops. This mischievous behavior can usually be resolved if the owner controls access to the kitchen, allowing the Shar Pei in the kitchen only when the owner is there to supervise.

Like most dogs, the Shar Pei needs regular exercise. The dogs are active while indoors, so they do not need the exhausting romps that high-strung dogs need. In fact, Shar Pei tend to overheat, so owners should be very careful not to exhaust the dogs outdoors, especially in warm weather. When considering that the Shar Pei was once forced to fight to the death, and then nearly driven to extinction, the Shar Pei’s determined survival as a faithful companion and family pet is indeed remarkable.