Myth #1: Shar Pei Are Fighting Dogs
This could not be further from the truth. I've yet to meet one with the disposition for it, and all that skin is a liability. While the skin makes it difficult for another dog to do serious damage, it also makes it hard to get away.
Myth #2: Shar Pei All Have Bad Skin and Eye Problems
Statistically, allergies in Shar Pei are about as common as in any breed, but they do tend to be very sensitive to certain proteins like soy, and certain fillers and additives like Brewer's Yeast and Fish Oil. If you have an allergic Shar Pei, don't let your vet treat with Prednisone until you've eliminated these from their diet for about eight weeks.
Myth #3: Shar Pei Are Mean
This is just not true, unless the dog has been abused or ill-trained, and then it will be true of any dog. They do require an incredible amount of socialization so they don't fixate on a single person. This means Shar Pei ARE NOT good suburban dogs; to stay social and friendly they need visitors, and they need visitors outside the home. For me, they have been excellent urban companions.
Myth #4: Shar Pei Are Stupid
Shar Pei are quite smart, but they are very stubborn. To train them, you must maintain a healthy, respectful relationship with them. They are not a dog you can yell at or strike and hope to have them work to please you. If you can gain and keep their respect they can be taught an impressive vocabulary of both visual and verbal cues.
Myth #5: Shar Pei Are Lazy
While they do love to laze about in the sun and nap, they also love exercise and activity. The most likely version of the Shar Pei history places them as field and hunting dogs first, where the wrinkles and heavy brow were use to protect their eyes when flushing game from briars and thickets.
Myth #6: You Should Rush Out and Buy a Shar Pei
Buy a Shar Pei, but don't rush out and do it; learn a few things first. They are great animals, but you'll need patience and the right environment. Not only should you ensure that their personality and lifestyle are right for you, but also that you can provide the socialization they require - they are best in pairs, and get along well with most other breeds of dogs.
Myth #7: You Should Leave Your Shar Pei Intact and Breed It
These myths are rooted largely in those dogs which come from poor breeding, especially those produced during the first years in the United States. Since then, careful control of blood lines has allowed good breeders to isolate common problems including Shar Pei Fever and Amyloidosis. Control of these lines is not only a good reason not to breed, but also to get your Shar Pei from a reputable breeder.
Before you go looing, read the breed standard on the AKC website, get familiar with what you're looking for, talk to other Shar Pei owners. When you do select a breeder, talk to them specifically about Amyloidosis, Cancer and Shar Pei Fever. Any breeder than can't tell you about these three, or won't admit to having them in their lines is a breeder from which you should not buy a Shar Pei.
