The Shar Pei puppy has slowly gained recognition over the last twenty years as one of the most loyal and affectionate dogs available. Once called the rarest dog breed alive, the Shar Pei has grown in both popularity and population since its recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1991. Fiercely loyal and affectionate, the Shar Pei puppy is also quite popular for show. With two different coat styles being allowed into competition, dog lovers who enjoy the sport find it much easier to enter. Owning a Shar Pei puppy is a big responsibility and should never be taken for granted. They can be prone to certain health conditions if not from pure stock, so it is important to know that the breeder you choose to buy from has a long history of excellent breeding practices.

The Shar Pei puppy is quickly becoming recognized as one of the most desirable breeds in the world. With their sweet tempered nature, and their fierce loyalty, the Shar Pei puppy is one of the most ideal breeds for any family with children. The unusual appearance of the Shar Pei, with their large folds across the face and body, often conjures images of aggression, making the Shar Pei one of the most misunderstood dogs in history.

Shar Pei puppies were originally bred in ancient China as a fighting dog, but did not gain official recognition here in the United States until 1991, when the American Kennel Club granted them recognition. Before that, the Shar Pei puppy had actually been named the most rare breed in the world. But, as more and more breeders turn their attentions to bringing Shar Pei puppies into the world, more and more people are finding themselves falling in love with the unusual looking breed.

There are three different coat styles that you will find on the Shar Pei puppy. The horse coat, a short, coarse haired dog that looks to be more skin than fur, the brush coat, which is slightly longer and softer, but still considered appropriate for show and the bear coat, a longer, softer coat that is not considered to be acceptable for show as it completely hides the folds and wrinkles that make this breed so distinctive.

Irresponsible breeding practices have made the Shar Pei puppy more prone to certain health conditions that do not plague other dogs. A certain condition known as entropion causes the Shar Pei puppy's eyelashes to grow inward instead of out. While this can be corrected through surgery, it is far more responsible to simply do your research to find a reliable breeder who doesn't breed the same puppy stock over and over again. Talk to your vet if you aren't sure where to find a good breeder.

But owning a Shar Pei puppy is not without its disadvantages. The Shar Pei is prone to certain health conditions, such as skin and vision problems, which have been brought about by irresponsible breeding practices. Although there are surgeries and specially formulated dry foods that one can invest in to help correct these problems, it is far better to make certain that you are buying your new Shar Pei puppy from a respectable breeder in the first place.

If you aren't sure where the best place to find a Shar Pei puppy breeder is, talk to your veterinarian and ask for a referral to a breeder who has a long history of getting their pups the medical attention they need. When proper attention is given to making sure you're getting a healthy dog, your new Shar Pei puppy can give you and your family a long and loyal lifetime of affection.