Tell me about sharpei's please

hulkamaniac · 07-04-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FilleBelle

SLK, how would the color of a dog affect its disposition towards fellow canines?

I'm with Elana and think it's got to be genetic as well. I've heard similar things from other people and other sites so there must be something to it. Either that or it's an old wives tale that's just been passed around.

agility collie mom · 07-04-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkamaniac

Anything with poodle in it's name belongs on a cushion with bows in it's hair. At least that's my perception. No thanks.

I think sharpeis were originally bred as palace guard dogs and later as fighting dogs. I may be mistaken though.

If you think that all poodles are treated this way think again....

http://www.redhuntingpoodles.com/hunting.html

Most people do not know that they were originally a hunting breed. I do not own one but I do love a good standard poodle!

MissMutt · 07-04-2009, 12:22 PM

Yeah.. Standards are NOT foo-foo dogs. They're not for everyone though, I'll admit.

Dogstar · 07-04-2009, 01:47 PM

I doubt that the dilute color is linked genetically to weaker temperament- but I *do* suspect that because it's a recessive (and a multiple recessive in the case of some dilute colors), it's not very high on the list of "things to breed for" of most good breeders - if they come out pretty colors, cool- but it's not really something they focus on.

MissMutt · 07-04-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkamaniac

And just as a bonus, here is my pair of hellions. Notice how Brutus appears to be calculating something. No doubt yet another attack on a defenseless trash can.

I don't think I've ever seen them before, so I am very happy to put a face with the names. I love them both...

Thracian · 07-04-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Anything with poodle in it's name belongs on a cushion with bows in it's hair. At least that's my perception. No thanks.

I thought this until I owned two (one's a mix). Clayton (the puppy) does like to sit on pillows, but it's mostly to plan where he will pounce and romp next. And Clayton has drive that just won't quit.

Grooming is a pain, though. It's a big expense because I don't trust myself to do it.

Like the pictures of your dogs, although Zero is more froo-froo looking than I imagined.

I bet he and Cupid would have a blast together.

hulkamaniac · 07-04-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thracian

Like the pictures of your dogs, although Zero is more froo-froo looking than I imagined.

I bet he and Cupid would have a blast together.

Zero claims he has to be that way so chicks will dig him. He advised me to dye my hair blond and grow floppy ears. I tried to explain that this probably won't work for me, but he remains unconvinced.

RonE · 07-04-2009, 03:41 PM

Let's not be trying to talk hulkamaniac into a standard poodle.

I happen to like then ones I've known but I'd probably never get one because I have an illogical preference for dogs with short, straight fur. I like big, floppy ears, too. I can't explain why, but there you have it.

The one long-haired dog I've had was an Irish setter mix. She was a doll, but swam in the ocean every day and her coat was a major pain to take care of.

Pai · 07-04-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkamaniac

I'm with Elana and think it's got to be genetic as well. I've heard similar things from other people and other sites so there must be something to it. Either that or it's an old wives tale that's just been passed around.

I've heard the same thing said about yellow Cocker Spaniels and red Daschunds (that they tend towards more aggressive). If it's a myth it's across several breeds.

Since coat color and texture actually IS linked in some way to the amount of adrenalin and seratonin in dogs, I wouldn't be surprised if perhaps certain hues commonly have chemical balances that may swing towards snappishness more than others. I don't think there is any hard proof of it in specific breeds, but it's plausible.

Elana55 · 07-04-2009, 05:09 PM

I did not state this as a genetic FACT.. just a Genetic POSSIBILITY...

Clipping a Poodle short with very short face and feet is not hard at all. You can use a comb on the clipper to guide you on even length of cut. It really isn't rocket science.. I was doing this when I was 8-9 years old on a standard poodle. If you make a mistake and get something uneven you can fix it or let it grow out. My golly..it is a once a month chore, not purgatory. LOL.

hulkamaniac · 07-04-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elana55

I did not state this as a genetic FACT.. just a Genetic POSSIBILITY...

Clipping a Poodle short with very short face and feet is not hard at all. You can use a comb on the clipper to guide you on even length of cut. It really isn't rocket science.. I was doing this when I was 8-9 years old on a standard poodle. If you make a mistake and get something uneven you can fix it or let it grow out. My golly..it is a once a month chore, not purgatory. LOL.

You must realize that there are many 8-9 year olds out there who are far more coordinated than I am.

FilleBelle · 07-04-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the speculation on color coats, all. People say there are differences between the different colors of Labs, too, and I've always sort of poo-pooed that. Maybe there's something to it, though.

spotted nikes · 07-04-2009, 06:19 PM

While I probably wouldn't own a Shar Pei (my dogs are all strays), I always thought that 2 great names for them would be "Rumplestiltskin" and "Rip Van Wrinkle".

Plus, I was always told that people end up looking like their dogs, and I don't need more wrinkles!!!

sillylilykitty · 07-04-2009, 08:02 PM

FilleBelle, the reason I said that is because that is what I have experienced so far. I know it depends on the individual dog, but at the kennel I work at we are focusing on color, our goal is to improve the dilutes in Shar Pei's. You dont see many dilute Shar Pei's in the ring or out of it. We are breeding to better the dilutes, IMO standard color Shar Pei's are already "perfected". I'm not going to get into much more then that, but in general, dilute Shar Pei's are lacking in stable temperaments and good conformation. With the litter of puppies we have right now, I have to say their temperaments are very nice compared to what we started with

. The breeder I work for is not the only Shar Pei breeder focusing on improving the dilutes.

StellBell · 07-05-2009, 02:18 PM

I have owned 2 Shar Pei, one we purchased as a puppy and another we adopted a year later from a rescue at 6 years old. Both dogs were extremely easy to housebreak and very tidy in their bathroom habits, never soiling their crates. They both had skin problems related to allergies. Both were relatively inactive and quiet in the house and didn't need a great deal of exercise. Both learned basic commands without a problem. Both would play a bit, but were not interested in constant stimulation. Both were utterly devoted to our family, including our kids, and I loved them desperately. However, we did have aggression issues with both of them.

The older dog was merely "aloof" with people, but would greet visitors briefly with a sniff and tolerate a bit of petting before retreating. She was somewhat aggressive with unknown dogs, and had EXTREME prey drive with small animals. The other dog tolerated other animals without a problem, but was VERY suspicious of human strangers. She became gradually more and more aggressive with strangers as she got older, and my neighbors were terrified of her. In retrospect, I realize that I made a lot of mistakes in socialization, and I didn't know about behaviorists at that time. After attempting to work with a trainer, we ultimately had her PTS at 5 years old on the recommendation of our vet after she had bitten one neighbor and had lunged at the face of a small child.

After owning these dogs I truly love this breed. I have not known another breed that matched the Shar Pei's complete devotion to its people. However, after the heartbreak I experienced I am not sure if I will own one again. If I ever do, it will be a dog from a breeder with a reputation for breeding dogs of excellent temperament, and I will be prepared to devote myself fully to continuous socialization for the lifetime of the dog.

FilleBelle · 07-05-2009, 07:35 PM

I wasn't doubting that this is the case, I was just wondering WHY. Or perhaps, more appropriately, HOW coat color and temperament could be genetically linked. They seem unrelated to me. On the other hand, I don't really know anything about genetics, lol. At any rate, it's an interesting discussion!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sillylilykitty

FilleBelle, the reason I said that is because that is what I have experienced so far. I know it depends on the individual dog, but at the kennel I work at we are focusing on color, our goal is to improve the dilutes in Shar Pei's. You dont see many dilute Shar Pei's in the ring or out of it. We are breeding to better the dilutes, IMO standard color Shar Pei's are already "perfected". I'm not going to get into much more then that, but in general, dilute Shar Pei's are lacking in stable temperaments and good conformation. With the litter of puppies we have right now, I have to say their temperaments are very nice compared to what we started with

. The breeder I work for is not the only Shar Pei breeder focusing on improving the dilutes.

hulkamaniac · 07-06-2009, 03:52 PM

Just got another e-mail from the breeder where she stated it is going to be extremely difficult (in her opinion) to find an adult sharpei that does not have dog aggression issues. Would people agree or disagree with that assertion?

Xeph · 07-06-2009, 04:39 PM

I'm inclined to agree in this regard, simply due to the nature of the breed.

That said...if you go to a REPUTABLE breeder that has some retired adults up for sale, you may be able to talk to them and find a low-non dog aggressive Pei

MissMutt · 07-06-2009, 04:43 PM

Hulk, I'm really wondering, though, if this is the right breed for you. Didn't you say you leave Zero and Brutus out together in your yard? I honestly have trouble thinking of the two of them out there with a Shar Pei, especially since Zero seems to get VERY excited about other dogs from what you've said. I don't know how easily it'll be to find a Shar Pei to match that playful intensity, AND one that you'll feel comfortable leaving alone with Zero while you are not there.

hulkamaniac · 07-06-2009, 05:01 PM

He gets extremely excited with dogs he doesn't know. After that his response is basically, "meh." It's weird. When he met my neighbors dog he was jumping all over the place wanting to play. Now he sees her and doesn't care, but if we go down the street and see someone walking their dog who he's never met he goes nuts.

He gets along fine with Brutus, but Brutus is pretty tolerant of just about everything though. Not much phases him and being a basset he doesn't have a high prey instinct to begin with or any real dog aggressive tendencies. (Tonight at nine - Basset hound eats 1 year old as she sleeps.)

I could definitely see Zero possibly ticking off another dog though so I'm wondering if I should just push the sharpei down the list of possible breeds.