They are easy to look after and contrary to common misperceptions they do not require special maintenance of their abundant wrinkles. Normal dog management, vaccinating, worming, treating for fleas, bathing, and general welfare will ensure you a healthy dog. They are not a smelly dog and the length of the coat means no brushing is required. Attention needs to be paid to the ears as they can get dirty due to the lack of air circulation. Dietary requirements are a simple well-balanced dog diet with special attention paid to avoiding artificial colours, preservatives and red meat. Other ingredients to be avoided are corn, and soy products. These can lead to allergic reactions in this breed.

Please take note:
Being an exceptionally intelligent dog makes the Shar-Pei an ideal companion. Whether your intention is to exhibit at conformation shows, participate in obedience trials, or just to own a loving, loyal pet. The Shar-Pei is sure to bring great satisfaction.

They enjoy both the open spaces of a country life and the suburban neighbourhood life, and are equally happy indoors or out. They excel at obedience work and delight in pleasing their owners, which makes them a pleasure to train. Shar-Peis have been called the Chinese Fighting dog, this is a misnomer of sorts as they are not a dog that will savagely seek out disputes with other animals, they will, however, retaliate with fervour should they be aggravated.

IDEAL OWNERS

Shar-Peis are a one-man dog, although living in a family situation they will love everyone, they will always have their own person and it may not be the one you choose but the one they choose to bond with. The ideal owner will appreciate the loyalty this breed exhibits and also respect its need for space with new situations. They need exercise, socialisation, love and attention to be a happy, well-balanced pet.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Shar-Pei is the dog for you and you realise that its ears need regular checking as they pick up dirt quite easily, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Barbara Loades	Matgo	SA	Contact
Tina Lahrmann	Cinbrod	QLD	Contact
Rodney Connelly	Miniatura	SA	Contact
Pat and Carmel Curtis	acoolieman	QLD	Contact
Tracy Walker	miniaturatas	TAS	Contact
Tony Mallia	Eliterolys	WA	Contact
Christine Petersen	Jiakei	QLD	Contact
Stacey White	Silkston	VIC	Contact
Nicola Delamere	chikaboom	QLD	Contact
Carmel Curtis	Xioping	QLD	Contact
Kara Badger	Mukaro	QLD	Contact
trevor & jenny crisp	gablehous	QLD	Contact
Michelle Black	Shar	NSW	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)