Chinese Shar-Pei: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog

One of the world's most peculiar dogs, perhaps, is the Chinese Shar-Pei, known for distinctive wrinkles, his blue black tongue, and his extremely harsh coat. Few dogs have as fascinating a history as the Chinese Shar-Pei, an ancient breed rescued from the precipice of extinction in the mid 20th century. Devoted fans of the Shar-Pei describe the breed as affectionate, protective, independent, and calm. This Comprehensive Owner's Guide gives newcomers to the Shar-Pei all of the necessary information about socializing and training the Shar-Pei, preventing and handling potential health issues, and evaluating the compatibility of the breed to a new owner's expectations and life style. Author Juliette Cunliffe paints a realistic and revealing portrait of this extraordinary breed that requires an attentive, dog-smart owner to thrive., an account that all lovers of the breed will appreciate for its insight and candor.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.