How to Care For and Train a Shard Pei

For many people, dogs are considered man’s best friend, this is because in general dogs tend to be very attached, dependent and obedient. Something quite different from what happens with other pets such as cats, who, believe it or not, are extremely faithful animals, but they are also very willful and generally are not as submissive or obedient as dogs, which is why Some people believe that cats are detached, but as we can see, this is not the case.

However, there are several breeds of dogs and the characteristics of the character may vary from the breed as well as from the education that we are providing to the animal in question. Proof of this is what happens when caring for and training a Shard Pei. These animals tend to have a slightly more independent character than the average  companion dog. This is why many people believe that the Shard Pei is serious and deployed animals, but in reality it is quite the opposite.

The Shard Pei is quite loving, attached and faithful dogs, but they have an independent character that many times people can confuse with distance towards the master. But getting the love and affection of a Shard Pei is a reason for joy and rejoicing, as they are quite noble, devoted, distrustful and affectionate animals.

However, there are some disadvantages or problems that we could present when caring for and training a Shard Pei. One of those problems is that they are dogs with extremely fragile health. They are prone to skin infections, eye infections, ear infections, and allergies. For this and more reasons, whether a Shard Pei has come into your life or you have decided to have one, the instructions and advice that we will be showing you will help you understand and guide yourself on how you can take care of a Shard Pei.

What do you need to care for and train a Shard Pei?

• Responsibility
• Constancy
• Discipline
• Care
• A shard pie

Instructions to care for and train a Shard Pei

1. Shard Pies are dogs originating from China. They have a medium size, generally 44 to 55 centimeters. They were formerly used as fighting dogs, but today they are companion dogs in most countries. These dogs are distinguished by their main characteristic, which is extremely wrinkled and large skin, which even hangs over their eyelids. They are very friendly dogs with other dogs and other humans, especially children. They may seem serious at times, but they are loyal, playful and calm. The natural weight of a healthy Shard Pei is 17 to 25 kilograms and they have a normal life expectancy of 10 years.
2. This type of animal adapts easily to any type of space, but we must ensure that the place where it will live is always clean and comfortable, since these animals are prone to skin infections as well as allergies, so a healthy environment it will help prevent these problems to a great extent.
3. Every day, without fail, we have to pass a clean, damp cloth all over your skin, emphasizing the folds, since these places are prone to fungi and dirt retention, which can generate a potential infection and bad odor. Despite this, these animals should not be bathed very often. The ideal is to bathe them at most once or twice a year. Only in cases where the dog is extremely dirty, and then it is advisable to bathe it with a mild shampoo especially for dogs with sensitive skin and dry it well through all the hair, especially in the folds.
4. Regarding the feeding of the dog, in general and depending on the age, a low-protein diet of animal origin is recommended, but this issue is better discussed with a trained veterinarian since the nutritional needs of the Shard Pei will depend on its state of health. Health and age. Special care must be taken in how our dog reacts to food, since they are susceptible to allergies and skin diseases that are often caused by improper nutrition and if this persists, it can be fatal.
5. These dogs can have liver and kidney problems as they are genetically prone to swollen shock syndrome, which is the inability to break down a protein and this can affect the body. Therefore, in the event of any mood change or problems that you notice in the dog, such as problems urinating, fluid retention, incontinence or weight loss, it is necessary to take it for a check-up. In these cases there are symptoms such as fever, swelling in the eyes and mouth, groans, inactivity and lack of appetite, stooping, diarrhea and vomiting. This syndrome occurs more in puppies, but some animals do not show symptoms until they reach maturity.
6. They may also have very droopy eyelids and difficulty seeing. Due to the hanging skin that is frequently rubbing the eyes, straining the eyes to see, as well as the coarse hair, the Shard Pei can present eye problems such as cataracts, retinal detachment and premature increase in myopia. That is why as the age of the dog advances, it is possible that the skin hangs more and causes this problem, for this reason it may be suggested that an eyelid reduction surgery be performed to take care of the animal’s sight. In these cases, recovery is rapid if proper care is applied.
7. Another of the common problems in this breed of dog is that when they are small, due to the excess of wrinkles and length of the eyelashes, they can present eye infections as children and not open their eyes well. At any sign of pus or strange secretions, it is advisable to see a doctor. Other ailments this breed tends to be prone to include ear infections, tight lip, narrow nostrils, eye ulcers, rectal prolapse, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and immunodeficiency.

Tips for caring for and training a Shard Pei

• We must always be taking our dog for a check-up with the veterinarian, at least once every 1 month, so we can monitor its health and prevent or treat any health problem it may present.
• It is also important that our dog gets affection, attention and games. The dog needs activity to be able to maintain good health and a careful weight, since most of his diet will be made up of carbohydrates and low protein content.
• It is common for ShardPies with long hair or with spots on their fur to be discriminated against and abandoned for not appearing “pure-bred”, so if you want a Shard Pei, you could adopt one that is abandoned and give it a home.
• If you want your dog to live with other pets, it will be better to get him used to it from the beginning.