Shar Pei dogs and their wrinkles

[Sailor]

I was at the shelter today, pulling out some GSD's for the rescue where I volunteer. And they had a Shar Pei there that I was asked, as a favor, to take to the Shar Pei rescue.

Man was this guy CUTE! Those wrinkles, that face, that cute body .... I almost couldn't part with him.

I'm crazy even to be considering another dog, right now. I have a 3 year old GSD, we're in the process of purchasing a sailboat (to live on), and in the process of trying for our first child.

But ... oh, I've wanted another dog for so long. Roark gets along very well with other dogs, is trained impeccably. I have no problems with him. At this point, though he's high energy, we have a routine, so it's easy. If I went through the rescue, I'd get an adult dog, not a puppy .... so maybe, just maybe ....

I know absolutely nothing about Shar Peis. Do they get along with other dogs? Are those wrinkles a problem? Like, would I have to clean them every day? What about eyes - do they have any eye issues due to all that skin around them? What kind of energy level do they have? Are they easily trainable? Moreover, are they adaptable to unique environments - like sailboats? My dog really loves sailboats and has no issue using the potty area on one ... so I know it's possible.

Does anyone have a Shar Pei here?

Just curious. Because I absolutely think that while trying for our first baby, looking for a sailboat to move onto with a 95 pound GSD is just the perfect time for a new canine addition.

[SevenVeils]

The wrinkles require care. They can have eye problems from the fur rubbing against the cornea.

[greenmagick]

Dont really have anything to add, but a lady I used to work with who shows shepherds grew up breeding shar-peis I do know they have a lot of health problems (usually skin I think?) but the ones I met were usually really sweet and fun.

[Sailor]

Yes, it's the health/skin problems that worry me. I really would rather not have a "high maintenance" dog in that department. I don't mind cleaning wrinkles daily. I brush my dog twice a day, after all. So, cleaning wrinkles falls under the grooming category. But, I just don't want to deal with consistent infections or eye issues.

But, man, they are SO cute. I'm such a sucker for those wrinkles! And the dog I picked up today was so well behaved and happy. He seemed like a snuggler too. I'm saddened that their previoius owners just abandoned him.

[Girl In The Fire]

From my personal experience with Shar Peis they tend to be a crap shoot. They are strange dogs but if you get a good one you will have a nice dog. They do tend to be dog aggro as they were used for fighting and they are not super outgoing friendly dogs like Labs or goldens. They also tend have health problems like sensitive stomachs and misc skin issues. If you get an adult that has been fostered for a while and you know exactly what you are getting health and temp wise you should be OK.

[mesa]

I've only known one Shar Pei. He belonged to my best friend in high school. He was a nice dog, but very, very aloof. Even by my standards, and I ADORE aloof dogs. He had a funny eye, and I never quite trusted him 100%. He never gave a reason to believe that he was dangerous, but he was weird.