The ancient Chinese Shar Pei is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The Shar Pei is a real survivor, having endured a history of dog fighting and near extinction. The breed originated in the Guangdong Province of China and was originally bred to fight, with loose skin and small ears that make it difficult for other dogs to bite them in fights.

Shar Pei problem behaviors are few, although many people mistakenly believe the dogs have a difficult personality, perhaps because of their dog-fighting origins and because of the myth that the Shar Pei descended from the Chow Chow, which can be a difficult and temperamental breed.

The reality is that the Shar Pei is a sweet, lovable dog that, besides being bred for fighting, were also trained to work as watchdogs and guardians, protecting livestock from predators. The Shar Pei looks intimidating to some because of its frowning face; however, most Shar Peis are actually friendly and loyal; they make excellent pets.

Shar Pei owners should realize the importance of socializing the dogs at an early age. Likewise, Shar Pei behavior problems getting along with cats and children can be avoided by exposing the dog to cats and children when it is a young puppy. That is not to say that an adult dog cannot adapt to a family with cats and children; however, more training may be needed to get the dog to obey commands from a child. Dog training books contain tips on how to socialize an adult dog.

Shar Peis are generally a calm, easygoing breed. They are confident dogs that need the leadership of a self-assured handler. The Shar Pei may refuse commands from children or other family members whom the dog perceives as being lower in the pecking order of the pack, but these problems can be overcome with training and reinforcement.

Some dog breeds can be hard to housebreak and have housebreaking problems even into adulthood. Shar Peis, however, are very clean and, once they are old enough to control their bodily functions, are extremely unlikely to urinate or defecate inside the house.

One of the Shar Pei problem behaviors that owners complain of is that the dogs bark excessively, probably because of their ancestry as watchdogs and guardians. Shar Pei dogs do tend to bark when strangers approach or when newcomers enter the family home. Barking problems, like other dog behavior problems, can be overcome with patient, consistent discipline. Dog training books can be valuable training aids.

Shar Peis have been known to help themselves to food left out on countertops. This mischievous behavior can be remedied by the owner's denying the dog access to the kitchen unless the owner is present.

Most dogs need regular exercise, and the Shar Pei is no exception. The breed is quite active indoors, so it does not need the exhausting romps and fetch sessions that some high-strung dogs and retrievers need. In fact, the Shar Pei have a tendency to overheat, and owners should be careful not to exhaust the dogs while playing outdoors, especially in hot weather.

Considering the Shar Pei's origins as a dog forced to fight to the death, and rising from near-extinction, the Shar Pei's survival and emergence as a faithful companion and family pet is indeed remarkable.