The Shar-Pei Forums-Health Behavior Diet & Rescue Info and Discussion Group

Hello! I have been reading this forum for a while and this is my first post! Next summer/fall I would like to finally add a shar pei to my family (it is currently myself, my girlfriend and our cat Ichi) living in a large apartment in Dubuque, Iowa. I have researched the shar pei breed through internet resources, books, etc. to help myself better understand the breed and I think a pei would fit in great. I have looked at several breeders online in and around my state.. I have no problem traveling 15hrs or more if necessary to get a good pei from a good breeder. I would like to visit breeders eventually to meet them, their dogs, and discuss more pei puppy adoption subjects.
If anyone can send a PM with (good or bad) breeder advice, recommendations, or experiences it would be very appreciated! Thank you all for your help!

Welcome !

Hello and thank you

welcome. i'm glad you've been doing your homework hopefully some members will suggest a good breeder for you.

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Hi
So, I did many months of research on Pei breeders before I found one I liked. Basically, I wanted someone that was interested in getting the dog to a good home and was honest about their older dogs. When a breeder says they "bred that health issue out" then I would look elsewhere, only because you can't guarantee that the breeding dogs dont have that health issue as a recessive gene so don't show it. But pups might. Also, be sure you can meet the parents, meaning go pick up the pup yourself. It might be a pain, but it means you can be sure you are getting a good pup.
I went to play with the pups, and I actually went to get one pup in particular, but the one I walked away with was the only little guy that wanted to play with me. I haven't regretted it and I am so glad I made the 20 hour drive (one way) to get my guy

congrats! will you be posting his pic soon ??? best of luck with him

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Thank you all for the responses! Rumpelstiltskin we would love to see a picture of your pup!

I'm definitely planning on visiting breeders first to meet the parents, meet the breeders and discuss the dogs in more detail to ensure I have a reliable and friendly breeder. Right now I'm looking for any recommendations/reviews to evaluate which breeders have the best reputation and provided good dogs and experiences to their clients before I take off work to set up a visit. The only breeder that I have contacted so far is in St Croix Falls, Wisconsin and so far they seem to be very friendly and have answered all my questions via email but I have yet to set up a meeting.
I'm definitely more than happy to travel a good distance to make sure I get an awesome dog if necessary. I live in Iowa but frequent PA (Harrisburg area) to visit my GF's family so if anyone knows any good breeders up there that could PM me with any personal experience stories that would be great too!