Do Shar Pei have bad temperaments?
Temperament problems are not an affliction of the Chinese Shar Pei breed as a whole. Any breed of dog can have temperament problems when bred improperly. Shar Pei can be aloof and standoffish with strangers if not properly socialized as a puppy. But aloof and standoffish does not translate into aggressive. While it is true that some of the original Shar Pei dogs brought over to the United States had nasty dispositions, conscientious breeders over the past 25 years have all but eliminated aggressive tendencies. The Chinese Shar Pei is bright, affectionate, and loyal and devoted to its family. The Shar Pei dog needs to be socialized as a puppy so they are less territorial and standoffish towards strangers and are more confident in unfamiliar surroundings. If your Shar Pei puppy grows up and is only familiar with your home and yard, then as an adult Shar Pei the first venture out into the big world full of strange people and animals can be very frightening.
