Our dogs need 'Forever Loving Homes'. Remember, they have come from a home which can no longer for one reason or another keep the dog in their care. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with the dog - more likely that circumstances have changed within their current home and the dog is now subject to those changes.

When considering adopting a dog remember that they really are for life and not a fad because 'the kids' want one. Our adopters need to be responsible in their approach to adoption and the successful re-homing of the dog is our only priority. Adopters must understand that they are adopting not only a pet but one which will have undergone immense change in their life - just consider what it must feel like to be removed from your original home and placed with strangers! These dogs will need patience and understanding from you until they settle in with your routine and get to know you and you them. Once they know they are finally home and are secure they aren't going to be given up again, you'll think they've been with you all their lives and the rewards of taking on a shar-pei in need are as much, if not more, than having a young puppy.

ADOPTION CRITERIA

Our rescue shar-pei need new families who are reliable, trustworthy, friendly, warm, fun, not pushy and above all love dogs! Previous experience of the breed is nice but not essential as long as you understand they are loving but independent and only obey you if they see a reason to. They also do not respond well to raised voices or harsh training methods, but they can be dominant so you need to be confident, fair and consistent with them or they will have no respect for you.

Shar-Pei like human company and they like you to be nearby. Most aren't clingy dogs and don't want to be next to you all the time, but they like to know you are there. They very much like to be involved in day to day family life and do not make good candidates for being kenneled - they need to live in and be treated as a valued member of the family. They are tolerant of you spending time away from them for a couple of hours, but not the whole day - so it's a good idea if someone is at home with them the majority of the time. It's not really fair to leave any dog alone if you work full time and are away for 8 hours or more. Remember, every time you step out of the door the dog doesn't know if you are coming back - you'd get anxious too if the same was true for you.

They are no more expensive to keep than any other dog in reality, but they do have needs so be prepared to take them to the vet for an annual check up as you would with a human member of your family and act promptly if they are sick. Taking on a rescue dog should not be seen as a way to get a pedigree dog on the cheap as they still require the same vet treatment as a puppy purchased for £800 would and if the unforeseen should happen, that can be very expensive indeed.

Ideally, you should have a garden at your home. Shar-Pei don't need hours of exercise and some will happily self-exercise in this kind of environment, especially with another canine friend. However, a daily walk or two is always a good idea as it stops the boredom creeping in, mentally stimulates them with a different environment and keeps them well socialized. A couple of 20 minute to half hour walks daily will be sufficient, though many will happily accompany you on longer walks should you wish. Be prepared for another couple of 5 minute 'potty breaks' as many shar-pei are extremely clean and will not use their garden as a toilet. They tend to travel quite well on the whole - especially once they have settled in to their new home.

If you think you can provide one of our rescue Shar-Pei with the above, we'd love to hear from you!

ADOPTION CONDITIONS

The SPRGB accepts no responsibility as to description, condition or health of the animal adopted, and gives no warranty of any kind or implied.

Information concerning the habits and past history of the animal is passed on by the SPRGB to the adopter in good faith. This is based on statements made by the previous owner, however, and there is no guarantee of reliability. We do our best to temperament assess a dog before rehoming, but some problems aren't always apparent short term. The SPRGB is unable, therefore to accept liability for any consequences whatever resulting from events attributable to the failure to give information or the transmission of wrong information from a dog's previous caretaker.

The animal is believed to be in normal health on leaving the SPRGB care except where specific conditions have been made known to the adopter in writing. It is regretted that the SPRGB is unable to accept liability for expenses of any kind arising from sickness developed subsequently.

In cases where an animal is known to possess a specific condition, the presence of which is notified to the adopter, the responsibility for and cost of future treatment shall be that of the adopter.

Attention is drawn to the possible liability of those adopting animals for damage or injury, which they may cause third parties or their property. In particular, liability which may arise in negligence under Section 8 of the Animal Act 1971 and in the case of dogs, Section 3 of the act imposes a general liability on the keeper of a dog causing death or injury to livestock. The possibility of an action for nuisance should also be recognized.

The SPRGB strongly advises all adopters to arrange appropriate 3rd party insurance cover against risks referred to above, and also the cost of veterinary treatment.

The Dog should be Neutered (castrated/spayed) 6 weeks from collection.