Is the Shar Pei a list dog or a fighting dog? (Counselor)

Many people consider the Shar Pei to be a list dog or attack dog. But what is the point of this opinion?

In this article we will tell you what the terms list dog and attack dog mean and whether this applies to the Shar Pei.

You will also learn everything you need to know about the character of the Shar Pei and its requirements for keeping and training.

Is the Shar Pei a list dog or a fighting dog?

The Shar Pei is not a list dog and therefore not a fighting dog, because the word «fighting dog» is simply a colloquial term for a list dog.

The fact that list dogs are popularly called fighting dogs is because some dog breeds were bred to be extra muscular and strong in earlier centuries.

The reason for this was that these dogs were used for dog fighting and hunting of large animals such as wild boar, bears or bulls in particular.

In this respect, the Shar Pei could be considered a list dog or fighting dog, as it was used to compete in dog fights in its country of origin, China, and has a very strong build.

However, not all dog breeds used for such fights are registered dogs.

For a dog to be considered a list dog, it must have a genetic predisposition to aggressive behavior, so that it poses an increased risk of danger.

Which dog breeds are considered aggressive and are therefore listed dogs is regulated by law.

The law to combat dangerous dogs applies throughout Germany. The breeds named therein may only be kept nationwide if special requirements are observed.

The federal states also have their own breed lists in which they classify additional dog breeds as dangerous according to their legal assessment.

The Shar Pei is not a list dog in the sense of the law to combat dangerous dogs and is also not included in any breed list of the federal states.

Thus, the Shar Pei is not a list dog and its keeping is not bound by any special regulations.

Does the Shar Pei have the character of a list dog or a fighting dog?

The Shar Pei is not classified as a list dog or fighting dog because it does not have the appropriate character predisposition.

According to legal opinion, list dogs have an increased potential for aggression, are difficult to train and cannot be adequately controlled.

While the Shar Pei has strong stubbornness, it lacks aggressiveness.

The use in dog fights does not correspond to his character and also not to his actual purpose.

Originally, the Shar Pei was kept as a hunting, working and guard dog. He has a strong protective instinct and is very persistent.

The Shar-Pei had to make independent decisions and bear responsibility for his tasks. He developed great willpower and a high level of self-confidence.

The Shar Pei is courageous and has strong nerves. His strong will means that he follows his people out of love and not just out of obedience.

He is very willing to form a close bond with his humans. The Shar Pei loves its people and shows them this with great affection and loyalty.

In order to be obedient, however, he must be convinced that his people really love him and that they care as much about a strong bond as he does.

The Shar Pei is suspicious of strangers and wary until they gain their trust.

As friendly as he is to people, he is as dominant towards his conspecifics. With good socialization, however, the Shar-Pei learns to control himself and remain calm.

The Shar Pei convinces as a family dog ​​because nothing fazes him and he is very friendly and patient with children.

The heavily built Shar Pei is not a sports cannon, but he is an active dog. He loves walks, so he is also an ideal companion.

Thanks to his intelligence, he learns quickly and enjoys tasks that require mental work.

Although he is one of the more serious dogs, he also shows his funny side with his family and can be motivated to play a game.

What demands does the Shar Pei have when it comes to keeping and training?

Although the Shar Pei is not a list dog or a fighting dog, it does make some demands on its home and its people.

However, these claims are not based on legal requirements, but on his character traits, desires and preferences.

In the next sections you will learn what a Shar Pei needs to feel comfortable.

The ideal home for a Shar Pei

Since the Shar Pei is so calm and being close to his people is most important to him, he doesn’t necessarily need a house with a garden.

So he can, despite his size and vigilance live well in an apartment.

If the apartment or house is in a more rural area, he’s happy, but he doesn’t make that a requirement either.

He just wants to go for walks in green surroundings. A large park is enough for him.

The Shar Pei prefers not to have conspecifics or other pets in his family. However, the people-oriented dog is very happy about responsible children.

exercise and employment

The Shar Pei does not require as much exercise and exercise as many other dog breeds. Especially with his stature, it is still important that he goes for walks regularly.

He is not suitable for dog sports, because firstly he has no desire to do so and secondly it does not correspond to his physique.

The Shar Pei needs tasks, in which he is primarily mentally occupied. Search games and playful tracking searches as well as small tasks in everyday life are well suited.

It is also in his nature to be allowed to guard his home.

Lots of time together

Since the Shar-Pei is very affectionate and loves his people idolized, his family has to make a lot of time for him.

It’s not just about walks, playful activities, grooming and cuddling, but also simply about being together.

The Shar Pei wants one full family member be and preferably always participate in the life of his people.

He should be left alone as little as possible and must be trained to be alone very gently.

Education of the Shar Pei

As good-natured as the Shar Pei is, raising the stubborn dog is not easy and must be done from an early age.

That’s why it only belongs in the hands of advanced dog owners who always remain patient and calm and are always consistent.

In addition to consistency, a high degree of friendliness and empathy is also required, because the Shar Pei has a tender soul under its massive exterior.

In the event of harsh training methods or pressure, the Shar Pei switches to draft and, in the worst case, even turns away from its people.

The basis for training the Shar Pei is a strong, loving bond. The training itself must only take place with positive reinforcement.

Socialization with conspecifics and other animals is just as important as training.

This must also take place in puppyhood so that the dominance behavior does not come into play.

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