Q: Are bearcoats rare and unusual?

A: Not really. The gene for long coats is very dominant in many dogs breeds. It is very hard to eradicate even when longcoats are largely excluded from breeding as in the case of the shar-pei.

Q: Where can I purhcase a bearcoat puppy from?

A: There are no specific breeders of bearcoats as it is just a chance occurence. You may have to contact a few breeders (who will probably think you are crazy!) and ask around. Please go through all the normal procedures to verify that they are a reputable breeder of sound, healthy dogs.

Q: How much does a bearcoat puppy cost?

A: A reputable breeder will probably charge around 50-75% of what a show/breeding potential puppy will cost. Bearcoats will often be sold with a spay/neuter contract and/or without registration papers.

Q: Are bearcoats any healthier than other shar-pei?

A: No. A bearcoat will only be as healthy as it's genetic background. Just like most shar-pei, bearcoats usually live around 10-12 years with few health problems. But genetic problems like FSF, entropion, skin and ear disorders etc... can and do afflict them occasionally.

Q: I've often heard it said that bearcoats have a more mellow temperament than brushcoats and horsecoats - how true is this?

A: Phoebe does the best impression of a stereotypical horsecoat temperament I've ever seen! She is alert, protective, aloof and very much a one person dog. All shar-pei are different, even in the same litter. From experience, I think the bloodlines and the pup's early upbringing have as much if not more influence as coat type.

Q: Are they easy dogs to train?

A: Shar-Pei in general are extremely intelligent dogs and will learn quickly. But they are NOT obedient in the way a German Shepherd. They think for themselves and often will only do a thing if the incentive is good enough! Don't mistake this for stupidity or disobedience. PLEASE with any dog, and particularly shar-pei, only employ kind but consistent training methods. NEVER hit them under any circumstances as shar-pei grow to be distrustful and possibly unreliable or nervous - they never forget a person or an experiece and are very perceptive. Because of this, early positive experiences and socialization is ESSENTIAL.

Q: What is the coat texture like?

A: The amount of undercoat can vary a lot, but the average bearcoat is rather like a golden retriever in coat. They are not at all prickly like their shorter coated counterparts, but the structure of the hair is exactly like other shar-pei - very pointed at the tip. The hairs have a horrible tendency to weave their way into your socks and stick in your feet!

Q: Do they shed a lot of hair - what are their grooming requirements?

A: Compared to many breeds, they shed very little between their twice yearly moult. And even then, they aren't heavy shedders. Bearcoats are no problem to keep looking tidy. About 15 minutes once a week is more than adequate to brush the coat all over, check their paws/nails, brush their teeth and check their ears are clean. Please start this routine when your puppy is small as a 65 pound male, roaring and struggling because he doesn't want his nails trimming is not funny. A 40 pound female isn't too much fun either - especially when it's Phoebe!

Q: My bearcoat seems to have recurrent ear problems - any suggestions?

A: Some bearcoats (and shar-pei in general) seem to suffer from ear infections on and off all their lives. With the bearcoats, it is often compounded due to not only the small, tight ears, but that the hairy mane impedes free air flow around the ears. Be aware that most shar-pei who have ear problems will suffer on and off with it all their lives and it is a matter of keeping the problem in check rather than a total cure.

Here is advice that has worked for Phoebe and several other bearcoats with ear problems:

1) Check the ears weekly - if they are clean, leave well alone.
2) If they have a build up of 'normal' ear wax (dark brown and fairly odour free), clean gently with cotton wool. Often you won't even need to use an ear cleaning solution, but if you do, avoid the foaming ones and dry thoroughly to prevent starting a problem.
3 ) If they are gunky/smelly, purchase a bottle of Zymox or Zymox-E. If you are outside the USA, it's well worth sending for a bottle as it has saved more than one shar-pei from having resectioning surgery. Zymox-E (has a green label) is highly recommended by many shar-pei owners even for regular ear cleaning. Zymox (blue label) does contain hydrocortisone, so is probably better only used in stubborn/severe cases. It literally stops Phoebe's ear scratching and head shaking within about 15 minutes! It usually takes about 3 days to a week until your pei has healhty ears again.
4) If the above doesn't help, please find a shar-pei friendly vet who knows the breed well and treat quite a few on a regular basis.

THIS ADVICE IS NOT INTENDED TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM SEEKING VETERINARY TREATMENT FOR THEIR DOGS - IF YOU ARE WORRIED IN ANY WAY, PLEASE CONSULT A SHAR-PEI FRIENDLY VET.

Q: Where can I purchase Zymox?

A: It is obtainable from many places. Go to any search engine and type in "Zymox". This should quickly bring you a list of companies that stock it. As far as I am aware, it is only distributed in the USA, but many companies ship internationally. It costs around $15 a bottle, plus postage.