My name is Susan Bedingfield, and for 13 years I have been showing, breeding, and raising Chinese Shar - Pei. I was lucky enough to have begun my program with foundation dogs from Jade East Shar-Pei. Over the past 13 years, I have bred or cobred 12 AKC champions, with two going on to be European champions. Moreover, I also put AKC championships on four other dogs that I had purchased from other breeders.

Over the years, I strove for quality, healthy, beautiful show and pet Shar - Pei. To achieve this, I have strict rules for what dogs I will and won't bred. I never bred a female before the age of two, males by age one. All dogs are prelimed for hips and then OFA'd at 2. Before being bred, all dogs are tested for kidney function and any problems that may occur within the bred.

I maintain about 12 -15 Shar-Pei, but not all are breeding dogs. Many are dogs that are elderly or retired champions. These dogs will live here with me and my husband for their entire lives. We firmly believe that if we bring a living creature into this world then we are responsible for that animal the rest of its life. Retired or not, everything for which we bred or purchase we take responsibility, even dogs bred by me who are owned by others.

Three years ago, my husband and I moved, built a new kennel, and are now on more land in the country. We are located in the in the foothills of South Carolina.

How a breeder maintains his/her dogs should help you decide if you want a dog from that breeder. My dogs have roomy indoor kennels and spacious outdoor runs. The kennel is heated and air conditioning, and it is located two steps off the house. I can look out my sliding glass door and always see the dog runs. Moreover, I have baby monitors inside the kennel to hear what's going on day and night. Dogs are let out three times a day for several hours at a time for exercise. Puppies are raised in the house and moved to the kennel at about 6 weeks of age, where they have their own indoor and outdoor area.

I have a strict spay/neuter contract on all pets. A vet reference is always required. I will always take a dog back I have bred regardless of age or health. Showdogs must be AKC champions before they are bred, must be 2 years old and OFA'd.

There is always an open invitation to come and visit us and the see the dogs. If you can't visit, please click here to see pictures of the kennel.

Susan Bedingfield, kudzusharpei@nuvox.net

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