The Shar Pei, with its distinctive wrinkled face and unique “hippopotamus” appearance, is a breed that attracts attention wherever it goes. But beyond its adorable appearance and endearing personality, the Shar Pei can sometimes display behaviors that leave owners wondering, “Why does my dog stare at me?” Understanding why your Shar Pei gazes at you can reveal a lot about their emotions, communication style, and their bond with you.
In this article, we’ll explore why your Shar Pei might stare at you, what it means, and how to interpret this behavior in different contexts.
1. Bonding and Affection
One of the most common reasons your Shar Pei might stare at you is to show affection. Dogs are known to bond deeply with their owners, and staring can be an expression of love. When a Shar Pei looks at you with soft, relaxed eyes, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable and safe in your presence.
Dogs have evolved to communicate with humans in ways that foster a strong bond, and eye contact is a powerful tool in this communication. In fact, research has shown that when dogs make eye contact with their owners, it triggers the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” in both the dog and the human. This hormone is responsible for the feelings of love and attachment that humans and dogs share. So when your Shar Pei stares at you, it’s likely their way of saying, “I love you” and reinforcing the emotional bond between you two.
2. Seeking Attention or Food
Another reason your Shar Pei might stare at you is to get your attention, especially when they are hungry or want something. This is a behavior that’s often seen in many dog breeds, and the Shar Pei is no exception. If your dog is staring at you, it could be that they’re trying to communicate that they need something—whether it’s food, a treat, a walk, or just some love and affection.
Shar Peis, like many dogs, learn to associate their owners’ responses with certain behaviors. If your Shar Pei stares at you and you respond with a treat, a meal, or even some playtime, they’ll quickly learn that staring is an effective way to get your attention. Over time, your Shar Pei might increase the frequency of their stares as they realize that this behavior results in positive outcomes.
3. Curiosity or Confusion
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and staring can sometimes be a sign of curiosity. Your Shar Pei may be trying to figure out what you’re doing or wondering what’s going on in their environment. This is especially common when they see something new or unfamiliar, such as a change in routine or a new person in the household.
A Shar Pei might stare at you in an attempt to understand your behavior. For instance, if you’re preparing food, cleaning, or doing something that seems unusual to them, their stare might simply be an expression of their curiosity. This is often seen in puppies, but adult Shar Peis can also exhibit this behavior, especially if they’re unsure about what’s happening.
Additionally, your Shar Pei might stare if they’re confused or uncertain about a situation. For example, if you’re trying to teach them a new command or if they’re unsure whether they should approach something, they might look to you for guidance. Dogs naturally look to their owners for reassurance and direction, and staring is one way they seek your approval or understanding.
4. Anxiety or Stress
Staring can also be a sign of anxiety or stress in some dogs. If your Shar Pei is staring at you with wide eyes or tense facial muscles, it may be an indication that they are feeling uncomfortable or anxious. Dogs often use body language, including their eyes, to communicate their emotional state. If your Shar Pei seems to be staring at you in a way that feels different from their usual affectionate gaze, it’s worth paying attention to other signs of stress, such as excessive panting, pacing, or avoiding eye contact altogether.
Shar Peis are known for being somewhat reserved and can be particularly sensitive to changes in their environment. Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or sudden changes in routine can all cause stress for your Shar Pei. If you notice that your dog is staring at you during stressful situations, they might be looking for reassurance or comfort. Providing a calm environment and offering affection during these moments can help ease their anxiety.
5. They’re Trying to Read Your Emotions
Dogs, including Shar Peis, are incredibly skilled at reading human emotions. They can sense when you’re upset, happy, or stressed. If your Shar Pei stares at you during moments when you’re feeling particularly emotional, it could be their way of trying to understand how you’re feeling and react accordingly. Some studies suggest that dogs can mirror the emotions of their owners, and their behavior can change based on what they sense from us.
For instance, if you’re feeling sad or anxious, your Shar Pei might stare at you to try to assess what’s going on. If they see that you’re upset, they might offer comfort by staying close to you or nuzzling you. On the other hand, if you’re happy or excited, they might stare at you in anticipation, ready to join in on whatever positive experience you’re having.
6. Dominance or Attention-Seeking Behavior
In some cases, staring can be a form of dominance behavior, especially if it’s accompanied by other assertive actions, such as standing tall or blocking your path. While this is not necessarily common in Shar Peis, some individuals may exhibit this type of behavior as they attempt to establish themselves as the “alpha” in the relationship. This is especially true if the dog has not been properly trained or socialized.
If your Shar Pei is displaying dominance behaviors, it’s important to address this through proper training. Dogs need to understand their place in the family hierarchy, and constant staring, especially in combination with other dominant behaviors, might indicate a need for clearer boundaries and leadership.
7. The Shar Pei’s Unique Personality
It’s also important to remember that each dog is an individual, and their reasons for staring at you may be influenced by their unique personality. The Shar Pei is known for its calm, reserved, and sometimes independent nature. They may not be as overtly affectionate as some other breeds, but this doesn’t mean they don’t love their owners deeply. A Shar Pei might choose to express their affection in subtle ways, such as a gentle stare that communicates trust and closeness.
Unlike some breeds that are constantly in your face, the Shar Pei may take a more stoic approach to bonding. Their stare can be a way of showing respect, affection, and loyalty, without the need for overt physical contact.
8. Medical Issues or Discomfort
In some cases, excessive staring could be a sign of a medical issue. If your Shar Pei seems to be staring more than usual, or if they exhibit other strange behaviors like drooping eyelids, excessive squinting, or rubbing their eyes, it may be worth scheduling a visit to the vet. Shar Peis are prone to certain health problems, including eye conditions like entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and discomfort. If your dog’s staring is accompanied by signs of pain or discomfort, it’s essential to rule out any medical issues.
9. Training and Socialization
Staring can also be a behavior that is learned during training. Some owners use eye contact as a form of communication when teaching their dogs commands. Shar Peis are intelligent dogs and can be trained to respond to cues, including eye contact. If your Shar Pei has learned that making eye contact with you is a way to get attention, a treat, or to signal readiness for a command, they may start staring at you more frequently during training sessions.
Socialization also plays a role in how your Shar Pei interacts with you. A well-socialized dog will often look to its owner for guidance and reassurance, especially in new situations. The stare, in this case, is a way of seeking support and direction.
How to Respond to Your Shar Pei’s Staring
Understanding why your Shar Pei stares at you is the first step in addressing the behavior. Here are some ways to respond to your dog’s gaze:
If your Shar Pei is staring for affection, reward them with petting, a treat, or simply a soft voice to reinforce the positive behavior.
If they are staring due to anxiety or stress, offer comfort by speaking calmly and ensuring they feel safe in their environment.
If your Shar Pei is hungry or seeking attention, respond to their needs by providing food or engaging in playtime to satisfy their request.
If the staring feels more like dominance, consider working with a trainer to address any behavioral issues and set clear boundaries.
Conclusion
A Shar Pei’s stare can be a complex behavior, with different meanings depending on the context. Whether your dog is expressing affection, seeking attention, feeling anxious, or simply being curious, understanding the reasons behind their gaze can help you build a stronger bond with your furry friend. By paying attention to your Shar Pei’s body language and responding appropriately, you can ensure a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with your dog.
Remember, just like any other breed, Shar Peis are individuals. Their stares can vary in meaning, but one thing is certain: they are using their eyes to communicate with you. By interpreting their stares correctly, you can better understand their needs, emotions, and desires, deepening the connection you share.