Zealous Blue LLC
About Our Family
Based in North Carolina Near the Virginia Line, we are a dedicated and reputable Chinese Shar-Pei breeder with decades of hands-on experience with the breed. Although our first litter was born in 2012, our journey with Shar-Pei began many years prior through ownership, in-depth research, and ongoing education. Before ever breeding our first litter, we invested significant time studying the breed’s health, structure, temperament, and genetics to ensure we were fully prepared to do things the right way.
That first litter in 2012 marked the beginning of an incredible learning experience—filled with late nights, emotional highs and lows, and invaluable hands-on knowledge that continues to shape our program today. We specialize in toy, miniature, and standard Chinese Shar-Pei in a variety of colors and coat types (excluding merle). Our focus is on producing healthy, well-balanced puppies with exceptional temperaments, suitable for a wide range of families and lifestyles. Equally important, we strive to responsibly improve the breed by carefully evaluating health, structure, and temperament when selecting each breeding pair.
We are not a perfect family, but we are a deeply devoted one. Our Shar-Pei are an integral part of our family, and breeding is not simply a business—it is a passion that brings us joy and purpose. This commitment has also instilled in our children a strong sense of responsibility, empathy, and respect for animals.
We proudly stand behind every puppy we produce and consider them our responsibility for life. Should circumstances ever change for one of our puppy families, we are always here to support them and ensure the well-being of the dogs we bring into the world.
Visiting Policy-
We often receive inquiries about visiting our home. After careful consideration, we no longer host visitors at our private residence. Our home is where our children live and where our puppies are raised, and limiting visits helps maintain a safe, calm, and healthy environment. We offer FaceTime and virtual visits so families can meet our puppies and adult dogs remotely. In-person meetings can be arranged at a public location in Virginia or North Carolina for adult dogs or puppies eight weeks of age or older. To protect all families, we do not facilitate meetings with puppies reserved by another family. Puppies under six weeks of age remain in our care, as early exposure can increase health risks and affect development. The health, safety, and well-being of our puppies—and the families who welcome them—are always our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to helping you welcome one of our puppies into your home.
Donations-
Yes, we are committed to supporting Shar-Pei and the broader animal community. We donated to Four Suns CSP Rescue and Rehab and Shar-Pei Rescue of Virginia, and we have also contributed to our local animal control. The welfare of Shar-Pei in need is very important to us, and we offer assistance whenever possible. Some families have asked why we breed when rescue options exist. While rescues provide a valuable service, Shar-Pei in rescue may have unknown histories, health concerns, or behavioral challenges, which can make them less suitable for households with children, other pets, or families seeking a healthy, predictable companion. Our breeding program is designed to provide families with healthy, well-adjusted Shar-Pei puppies that are carefully selected to meet the unique needs and lifestyle of their future homes.
Breeding Rights VS Companions-
Our priority is placing puppies in stable, loving homes where they are valued as family companions. To prevent unregulated or irresponsible breeding, we provide Limited Registration Papers and require contractual agreements with all families. We firmly believe that only experienced, professional breeders are equipped to manage breeding responsibly, safeguarding the long-term health and integrity of the Shar-Pei breed. Full AKC Registration is reserved exclusively for carefully screened, established breeders. We maintain the right to deny or revoke breeding privileges at our discretion. Our ultimate goal is for each puppy to become a cherished family member, protected from the risks of commercial breeding, pet stores, or shelter relinquishment.
Health-
We believe that nutrition is the foundation of lifelong health. To give your puppy the best start, we recommend PawTree Organic Dog Food and their immune-supporting superfood seasoning, along with NuVet Plus wafers or powder for comprehensive immune and nutritional support. Keeping your puppy on this recommended program helps ensure they thrive and maintains eligibility for our Genetic Health Guarantee. Full details are included in your Adoption Contract.
Deposits-
Once you’ve decided we are the right Shar-Pei breeder for you, a $400 non-refundable deposit can be placed through PayPal on our “Secure Your Shar-Pei Puppy” page. Deposits can be transferred to any litter and do not expire. If you change your mind before your chosen puppy is 4 weeks old, the deposit may be transferred to another puppy. After 4 weeks, or if reserving a puppy 8 weeks or older, the deposit is forfeited. Only families with a deposit may reserve puppies before they are advertised online or on social media. Alternative payment options include Cash App or Zelle with a $25 fee added, or cashier’s check/personal check (mailed with tracking) to avoid the fee.
Pricing-
Our puppy pricing reflects the quality, health, and integrity of our breeding program. We carefully select parents to produce genetically strong, healthy, and well-socialized Shar-Pei, and maintain rigorous standards to protect the long-term health of the breed.
Brush Coat & Horse Coat puppies (excludes SPAID non-carriers): $2,900–$3,900
Bear Coat puppies (excludes SPAID non-carriers): $3,000–$4,500
Guaranteed Non Carrier Puppies/ Puppies from SPAID non-carrier Embark parents: $3900–$5,500
Our prices are higher than many breeders because we prioritize health, genetics, and temperament over quantity.
Discounts-
We offer a $100 referral discount if you refer a friend or family member who purchases a puppy at the same time as you. If you purchase two or more puppies at the same time we also provide a $200 discount of each additional puppy.
Payment-
A receipt will be provided at the time of purchase. For puppy deliveries, we only allow our puppies to be transported using our recommended ground transporters to ensure their safety. Payment at delivery can be made via cashier’s check or money order. For puppy pick-ups, payment must be made in cash. We also accept Cash App or Zelle with an 8% processing fee. Personal checks are not accepted. Thank you for your understanding.
Financing-
We offer Acorn Finance loans to make puppy payments more affordable: Apply Here. We also accept Afterpay via Square invoices, with an 8% processing fee.
Included With Your Puppy-
Each puppy goes home with:
Age-appropriate vaccines and multiple deworming, Veterinarian exam prior to leaving, Canine Health Record, AKC papers, Health Guarantee, and New Puppy Information sheet 30 days of free pet insurance (after registering AKC papers) Puppy gift bag Optional microchipping (notify us by 4 weeks if you do not want your puppy microchipped)
Health Guarantee Requirements:
Exam by a veterinarian within 3 days of arrival Compliance with all guidelines in your contract Puppy must remain on PawTree food and NuVet supplements
Coverage: 4-Year Genetic Health Guarantee including Shar-Pei Fever, Cancer, Diabetes and Glaucoma.
Optional Health Testing-
We offer the option to have your puppy health tested before leaving us, providing additional peace of mind for new families. We are extremely confident in the health of our dogs, and this optional service allows you to confirm it before taking your puppy home.
If you choose health testing:
You must notify us before the puppy is 3 weeks old You are responsible for all testing, collection, and shipping fees Test results may not be finalized before the puppy reaches 8 weeks of age; if needed, we are happy to hold your puppy until results are received If, after receiving the results, you decide not to keep the puppy, you will forfeit your deposit and all associated testing costs
Socialization-
Our puppies are handled daily from birth to ensure they grow up confident and well-adjusted. With five children at home, our puppies are exposed to gentle handling, love, and play from an early age. They are also introduced to other dogs, household noises, and everyday experiences, helping them develop a well-rounded temperament. This early and continuous socialization ensures your puppy is prepared to thrive in any loving family.
Breeding Standards-
Our breeding standards are exceptionally high. We carefully select only the healthiest Shar-Pei to ensure the best possible genetic outcomes for our puppies. We never dual-sire a litter, so we always know each puppy’s father. This allows us to maintain full transparency, consistent genetics, and the highest quality puppies for our families.
Our Family Becomes Yours-
When you bring a puppy home from us, you become part of our family. We love to stay in touch and receive updates on our puppies throughout their lives. We cared for them first, and we hope to remain a part of their journey for years to come.
References-
References are available from our many happy puppy families who would be delighted to share their experiences. Ask us for References.
Delivery-
We can arrange puppy pick-up at Norfolk International Airport (ORF) for a $100 fee to cover our time, travel, and parking. Occasionally, we may offer direct delivery ourselves at a reduced rate; this service is limited to certain times of the year, subject to multiple-family coordination, and only available on the East Coast. For all other deliveries, we use trusted ground transporters to ensure your puppy arrives safely. Details are available on our Delivery page.