BRAINTREE, Mass. (WHDH) – MSPCA teams rescued 13 purebred Shar Pei dogs from a house in Braintree last Monday after receiving an anonymous tip.

Eighteen dogs in total were found living in deplorable conditions and suffering from eye and skin disorders.

“This breed I don't know a ton about, just being a shelter worker who doesn't often experience them. This is my first time having Shar Peis in the shelter in my time here,” said Katie Armour, MSPCA.

It’s an elite dog breed, so it’s rare to have one Shar Pei – let alone more than a dozen – in a shelter.

“It seemed like dog after dog after dog was coming out. There were 18 dogs in the home. It was a cluttered environment,” said Alyssa Muro, Adoption Center manager.

A single woman was caring for all 18 dogs. Four were spayed and returned to her.

According to the MSCPA, “One of the dogs was extremely aggressive and unable to be placed for adoption so the MSPCA humanely euthanized him.”

The remaining 13 will be treated and put up for adoption.

“We are looking for people who are willing to be super patient because they are under-socialized. They are sweet. They are making progress every day,” said Muro.

Shar Peis are very expensive, but it does not appear the woman was trying to make money from them.

“They were definitely not receiving the vet care they need. All of them have eye conditions. A lot of them have skin conditions,” Muro said.

All of the dogs are under the age of two. Some are blind, but that can be fixed with surgery.

The pups are not used to leashes, collars, or walks. But those things can be taught with love and patience.

The MSPCA is looking for people to provide homes for these rare and special dogs.