The Dog Shar Pei Mix is a unique and lovable breed that's perfect for many families. They are a cross between a Shar Pei and another breed, often resulting in a loyal and affectionate companion.
One of the most distinctive features of the Dog Shar Pei Mix is their wrinkled skin, which requires regular grooming to prevent skin infections. Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including red, fawn, and black.
This breed is generally adaptable to living situations, making them a great choice for city or country homes. They do require regular exercise, but a daily walk or playtime should suffice.
The Dog Shar Pei Mix is known for being relatively small in size, typically weighing between 25-40 pounds and standing between 15-20 inches tall.
Physical Characteristics
Shar-Pei mixes are known for their unique appearance. They have powerfully-built, compact bodies covered in wrinkles, folds, and more folds.
Most Shar-Pei mixes stand 18 to 20 inches tall. Their broad muzzles and blue-black tongues make them stand out.
Their coat markings can be inherited from the Jack Russell Terrier, making them a handsome and eye-catching companion.
Size
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog with a sturdy build. They typically have a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
Their weight is also relatively consistent, ranging from 40 to 55 pounds.
Appearance
Shar-Pei have some of the most unique looking bodies out there. Their powerfully-built, compact bodies are covered in wrinkles, folds, and even more folds.
Most Shar-Pei stand 18 to 20 inches tall. They weigh between 45 and 60 pounds.
Coat Color and Grooming
The coat color of this breed can range from a light cream to a dark brown, with some individuals having a distinctive black mask.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Their coats are also relatively low-shedding, which can be a relief for those with allergies.
Regular brushing can help remove loose hair and distribute skin oils for a healthy shine.
Their coats can be prone to matting if not properly cared for, so regular grooming is essential.
Overall, their coats are easy to manage and require only occasional bathing.
Personality and Temperament
The Chinese Shar Pei mix is known for being a calm and independent dog, often described as stubborn and strong-willed. They are fiercely loyal to their family and can be protective of them, making them excellent guard dogs.
Their affectionate side is reserved for their loved ones, and they may take time to warm up to strangers. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop good social skills and prevent aggression towards other dogs.
As a breed, Shar Peis are intelligent and can learn quickly, but their independent nature can make training a bit challenging. They thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent training.
Shar Peis are not typically Velcro dogs, preferring to do their own thing and not always wanting to be in constant contact with their owners. However, they do love attention and will often seek it out when they want to be petted or played with.
Their protective nature can sometimes lead to wariness of strangers and other dogs, but with proper socialization, they can learn to navigate these situations with ease.
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Health and Care
The Shar Pei mix needs regular exercise, but they're not built for long-distance running due to their short noses, which make them sensitive to heat. They'll do just fine with daily walks and playtime in a limited space, like an apartment or condo.
To prevent heat stroke, it's essential to keep your Shar Pei mix indoors with fans or air conditioning in hot weather. This will ensure they stay cool and comfortable.
The Shar Pei mix can be prone to various health issues, including skin problems, joint issues, allergies, and eye problems. Some common health issues include skin infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, and cataracts.
Return
Returning home after a hospital stay can be a challenging time, especially for older adults or those with chronic conditions. Research shows that up to 20% of older adults experience a decline in physical function within 3 months of discharge.
Planning ahead is key to a smooth transition. This includes preparing a safe and supportive home environment, as well as setting up necessary medical equipment and supplies.
The risk of hospital readmission can be significantly reduced by following a care plan and attending follow-up appointments with healthcare providers. In fact, studies have shown that patients who receive regular follow-up care are 30% less likely to be readmitted to the hospital.
Taking care of oneself after a hospital stay is crucial for a successful recovery. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating nutritious food, and staying hydrated.
Care
Your Pit Pei needs regular exercise, but don't expect him to be a jogging buddy. Shar Peis are sensitive to heat due to their short noses, so it's best to keep them inside with fans or air conditioning in hot weather.
A daily walk or playtime in a backyard is great, but a Pit Pei can thrive in a limited space like an apartment or condo as long as he gets some daily exercise.
To prevent skin problems, keep an eye out for signs of skin infections, fungal infections, skin allergies, demodectic mange, or atopic dermatitis. Regular grooming can help prevent these issues.
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Your Pit Pei may inherit joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia or patellar luxation, so it's essential to monitor his joint health and provide regular exercise to maintain strong muscles.
Training and socialization are crucial for a Pit Pei. Begin training and socializing your Pit Pei the day you bring him home, and commit to continuing the process all his life. He'll need constant reinforcement since he's not naturally friendly to other dogs.
To prevent your Pit Pei from becoming overly shy or overprotective, take him with you everywhere – to puppy classes, outdoor events, busy parks, friends' homes – and as often as possible. This will help him become confident in new environments.
Here's a list of health issues your Pit Pei may inherit from his parent breeds:
- Skin problems (e.g. skin infections, fungal infections, skin allergies, demodectic mange, atopic dermatitis)
- Joint problems (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation)
- Allergies (e.g. environmental, food)
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
- Eye problems (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, entropion)
- IBS
- Shar Pei Fever
Feeding
Feeding your Chinese Shar-Pei is an essential part of their health and care. The recommended daily amount is 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. This amount may vary depending on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one. The quality of dog food also makes a difference - better food will go further and be more nourishing.
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Children and Pets
If you're thinking of getting a dog shar pei mix, it's essential to consider your family dynamics, especially if you have kids. The Shar-Pei is a devoted family dog, but he's best suited to families with children 10 and older who know how to treat a pet respectfully.
When introducing a shar pei mix to your children, it's crucial to teach them how to approach and touch dogs gently and with respect. Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling.
The shar pei mix should be raised with your children from an early age to provide the best chances for getting along with each other. This will help prevent any potential aggression issues that may arise later on.
Never leave a shar pei mix unsupervised with a child, no matter how friendly the dog may seem. This is because even the friendliest dogs can become protective of their space, especially when eating or sleeping.
Specific Breeds
The Shar-Tzu is a lovable mix between the Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu. They come in a range of colors and typically stand up to 18 inches tall.
Their personalities can be hard to predict due to their distinct breed characteristics, but they share similarities like their affectionate natures and independent streaks.
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Breeds
Shar-Pei mixes are known for their unique looks and aloofness, but they also need an experienced hand to bring out the best in each dog.
They will typically grow to be around 15 inches in height and weigh up to 30 pounds. Because of this, it's essential to monitor their food intake to prevent unwanted weight gain.
The Frenchie-Pei combines the alertness of the Shar-Pei with the slightly smaller size of the French Bulldog, making for an affectionate and alert companion.
Frenchie-Peis can be lazy, spending most of the day asleep, but they are intelligent and eager to please their owners.
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Great Mixes
Shar-Pei mixes are known for being vocal dogs, often communicating their needs through a variety of noises.
They make use of different sounds such as howls, grunts, woofs, and whines to express themselves.
Shar-Pei mixes are a popular choice for many dog owners due to their unique appearance and loving nature.
Their distinctive wrinkles and short coats make them a standout breed, and their loyalty to their families is unwavering.
Some Shar-Pei mixes can be quite large, weighing up to 60 pounds or more, making them a great choice for active families.
Their intelligence and trainability make them relatively easy to teach new commands and behaviors.
Bull (Bulldog)
The Bull (Bulldog) is a friendly and energetic dog that loves to meet new people. They form an intense bond with their owner, making them a great companion.
Bull-pei hybrids often inherit the Bulldog's friendly nature, which can help to balance out the Shar-Pei's aggressive edges. This makes them a great choice for families or individuals who want a gentle giant.
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One of the benefits of the Bulldog breed is their short, easy-to-manage hair. This is a great advantage for busy owners who don't have time for frequent grooming.
Bull-pei hybrids, being a mix of Shar-Pei and English Bulldog, tend to be sturdy and courageous. However, they can also be strong-willed, so they're best suited for experienced owners.
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Labrador
Labrador is a breed known for being intelligent and easy to train, but some individuals can be aggressive if not trained and socialized properly from a young age.
They are generally people-pleasing, but may still exhibit stubbornness without proper training and socialization.
Labradors are known for inheriting their coat type in mixed breeds, such as Lab-Pei.
Some Lab-Pei may stand around 23 inches tall.
Pit
The Pit Pei is a unique breed that's a cross between a Shar Pei and an American Pitbull Terrier. They can make great family pets if trained properly, but it's essential to check local laws regarding Pitbulls and Pitbull-type dogs.
Pit Peis are known for their sturdy build, which makes them excellent companions for experienced owners. However, they're not ideal for multi-pet households due to their high prey drive and potential standoffishness around other dogs.
One of the biggest challenges of owning a Pit Pei is their unpredictable temperament. While some may be affectionate and eager for attention, others can be aloof and independent. This is because the Shar Pei and American Pitbull Terrier have distinct personalities, with the Shar Pei being calm, independent, and stubborn, and the Pitbull being lively, social, and energetic.
Some common health issues that Pit Peis may inherit from their parent breeds include skin problems, joint issues, allergies, and eye problems. In fact, the Shar Pei is prone to a host of health issues, including skin infections, fungal infections, and demodectic mange.
Here are some potential health issues that Pit Peis may inherit from their parent breeds:
- Skin problems (e.g. skin infections, fungal infections, skin allergies, demodectic mange, atopic dermatitis)
- Joint problems (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation)
- Allergies (e.g. environmental, food)
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
- Eye problems (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, entropion)
- IBS
- Shar Pei Fever
It's essential to note that Pit Peis do not create a healthier or more temperamentally stable dog than either purebred parent breed. As a result, it's not recommended to try to buy Pitbull Shar Pei mix puppies from a breeder.
American
The American Ori-Pei is a popular family pet, but unfortunately, their overbreeding has led to some serious physical flaws.
They can suffer from the same conditions as the Shar-Pei, which increases the likelihood of the hybrid breed developing the same condition.
Family dynamics play a big role in their development, and with proper care, they can thrive in a loving environment.
Their physical flaws can be mitigated with regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle.
As a hybrid breed, they may require more attention and care than purebred dogs.
Chow
The Chow breed is known for its strong-willed nature, making them a great match for dedicated owners who can provide firm training and socialization.
They're incredibly loyal to their family, but can be aloof around strangers.
Chow Chows have a rich history, originating from ancient China, where they were used for guarding.
Their fluffy coats are a hallmark of the breed, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.
As a hybrid breed, the Chow-Pei can inherit the guarding instincts of its parent breeds, making them a potentially powerful companion.
Their majestic appearance, complete with a fluffy mane, is sure to turn heads.
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German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a breed that's often recommended for beginners, but it's essential to remember that it's not for everyone. They can be very rowdy.
This breed is highly effective and loyal, making them a popular choice for families and first-time dog owners. However, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
If you're a beginner, it's crucial to consider whether you can provide the necessary care and attention to a German Shepherd. They can be biting off more than you can chew, so to speak.
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Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a breed that's often misunderstood. They have a bad reputation for being aggressive, but many argue this is unwarranted.
Their stocky build and trainability make them highly effective guard dogs. This is likely why they've been used for this purpose in the past.
In mixed-breed form, the Rott-Pei is a great family dog that bonds well with its owners. Early training and socialization are key to ensuring this.
Rottweilers are loving and affectionate, making them a treat to be around. They'll often stay by their owners' sides through thick and thin.
Their intelligence makes them quick to pick up advanced commands with the right training approach. Just be prepared for a little slobber along the way!
Poodle
The Poodle is a very popular breed, especially for hybrid breeding, due to their intelligent and easy-to-train nature.
Their hair is less likely to have a negative impact on those with dog allergies, making them a great choice for families with allergy concerns.
Poodles are very energetic and agile, and they love their family, so be prepared for a lively companion.
Expect your Poodle to require a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Poodles are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners or those who want a low-maintenance pet.
They are wary around new people, so socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable in new situations.
Poodles are very energetic, so they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for dog sports and activities, such as agility and obedience training.
Poodles are loyal and loving companions, making them a great addition to any family.
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Akita
The Akita is a breed that's often referred to as independent-minded, meaning they can be stubborn at times. This requires owners to provide plenty of training and socialization to keep their Akita in check.
Akitas tend to be aloof and enjoy their own space, making them a great option for owners who value their alone time.
Eagle (Beagle)
The Eagle (Beagle) is a hybrid breed that combines the Shar-Pei and the Beagle parent breeds. This mix can result in a dog that's quite a handful, even for experienced handlers.
They will have a high prey drive, which means they're likely to chase small game like rabbits. Be prepared for a lot of energy from your Eagle (Beagle).
Their single-minded nature can make training a challenge, so it's essential to be patient and consistent. With the right approach, however, they can learn to behave well.
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Boxer
The Boxer breed is known for its loyal and loving attitude, making it an excellent family pet.
Boxers can be quite big dogs, so they require plenty of space to move around. They're also highly energetic, which means they need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Boxers are intelligent dogs, inheriting this trait from the Shar-Pei breed. This intelligence makes them highly trainable, but it also means they can be a bit stubborn at times.
Boxers have a short, easy-to-groom coat type, which is a plus for busy owners. However, their flatulence can be a bit of a challenge, especially in small spaces.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a high-energy breed that thrives with active families. They're known for their work-oriented mindset and protective nature, which can make them excellent companions for those who can keep up with their energetic needs.
Weimaraners typically reach around 25 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds, making them a sturdy breed. This size allows them to take on some heavy-duty work, but it also means they're not ideal for apartment living.
If you're considering bringing a Weimaraner into your family, be prepared to establish a clear hierarchy and show them who's in charge – they have a strong instinct to take the alpha position if not properly trained.
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Tosa (Japanese Tosa)
The Tosa (Japanese Tosa) is a rare dog breed.
They are often used as guard dogs and are known for being vigilant and watchful.
The Tosa is a parent breed to the Tosa-Pei hybrid, which combines the Shar-Pei with the Japanese Tosa.
This breed is Mastiff-like in appearance and is generally placid, quiet, and obedient.
18. Tzu
The Shar-Tzu is a combination of Shar-Pei and Shih Tzu. They usually fall between their parent breeds in size, making them a great option for families with smaller living spaces.
They are known for being friendly and playful dogs that love spending time with family and toys. This makes them a great companion for adults or families with older children.
Shar-Tzus can be testy with other animals and snappy with young children, so it's essential to socialize them properly. This breed is not recommended for families with young kids.
Shar-Tzus come in a range of colors and typically stand up to 18 inches tall. They can inherit the Shih Tzu's low-shedding coat, making them easy on allergies.
Pups with the low-shedding coat are a great option for families with allergy concerns. However, it's essential to note that there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic pup.
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19. Jack Russell
The Jack Russell is a lively breed with bountiful energy. They love to play and are capable runners, jumpers, and exceptional diggers.
You'll need to challenge the Jack Russell mentally and provide plenty of physical exercise if you want a reasonably quiet life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shar-Pei dogs healthy?
While Chinese Shar-Pei dogs can be generally healthy, they are prone to certain health issues, including joint and eye problems, and skin infections. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary care can help minimize these risks.
How big do Shar-Pei mix dogs get?
Shar-Pei mix dogs typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and grow up to 18 inches tall. Proper socialization helps them get along with kids and other pets, making them a great addition to many families.
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