Skip to Content

Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix: Facts, Details, Pictures

Are you curious about the shar-pei pit bull hybrid, a cross between the old Chinese shar-pei and the modern American pit bull? Other names for this unusual hybrid breed include sharpull and pit pei. Is this mixed breed the ideal friend for you, a devoted guardian of your household and loved ones, or perhaps a persistent aggressor?

Since the shar-pei pit bull is a cross between the Chinese shar-pei and the American pit bull, it may take on the physical characteristics of any or both of its parent breeds. Breeders and owners of the hybrid claim that despite their tiny, compact feet, they have stocky, heavy bodies.

In this post, we’ll examine the histories of both parent breeds to help you understand what to anticipate from a shar-pei pit bull mix. Read this article to learn more about what to expect if you think this breed would be the appropriate dog for you. Then get in touch with a trustworthy breeder who can assist you in locating a healthy puppy with a wonderful temperament.

Getting To Know The Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix

Those familiar with the parent breeds find the idea of a shar-pei pit bull mix intriguing. Several assumptions are present immediately, and two important questions instantly come to mind.

Does this mix resemble a pit bull with wrinkled skin, to begin with? Second, are any dangers associated with breeding a pit bull with a shar-pei regarding dominance or aggression? Some refer to this breed as the sharpull, while others prefer the more adorable names of shar pit or pit pei. Each title provides a solid indication of what to anticipate.

The Chinese shar-pei and the American pit bull were crossed to create the shar-pei pit bull. There is some information available on the temperament and appearance of this hybrid. Still, little is known about where or when it was created.

Although we can’t be entirely sure, we can probably presume that it was started in the United States. This was evidently between the late 1900s and the early 2000s when pure breeds were increasingly mixed for various reasons. A quick glance at the parent breeds will provide some context for us.

The American Kennel Club approves of the shar-pei pit bull. The Dog Registry of America, the American Canine Hybrid Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry all acknowledge this breed.

The appearance of the dog, because it is a cross between the Chinese shar-pei and the American pit bull, can take on the looks of either or both of its parent breeds.

This medium to large dog, which stands 17 to 21 inches in height at the shoulders and weighs 30 to 60 pounds, has incredible strength and power, primarily because of the American pit bull parent. 

Both parents provide a short to medium-length coat that is fine and straight, while the shar-pei parent adds dark eyes, a dark snout, and wrinkled skin to the bio mix. Your hybrid’s coat can be any of the following colors: black, cream, brown, and even grey, or potentially white.

Your hybrid may have lighter-colored eyes, especially if its color has been subdued. The nose can range in color depending on the hue of the coat, and the ears can be small, triangular, and pricked and sit high on the head.

Depending on which parent breed has the most significant influence on the bio mix, its tail may be shorter or longer. It may also be placed high or low and may or may not curve over its back. Their tongues might be either blue or black.

How Active Are Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mixes?

Your hybrid shar-pei pit bull needs roughly between 1 and 2 hours of exercise daily because it is an active dog. Long walks or jogs, time spent playing in a dog park or fenced-in yard, interactive retrieve and other games, (even) obedience drills, and weight-pulling exercises are all acceptable forms of exercise.

This mix is known to bark, so anyone who lives in apartments, condos, or other places where noise is limited should be aware of this. They are better suited to bigger family homes with enclosed yards owing to their typical size and immense energy levels. However, they may adjust to apartment or condo living if sufficient exercise opportunities are given and taken advantage of.

The Level Of Maintenance Of A Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix

Your shar-pei pit bull hybrid offers low general maintenance, with the potential for low to moderate levels of shedding, particularly during the regular shedding seasons. Their coat is not thought to be hypoallergenic. Thus it should be brushed once a week, except when there is typical seasonal shedding. It should then be combed daily to eliminate dirt and loose hair.

They are rated low to moderate for smell and low to moderate for drooling; however, they require regular attention to wiping and drying the creases within the folds of the wrinkles. This is to aid in preventing fungal infections. 

Because of their propensity for ear infections, it is essential to examine their ears once a week. And you should clean them as necessary using a canine ear wash that has been approved. 

Dental care is crucial for canines in general. To avoid potential dental issues that are known to accompany these dogs, you will need to clean their teeth at home two or three times a week.

It is important to note that these dogs are prone to significant health issues. Examples frequently present in this breed are cataracts and patellar luxation. To prevent excessive veterinarian care costs, get pet health insurance right away.

The Expected Temperament Of The Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix

The Chinese shar-pei and the American pit bull were crossed to create your shar-pei pit bull. Your hybrid may inherit the personality and temperamental qualities of one or both of its parent breeds because it is mixed. This hybrid’s breeders and owners describe them as affectionate and devoted but occasionally somewhat independent.

It is crucial for the owner or handler to clearly identify who is in charge at a young age because otherwise, the owner/handler and the dog will compete for control throughout their lives. As they can be highly independent, this independence sometimes breeds dominance.

Due to this independence, it will be crucial that they are properly socialized from an early age. This will ensure they grow up to be caring, gentle, pleasant, social, affectionate, happy, and the right kind of protective. They will probably interact well with older children and larger animals if they are appropriately socialized as young pups. Still, they will likely be apprehensive of strangers.

They are highly intelligent; therefore, except for those sporadic streaks of independence, they should be relatively easy to train, utilizing encouraging and motivating techniques. They are energetic dogs that may acquire some extremely annoying destructive behaviors if bored.

Getting To Know The Shar-Pei

The words “sand skin” holds the translation for the name shar-pei, which alludes to the dog breed’s rough, coarse coat. The Guinness Book of World Records held the shar-pei as the “world’s rarest dog” in the late 1970s. One of the distinctive characteristics of the breed is a blue-black tongue. The chow chow, a different Chinese breed, is the only other canine with this characteristic.

The Chinese shar-pei is an old dog breed that originated in southern China. However, there are very few written records of Chinese dogs, including this type. The upper class soon developed an interest in the breed and utilized them in dog fighting rings for entertainment. At the same time, they were initially owned by peasants and bred for hunting, herding, guarding, and watchdog roles.

Dogs practically vanished from China after the People’s Republic of China was established due to the ultimate legalization of this dogfighting practice. In Taiwan, there were a few remaining shar-peis, and Matgo Law is credited for preserving the breed from going extinct. 

The Chinese shar-pei arrived in America in 1973. It was listed as the 61st most popular breed in the American Kennel Club’s registration when it was recognized in 1992.

The General Health Of A Shar-Pei

The shar-pei is susceptible to severe breathing issues due to their narrow snouts. Brachycephalic airway syndrome may manifest in them, and the breed also has other conformational health problems. Their distinctive wrinkles can cause various skin conditions, such as cutaneous mucinosis and pyoderma. The deep-set eyes are also quite vulnerable.

Severe eye disorders observed in the breed include primary lens luxation, entropion, glaucoma, and SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration). Shar-Pei Fever, another name for Swollen Hock Syndrome, is characterized by periods of high fevers and inflammation.

Cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal issues, and certain malignancies are other potential ailments. The shar-pei typically has an 8 to 12-year lifespan.

Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix
Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix

Getting To Know The Pit Bull

The Staffordshire bull terrier, which came from England, is the ancestor of the American pit bull, also known by many other names. The old English bulldog was said to have been crossed with others to create the Staffordshire bull terrier, which first appeared in the 1700s.

After some time, the Staffordshire bull terrier was utilized in the now-banned blood sport of “bull and bear baiting.” The Staffordshire, also known as the American pit bull, pit bull, and later the Yankee, was brought to America in the 1800s.

The American pit bull, sometimes known as a “nanny dog” owing to how gentle they are around children, is regarded as a powerful breed for a dog of its medium size. The American pit bulls are now used for competitive weight pulling, agility, and even obedience, in addition to being wonderful household dogs.

The American Staffordshire, formerly known as the American pit bull  (name changed to escape the stigma of blood sports), was listed as the 81st most popular breed in the American Kennel Club’s register in 1936.

The General Health Of A Pit Bull

The pit bull performs better in terms of health in comparison. Yet, they are still genetically predisposed to specific health issues. The breed is susceptible to eczema and other skin and coat allergies, such as atopic dermatitis.

Genetic testing for cerebellar ataxia, a degenerative neurological disease that impairs muscle coordination, should be performed on the pit bull parent. The breed is also predisposed to eye diseases, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, heart disease, and neurological disorders. The pit bull lives between 12 and 16 years.

Thoughts On Mixing Of Dog Breeds

First-generation mixed-breed dogs are the offspring of two distinct breeds. They are frequently called “designer dogs.” Examples of other breeds which are mixed and that are equally as cute as their hybrid names are cockapoos, labradoodles, and schnoodles.

However, not everybody agrees. The breed lines should continue to be pure, according to purists. This guarantees a predictable result in terms of size, temperament, and appearance. The issue is that generations of overbreeding have made purebred dogs more susceptible to hereditary illnesses.

According to supporters of designer dogs, the broader gene pool will lessen the likelihood of inherited illnesses and health issues. While there are many points of contention, there is no denying the continued enormous popularity of mixed-breed dogs.

Is The Shar-Pei Pit Bull Mix The Right Fit For You?

This is a mixed breed, as you may have inferred, and as a result, it is prone to behavioral disorders as well as some significant health issues. Consider whether you are ready for the level of socialization and steadfast training this dog will demand before bringing them into your home.

How much money do you have? This dog will likely require routine veterinarian care over the course of its life. Although they can have lovely temperaments, the shar-pei pit bull mix should be deliberated upon if you have a home with young children or small animals. 

Conclusion

This crossbreed demands a household with the knowledge and tolerance to handling its training requirements and temperament. The reward for the work and proper dog care is a loving, affectionate, and entertaining family pet. If you are still convinced that a shar-pei pit bull is the right dog for you, consider it seriously before deciding. After all, they are not the easiest dogs to care for.

Resources

https://wagwalking.com/breed/shar-pei-pit bull-#

https://www.cuteness.com/article/difference-between-irish-american-wheaten-s

https://www.dogvills.com/shar-pei-pit bull-mix-breed-dog/

https://thehappypuppysite.com/shar-pei-pit bull-mix/

http://www.petibble.com/shar-pei-pit bull-mix/

https://howtotrainthedog.com/shar-pei-pit bull-mix-sharpull/