Shar Pei Mixes – Which One Is The Best?

The Shar Pei is an ancient and unique dog breed of Chinese origin.

They have a striking look, and are packed with personality.

However, purebred Shar Pei dogs are certainly not the breed for every dog lover.

And the same goes for Shar Pei mixes.

So which ones make the best pets?

And is a Shar Pei mix really right for you?

A determined dog

The Shar Pei is incredibly intelligent, but she’s also wilful.

She is a natural problem solver with a number of unique needs and traits.

And unfortunately, due to his history as a pit fighting breed, some regions ban Shar Pei dogs and Shar Pei mixes.

If you have considered the above information and have decided that a Shar Pei mix would be right for you, we are here to help!

With so many Shar Pei mixes to choose from, picking the one for you could be a difficult decision.

That’s why we have compiled a list of twelve of the most popular Shar Pei mixes available.

Let’s get started!

No 1: Cocker Spaniel Shar Pei Mix

If you are looking for a Shar Pei mix that could do well with children, we the Cocker Spaniel Shar Pei Mix is a possibility.

Cocker Spaniel dogs are specially bred to be loyal.

Eager to please companions who are friendly to almost everyone and bond very strongly with their people.

Due to their eagerness to please and zest for life and learning, Cocker Spaniels and many Cocker Spaniel mixes are a joy to train.

However, because he is mixed with a Shar Pei, your Shar Pei Cocker Spaniel mix could have traits from both of his purebred parents.

He could just as easily be stubborn and wilful.

No 2: Shar Pei Bulldog mix

The Bulldog is similar to the Shar Pei as far as having loose, wrinkly skin and shorter fur.

And the Bulldog Shar Pei mix is one of the most popular Shar Pei mixes to date.

Cute, wrinkly, and strong, Shar Pei Bulldog mixes are not recommended for first-time dog owners.

They can suffer a number of health issues and may be prone to breathing and eye issues.

However, Bulldogs are friendly and outgoing dogs.

This could bode well for those looking to water-down any guarding instincts.

But it is not a certainty.

Still, keep in mind that genetics are genetics and any traits as far as temperamental or physical could be left up to chance.

Sadly, the health problems of the Bulldog mean that it’s not a mix we can recommend.

No 3: Shar Pei Lab Mix

Labrador dogs rank in at number one, so it’s no surprise that a Lab Shar Pei mix is one of the most popular Shar Pei mixes.

A prospective Shar Pei Lab mix owner should prepare for their Shar Pei mix to be intelligent, loyal, and playful.

But the Shar Pei may be more stubborn than the Labrador.

The Shar Pei Lab mix offspring could be difficult to train if he inherits his Shar Pei parent’s personality traits.

And while Labradors do wonderfully with children, Shar Pei dogs can be reserved with strangers.

They have been known to show aggression, especially if they are not properly trained and socialized.

No 4: Shar Pei Pitbull Mix

Both Pitbulls and Shar Pei dogs have an unfortunate history of being used as pit fighting breeds.

But does this mean they are bad, aggressive dogs?

Not necessarily.

But they might be banned in your area.

It is important that you look into the legality of owning one of these mixes in your area before committing to one.

So, what else should you know about this mix?

Both Pitbulls and Shar Pei dogs can make excellent pets so long as they are trained and socialized in puppyhood.

Still, the Pitbull Shar Pei mix will likely be a stubborn breed who will be very intelligent, muscular, and loyal.

This is not the best hybrid for homes with small children and homes with other household pets.

No 5: Shar Pei Pug Mix

Pugs are a well loved breed.

However, this is not one of our Shar Pei mixes we feel great about promoting.

This is because both Shar Pei dogs and Pugs can be prone to serious health issues, including Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome.

On the other hand, Pugs are friendly, outgoing dogs with a charming, comedic nature.

They make popular family pets and, mixed with Shar Pei dogs, can prove to be intelligent and mischievous crossbreeds.

No 6: Shar Pei Chow Chow Mix

The Shar Pei Chow Chow mix is another of our Shar Pei mixes that may be banned in some regions.

The Shar Pei Chow mix is a combination of two ancient Chinese breeds who were used for guarding.

A prospective owner can expect his Shar Pei Chow Chow mix to be brave, loyal, and highly intelligent.

On the other hand, he may show aggressive tendencies towards strangers and other dogs.

Especially if he is not properly trained or socialized beginning in puppyhood.

Your Chow Chow Shar Pei mix will need extensive grooming if he inherits his Chow Chow parent breed’s fluffy coat.

Due to his guarding instincts, the Shar Pei Chow Chow mix is not recommended for homes with young children or other dogs.

And is not a good dog for first-time dog owners.

No 7: Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix

German Shepherds are popular military and police dogs.

Shar Pei dogs are popular guarding dogs, especially in ancient Chinese culture.

What do you get when you put a Shar Pei and German Shepherd together?

When it comes to Shar Pei mixes, the German Shepherd Shar Pei mix may be one of our most intelligent and loyal.

Looking for a good guard dog? Then the Shar Pei German Shepherd mix may be the perfect dog for you!

Best suited for experienced dog owners, the German Shepherd Shar Pei mix is going to be very intelligent, loyal, and courageous.

Not the best choice for families who are looking for a playful, companion dog, the Shar Pei German Shepherd is a great dog for those looking for a challenge.

And a dog who will prove to be a loyal, intelligent, and helpful companion.

No 8: Shar Pei Husky Mix

The Husky was a bred companion and working dog.

This is one of our Shar Pei mixes who is fluffy, wrinkly, and super cute.

He is also powerful and intelligent.

Huskies require lots of exercise, socialization, and obedience training, and so do Shar Pei dogs.

This is certainly not a low maintenance crossbreed.

However, no Shar Pei mix is likely going to be low maintenance.

They will all need plenty of constant training, socialization, and obedience classes beginning in puppyhood.

The Husky Shar Pei mix could make a loyal pet for those looking for an active, energetic hybrid who bonds closely to his loved ones.

No 9: Shar Pei Rottweiler Mix

The Rottweiler Shar Pei mix is another guarding breed combination.

However, those who love and own Rottweilers insist that these breeds are gentle, intelligent, and loyal dogs.

Early socialization and obedience training can help make fabulous family pets in spite of their guarding instincts.

With this in mind, a prospective owner of a Rottweiler Shar Pei mix can prepare for a family-oriented breed.

One who becomes very bonded with his loved ones but who may also be reserved with strangers.

Children should be supervised around this crossbreed.

They need plenty of early socialization and obedience training to ensure he grows up happy and well rounded.

No 10: Shar Pei Poodle Mix

Poodles are known for their intelligence and flair.

They are also known for their athleticism and family-friendly nature.

So, when it comes to bright and energetic Shar Pei mixes, we can add the Shar Pei Poodle mix to the list.

However, while purebred Poodles make for wonderful family pets, Shar Pei dogs don’t.

Also, like all crossbreeds on this list, the Shar Pei Poodle mix could inherit any number of traits from his parent breeds.

This includes temperament, physical characteristics, health issues, and more.

And while the Poodle is considered hypoallergenic, the Shar Pei is not.

His coat will most likely shed, so this Shar Pei hybrid may not be the best choice for those owners who suffer from allergies.

No 11: Shar Pei Golden Retriever Mix

Similar to the Shar Pei Lab mix, the Shar Pei Golden Retriever mix is a popular combination of two popular and cute dog breeds.

However, the Shar Pei and the Golden Retriever have very different temperaments.

The Golden Retriever, for example, is an eager to please, family friendly dog.

One who gets along well with just about everyone, including strangers and other dogs.

The Shar Pei, on the other hand, can be wary of strangers and may have issues with other dogs in and outside of the home.

Like all Shar Pei mixes, the Shar Pei Golden Retriever mix may not be suitable for homes with very young children and other household pets.

And of course, the Shar Pei Golden Retriever mix will need plenty of training and early socialization.

Especially since Golden Retrievers are incredibly active and can be prone to destructive behaviors like chewing if they become bored.

No 12: Shar Pei Akita Mix

Like the Shar Pei, the Akita is a gorgeous breed with a unique look and temperament.

Known for his loyalty, the Akita matches the Shar Pei when it comes to guarding instincts and a faithful temperament.

This is another of our Shar Pei mixes who is best suited for singles or homes without children or other dogs.

An experienced owner who understands the importance of early socialization and obedience training.

As well as the importance of proper exercise, may find a Shar Pei Akita mix to be a joy.

Should I Get a Shar Pei Mix?

As you may have gathered from the above information, Shar Pei dogs and Shar Pei mixes may not be the right dogs for just anyone.

So, how do you know if a Shar Pei mix is right for you?

Shar Pei mixes require plenty of exercise, socialization, and consistent obedience training. They can be natural problem solvers with willful tendencies and a knack for getting into trouble.

For these reasons, the ideal owner of a Shar Pei mix will be one with a flexible schedule who understands the importance of training and exercise.

Do you have your heart set on one of the Shar Pei mixes listed above? Tell us which one in the comments section below!

If none of these mixes seem right for you, try looking at the bear coat Shar Pei for something a little different!

References and Further Reading

• Lowell Acumen DVM, DACVD, MBA, MOA, The Genetic Connection; a Guide to Health Problems in Purebred Dogs, Second Edition, 2011
• Purebred Vs Mutt-Common Objections to Mixed Breed Dogs
• Tiffani J Howell, Tammie King, Pauleen C Bennett, Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior, Volume 6, pages 143-153
• Carol Beuchat Ph.D., The Myth of Hybrid Vigor in Dogs…Is A Myth