The Shar Pei Pitbull mix combines two strongly loyal and protective characters. This hybrid dog bonds strongly with their family and makes a great watchdog. They are intelligent, easy to train with positive methods and don’t need much in the way of grooming. However, their strong personalities can get them into trouble. They are territorial, wary of strangers and other animals and easily bored. This mix is also prone to obesity and some pretty nasty skin and breathing problems.
Contents
- Sporting histories
- Variations in appearance
- Aggression and training techniques
- Potential health problems
Where Does the Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Come From?
The wrinkly Shar Pei has a long and interesting history. This ancient breed is uniquely Chinese with a lineage that dates back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Although the breed was originally employed as a hunter, herder and guardian of livestock, this dog was also used in dog fights.
The muscular Pitbull’s history begins in early 19th century England with the bloody sport of bullbaiting. Believed to be a cross between Old English Bulldogs and Terrier breeds, these dogs were bred to fight staked bulls.
When this abhorrent pastime was outlawed, the dogs were pitted against each other. Agile, strong with a stocky build, punishing jaws and tenacious courage, they were considered the ultimate gladiator. Unfortunately, their history still hounds them.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Appearance
You can expect the Sharpull Terrier to be a muscled dog of medium height that weighs around 60 pounds.
They typically have a wide muzzle, small eyes and ears and a high set tail. They can also have the loose wrinkled skin associated with Shar Pei dogs, although it might be less pronounced.
Coats are almost always short, even when one parent was a bear coat Shar Pei, and they are prone to shedding.
The Sharpull Terrier’s short coat will require a good brushing once a week to keep him looking spiffy. Baths should only be given as needed because over-bathing can cause skin irritation. Drying must be done quickly and fully to avoid fungal infection in skinfolds.
Their ears will need to be cleaned weekly with an ear-cleaning solution to prevent infections.
Are They Aggressive?
The Shar Pei Pitbull mix combines two dogs who are smart and strong-willed. While each breed can be devoted and loyal to family, the Shar Pei is known to be reserved and even aggressive toward strangers and other animals.
Despite their fighting background, the Pitbull can be gentle and loving. However, they too can show aggression toward other animals.
Training and Exercise
Though intelligent and able to learn quickly, this is an independent and strong-willed dog. He needs to be trained and socialized from an early age to prevent him from becoming too territorial or aggressive. Puppy training classes are recommended, as are positive reinforcement techniques.
As both parents have a history of fighting other dogs, even a well-trained Shar Pei Pitbull mix should never be left alone with other dogs.
When it comes to daily exercise, the Sharpull Terrier will enjoy long walks and must always be kept on a leash. Regular water breaks will help prevent a dog with a flat face and well-insulated body from overheating.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Health
A Shar Pei Pitbull mix can inherit health conditions from either parent, and the Shar Pei in particular has a lot of health issues to contend with.
This is due to breeders who have specifically bred these dogs to have exaggerated skin wrinkling and short snouts. The Shar Peis deep set eyes are also extremely at risk of primary lens luxation, glaucoma, entropion and retinal degeneration. Swollen Hock Syndrome, also referred to as Shar Pei Fever, is characterized by episodes of fever and inflammation.
In comparison, the Pitbull fares better in the health department, but they’re still genetically susceptible to certain health concerns. Skin conditions and coat allergies are a problem for the breed, including atopic dermatitis or eczema.
The Pitbull parent should be genetically tested for a progressive brain disorder known as cerebellar ataxia, which affects muscle coordination. The breed is also prone to hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, neurodegenerative disorders, hyperthyroidism and eye disorders.
Both parents are subject to becoming overweight. They should be fed a high-quality dog food. Calories and treats should be closely monitored.
Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
As you may have deduced, this is a mixed breed that is susceptible to behavior issues, in addition to some serious health problems.
Before you bring this dog into your life, ask yourself if you’re prepared for the amount socialization and consistent obedience training this dog will require.
(paid link) How deep are your pockets? This is a dog who’s apt to need plenty of veterinary care throughout his life.
Homes with small children and other pets should definitely stay away from the Shar Pei Pitbull mix.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Puppies
If your heart is set on this mix, then look for a breeder that uses a Chinese style Shar Pei. They have much tighter skin and longer faces, making them far less at risk of structural health problems.
Good breeders are happy to show evidence of health test certificates, and answer any questions you might have.
Try to meet both the puppy’s parents too. Although they are unlikely to be warm with strangers, they shouldn’t look fearful or show signs of aggression. They should also have an obviously strong bond with their owner.
Shawn says
I have a sharpull he is two and a half he is a great dog with kids and other dogs he is just stubborn and loves people a lill to much but overall I think it’s how you train a dog so people who talk crap need to go to dog training classes just saying
Robert Brandow says
We have had our pup for 5 years best dog ever.Loves my grandkids
David Spink says
I have the same feelings as you.. I have a rescue shar /pit, was shown wrong way, was taken away.. Hes been with me now 18 months, stubborn sh1t, but you’re only going to get what you put in to these dogs. He now has many dog friends wouldn’t be with out him, he 3 ish now
Mandi says
Love yr comments. We have 2 baby bunnies and a pitpei puppy. They seem ok restrained but am anxious about free reign . Thanks
Gemma M. says
Hello,
I am interested in a shar pei/pitbull mix to adopt. Do you think you can provide any resources that can help me in my search? I’d really appreciate any help you can give. Thanks in advance!
Gemma
barbara hershberger says
Hello I am thinking about a Shar-Pei pit mix mail he’ll bear your old in November he belongs to my neighbor and he is in a great most the time he’s outside he barks a lot I think it’s because of neglect of attention he’s with another dog very playful I have four dogs and I’m not sure if I should bring him into the mix they say that he could be aggressive for what I’m reading with other dogs can you advise me on what to do
barbara hershberger says
Let me try this again my neighbor has a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix he will be one year old in November the neighbor has another small dog and he has not shown any aggression towards him he is always in a crate before she says neighbor they don’t have time for him she puts him outside most of the day and he’s barking I feel it’s because lack of attention I have four dogs chihuahuas and one black lab mix what I’ve been reading that they can get aggressive towards other dogs my heart is breaking for this poor little boy I don’t know if I should go and get him or not I contacted my neighbor and she said that I can have him can you please advise me thank you
Paul says
I own a female she’s fixed didn’t have any choice her biological father had hooked up with her several times but she has alot of temper issues only other dog I can have her around is her dad people tho if she didn’t know u wen she was a pup 9 outta 10 times she won’t like u n tall stocky people she really doesn’t like but like the page said us that live here with her she’s great overly hyper a bit but she’s a good dog still n definitely want to build a nice size kennel or leash walk mine is horrible at staying in the yard but she can also jump pretty dam high to so got to watch that
Jim says
I have a Sharpei Pit mix and she is 22yrs old I have had multiple dogs and she has been one of the greatest no health problems at all I love her to death I’m 57 I’m thinking she might out live me🐶
William Marshall says
I have a Sharpei Pit mix and she has never been aggressive towards any of my furry babies that’s including bunnies cats and rats they get along just great.
Louise says
Morning we rescue a Sharpei Pitbull mix from n shelter in May 2020 shes now 4/5months weigh14 kg real sweetie very playable she plays too hard with our yorkies she dont realise thats she too strong and big for them and we cant kept them apart will this be a problem later??
Marilyn says
I rescued a pit pei 6 almost 7 years ago. I have always had dogs but he is by far the best dog I have ever had the privilege to have in my life. He is great with my papion, great pyrennese and my cats. His best friend for the first 5 years was my pet rabbit, they were always together.. he was his protector. He was 9 weeks old when I rescued him from a horrible situation. He was the easiest of all my dogs to house train, he only barks occasionally and is extremely well behaved. I would never be able to find a dog as amazing as he is.
Lisa Baird says
Your article helped me to understand this mixed breed better. I tried to foster this mix recently. He was about 2 years old, hit by a car in Miami, picked up by police with a fractured femur and my rescue group pulled him to save him. I had raised an English Bulldog,American Bulldog, staffie boxer mix and thought I was up for the task. I was told he needed to be on crate rest for 6-8 weeks, would need limited activity for healing, and would be on heavy painkillers to help his pain and lower his energy levels. While some of the other comments speak of the wonderful pits etc they rescued, this guy was tough. I honestly only lasted 3 days.:-( . Though ‘sedated’, this guy slept little, he did not want to be in the crate or would bark. Consequently, to get him to stop, I had to let him out-counterintuitive to what I was hoping to accomplish. If he wasn’t injured, I could’ve taken him for long walks and given him the exercise and stimulation I could tell he was craving. I also needed to separate him from my small dog and this could not take them out for potty breaks together. His medication increased his urination, and God bless him, he would go to the door, but being in a high rise, it was difficult getting him downstairs quickly. Also, if I would crouch down, he would try and mount me. I of course would firmly tell him ‘no!’ and stand up. Poor guy was happiest out on the lanai lying on an old rug…as long as I was nearby. I know the rescue group wanted me to keep working with him, and if I had lived somewhere where he could bark his head off, I would’ve kept trying. But living in a building where most people have smaller dogs and are unfamiliar with and have negative feeling about these breeds, I had to return him to the group. They are searching for a foster better suited to his needs. I still feel guilty about it. Anyway, my point is , as your article above, often times, breeds were bred for certain tasks and suited for certain living situations. And, when you rescue an adult dog, you need to be prepared to train him and understand why he may behave they way he does. Do not adopt a dog because you like the way he looks.
Dave says
I rescued an approximate 2-3 yr old female pit pei from a local shelter. Introduced into home w/ 2 children and a parti shih zhuh . She’s done more than fantastic here. Definitely a boundary pusher but thats the nature of both breeds. Couldn’t ask for a much better addition.
Jim Nolan says
We recently adopted sharpull from shelter and he is an absolute delight. Very smart and affectionate. We’re trading him and he learns quickly. Requires beaucoup exercise. Love him dearly