Let us look at the Shar Pei Pitbull Mix and understand if he is the right dog and suitable for you.
Pitbull is quite popular in the USA and many times breeders look for designer dogs of Pitbull as some may fancy them. One of the most unique Pitbull mix is the Shar Pei Pitbull mix.
Shar Pei originated in China and slowly has been introduced to other countries as well. They are known for their wriggly skin and a blue color tongue.
Shar Pei Pitbull Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Height | 17 – 21 inches (shoulder height) |
| Weight | 30 – 60 pounds |
| Coat color | Black, grey, brown, red, brindle, blue, tan, cream |
| Eye color | Blue, hazel, brown, amber |
| Coat type | Medium, dense, straight |
| Temperament | Loving, intelligent, protective, stubborn, dominant |
| Lifespan | 10 – 12 years |
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Size
You might be wodering about what is the size of the Shar Pei Pitbull?
Standing between 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder with a weight between 30 to 60 pounds, he is no small dog!
It is wise to note that much of this weight is muscle! The full-grown Shar-Pei Pitbull mix is a medium-sized muscle machine. He can perform amazing feats of power.
A Shar Pei Pitbull mix has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Appearance
Shar Pei Pitbull mix has a medium to large size body. It is not advised for people looking for a small dog or for novice dog owners.
Although you may not be certain about the exact traits, it is likely you will find the below features in them. They may vary based on which parent breed has the more dominant genes.
Looking at him, the first feature you will notice about a Shar Pei Pitbull mix is his sturdy muscular body. Strong legs carry this heavy body that gears him up for any activity.
From the Shar Pei parent, he inherits the dark eyes, a dark muzzle, and of course the wrinkly skin.
An interesting feature of this mixed breed is his wriggly coat. A coat intermediate between both parents is seen.
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Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Temperament
Shar Pei Pitbull Terrier mix temperament is either a blend of both dogs or leaning towards one parent.
Described as a loving and loyal dog, every owner is bound to develop a strong bond with their Shar Pit!
They are protective companion dogs who also double-up as guard dogs being wary of strangers.
But beware, there have also been complaints about his independence which leads to him becoming dominant. This is when the owner must put his foot down and let him know who is the boss!
Early socializing and training is critical. When started early, the dog becomes obedient and friendlier to children as well.
Positive training and social visits will even make him tolerate other dogs and animals. This is great news if you want to extend your family with more furry friends in the future!
This intelligent dog does require an experienced owner to train him. Only positive methods will work. Patience will be required and we do not suggest this dog breed for novice dog owners.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Coat and Colors
A deciding factor for many American families is the coat color and type. This determines how attractive he is and what grooming techniques are required.
The coat characteristics of this breed are flexible though it is likely to have the below features.
The Shar Pei Pitbull mix often comes with a short straight coat that densely covers the body. The texture of the Shar Pit coat could be sand-like from the Shar Pei or could be soft and stiff like the American Pitbull Terrier coat.
Coat colors may vary. Most often you will find Shar Pei Pitbull mix in black, brown, red, or cream color. Rarely you may also see the colors like blue, brindle, or grey.
Albino and merle Shar Pits are quite rare occurrences.
Is a Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Hypoallergenic?
Sadly, the Shar Pei Pitbull mix are not hypoallergenic dogs. They shed hair moderately but can emit dander.
Another reason for him not being suitable for dog allergic folks is that he drools a lot. Saliva and dander both can be a trigger for dog allergies.
Care for Shar Pei Pitbull mix
Grooming
Do Shar Pei Pitbull mix shed?
Yes, all dogs shed to some extent. The Shar Pei and Pitbull mix is an average shedder. Still, he is a low maintenance dog breed when it comes to brushing. Neither parent has long hairs, a good trait passed on to the Shar Pei Pitbull mix.
During normal shedding season, weekly brushing is enough. During shedding season, before summer and fall, shedding may increase and daily brushing is advised during the same.
Removing loose hair and debris will help you in the long run.
Grooming the Shar Pit requires some extra activities as well. Apart from brushing and bathing, his skin folds or wrinkles also require regular attention.
Grooming Tools
Let us have a brief look at the tools you may have to invest in to groom your Shar Pei Pitbull mix.
Bristle brush- This grooming tool is best for short-hair dogs like the Shar Pit. They have clusters of natural bristles that remove loose hair and dirt. It also stimulates the skin without irritation or injury.
Glove- A rubberized glove with short spikes can help for a quick grooming session on the go. It is easy to carry where ever you go.
Bathing
Bathing your dog too often is not recommended, it invites dry skin and other skin problems. A bath every month should suffice.
Skip powerful chemical shampoos that could aggravate the Shar Pit’s skin. Gentle bathing treatments are required since the parent Shar Pei can pass on his sensitive skin genes to this Shar Pei Pitbull cross.
Pay special attention to the folds of skin where dirt and sweat can accumulate to produce foul smells. After bathing, make conscious efforts to dry the skin beneath the wrinkles.
Other grooming and care activities
Care and maintenance of this designer dog breed extend past bathing and brushing the coat. Here are other aspects of grooming.
Trimming nails
The nails of this dog tend to grow rapidly. A weekly nail trim will avoid clicking noise when walking. Cutting nails also prevent emergencies like the nails split.
Brushing teeth
A dog will naturally develop bad breath if his teeth are not brushed regularly. Brushing the teeth 2 or 3 times a week will improve dental health and delay tooth decay. Foul breath and tooth decay are influenced by remaining food bits.
Use dental hygiene products that are suitable for dogs only! These are chemical-free and safe to swallow.
Shar Pit Training
Training is the most important part of owning a Shar Pei Pitbull mix. Many owners describe their Shar Pit as confident, intelligent, stubborn, and dominant.
Avoiding training will result in a dog with no manners. You would not like to have a muscle body dog outside without your control inviting accidents.
Manners are essential if an owner wants to be able to control their dog. A firm hand from an experienced dog owner is required to instill obedience into the Shar Pit.
Training using positive approaches are most successful for training the Shar Pei Pitbull Terrier mix.
When he gets it right, reward him with tasty treats and cuddles! Avoid rewarding bad behavior as this promotes continuous bad behavior.
Exercise Requirements of the Shar Pei Pitbull Mix
This medium-sized dog inherits the high energy drive from the American Pitbull Terrier. Keeping him exercised requires an average of 1 – 2 hours a day.
Give him a variety of sporty activities such as fetch, frisbee, long walks. You can also include games that strengthen his grip and test his pulling strength.
This dog is suitable for large active adult families with a well-fenced backyard. He is not adapted to live in apartments that are small.
A bored Shar Pit can become destructive and can deal some damage with his power! Leaving him at home alone for long is not a good idea as he suffers from separation anxiety.
Shar Pei Pitbull Diet
A dog’s diet should be based on the breed, size, and age of the dog and thus the dietary requirements for each dog are different.
We would recommend him about 2.5 cups of dry kibble in a day split into two meals. You can consult your vet for judging the specific feeding plan of your Shar Pit.
Avoid overfeeding as this leaves the Shar Pit at high risk of obesity. Ensure he is getting his advised amount of exercise.
Health Concerns of the Shar Pei Pitbull Mix
The Shar Pitbull is more likely to suffer from the following diseases:
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Demodectic mange
- Obesity
Shar Pei Pitbull Skin Problems
Shar Pei Pitbull’s skin problems are a common issue the owner must deal with. Chinese Shar Pei are known for their folded flaps of skin/wrinkles on the face which the Shar Pit inherits.
These skin folds could lead to Fungal and skin infections due to sweat or moisture.
Also, ticks and fleas could be hiding in these wrinkled skin folds. Regular lifting of the skin flaps and wiping down to clean the skin is essential in keeping them healthy.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Adoption and Price
The Shar Pei Pitbull mix is a designer breed that could end up in shelters because people are unable to care for this exotic dog. Adopting a Shar Pit from a shelter is always the most humane and logical thing to do.
If you would like to buy a puppy, they may come in a price range between $400 to $700.
Shar Pei Pitbull mix nicknames
The Shar Pei Pitbull breed goes by many names; Shar Pit, Pit Pei, Shar Pitbull, Sharpull.
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adapts to a full house
- Suitable for active people
- A good companion and guard dog
- Loyal, loving, alert
Cons
- Various health concerns
- Not suited to strangers and children
- Not apartment-friendly
Shar Pei Pitbull Mix Lineage
Let us look at the parent breeds of Shar Pei Pitbull Mix so you can have an understanding of what traits can be passed upon.
Pitbull
These medium-sized dogs have a low-slung body that boasts of a muscular frame. They are characterized by a short muzzle and almond or circular shaped eyes. Their medium ears stand in a half-prick position.
The coat is short and smooth, featuring solid or tuxedo coloring. Their limbs are strong and capable of excellent agility. The body ends with a tapering long tail.
The Pitbull is known for its aggressive behavior due to its bullfighting past and some bad media coverage. Despite this, the Pitbull is capable of being a good companion dog who can protect provided he is trained well.
People describe the nature of a Pitbull to be confident, enthusiastic, and loving towards his family, kids included.
Shar Pei
The most prominent feature of the Chinese Shar Pei is the wrinkled skin folds on the face. This medium to large dog breed has a sandpaper coat as one of its breed standard features.
Their unique trait is the blue tongue found in very few dogs like Shar Pei or Chow Chow.
The American Kennel Club states this breed as loyal, calm, and independent. He is exactly that, except his independence can prove to be a roadblock during training.
His large size makes him an alert dog that can guard well. Additionally, he enjoys cuddles and relaxing beside his owner.
Conclusion
The Shar Pei Pitbull mix dog is an appealing dog that can be considered if you love either the American Pitbull or the Chinese Shar Pei, or both! Featuring a range of pros and cons you should weigh out both qualities and decide.
Either way, we are sure he will keep you safe and entertained provided he gets his due training and exercise!