Do you want a loyal dog? A dog who is great with children? A dog who is easy to maintain?
The Bull Pei (or the Shar Pei Bulldog Mix) is a crossbreed between the English Bulldog and the Chinese Shar Pei.
It is important to do your homework before bringing any dog to your home so that you can take proper care of him and provide him with everything that he needs.
Read on to view pictures and get more detailed information about the adorable Bull Pei.
Table of Contents
The History of the Bull Pei
Since the Bull Pei is a designer dog, not much is known about his historical background. Breeding designer dogs like the Bull Pei is something that has become common in the last 20 or so years.
In order to understand where the Bull Pei came from, we need the study the history of both parent breeds.
So here we go: the history of the Bulldog and the Chinese Shar Pei.
The History of the Bulldog:
The Bulldog was originally bred in England and was commonly used to herd livestock until it was used in a brutal sport called bull baiting.
At the end of the Second World War, this breed almost became extinct. However, some dedicated breeders loved the superior qualities of the Bulldog so they decided to standardize the breed.
Two different versions of the Bulldog emerged during this period, but the majority of the present-day Bulldogs are a mix of the two. These days, the Bulldog is a loyal and faithful companion.
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But what about the Chinese Shar Pei?
The History of the Shar Pei:
The Shar Pei is a very old breed, originating from China over 2000 years ago. This dog was commonly used as a guard dog and for fighting dogs.
Sadly, the breed is still being used for fighting purposes in the present-day Tibet. Their loose skin acts as protection while fighting.
It is believed that Shar Pei’s were developed to be powerful farm dogs. They were designed to be fierce canines who could work all day long and protect both the owner and his property.
In 1973, Shar Pei lovers were alarmed by the breed’s diminishing numbers. The dog fanciers worked hard to safeguard the remaining numbers. Since then, Shar Pei’s have become extremely popular in the United States. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.
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Crossbreeding the English Bulldog and the Chinese Shar Pei may counteract the aggressive nature of the Shar Pei and can also prolong the snout of the Bulldog.
The Physical Characteristics of the Bull Pei
The Shar Pei Bulldog Mix is a powerful canine with strong muscles, powerful jaws and thick neck.
Both the Shar Pei and the Bulldog have wrinkles and the cross between the two will exhibit this trait as well.
The Bull Pei tends to have a short single-layered coat, but depending on which parent breed he takes after most, his hair may lay flat or stand straight.
But how big does a Bull Pei get? Let’s explore the size and weight of the Shar Pei Bulldog Mix.
Bull Pei Size, Height and Weight:
The Bull Pei is a medium to large dog and weighs anywhere between 40 and 65 pounds. He reaches around 12 to 20 inches in height when full grown.
The Life Expectancy of the Bull Pei
The Shar Pei Bulldog Mix has an average lifespan of around 9 to 16 years (but some of these dogs have lived even longer). It all depends on how well you take care of your pup.
Bull Pei Behavior and Temperament
Every breed of dog has unique personality traits and you need to get a dog who will suit your lifestyle, because bringing a new dog to your home is a major responsibility.
The English Bulldog Shar Pei Mix will inherit behavioral traits from both his parents – the playful and friendly Bulldog and the tough, confident and independent-minded Shar Pei.
So what are you getting yourself into?
Friendly and Loyal:
The Shar Pei and Bulldog Mix is a loving and loyal dog who will offer unconditional love for many years to come. However, the dog will also expect you to offer the same love in return.
Protective Dog:
The Shar Pei cross Bulldog is a protective dog and will always come to your aid when necessary. However, they are not particularly aggressive towards strangers. These dogs will usually keep their cool unless provoked.
Great with Children:
The Bull Pei is known for being good with younger children due to the Bulldog part of his lineage.
Generally, they socialize quickly with children and won’t harm them. However, Shar Pei dogs are not always good with young kids and some Bulldog Shar Pei mixes will pick up this trait instead.
Since these dogs can also be very powerful, you need to monitor their interactions with young kids.
Socialization is important with this breed to prevent aggression or anxiety as poorly socialized Bull Pei’s are more likely to attack other pets or act aggressively towards strangers compared to their well socialized counterparts. These dogs are more likely to lash out at smaller animals than chase other dogs.
Highly Adaptable:
The Bull Pei is highly adaptable and has inherited this trait from his Shar Pei parent.
These dogs can adapt quickly to new families and homes, making them perfect for first-time dog owners and anyone who tends to move a lot.
Playful:
The Bull Pei loves to play and run around and is quite active both indoors and outdoors.
The dog has a reputation of destroying his toys, so make sure to provide him with durable doggie chew toys.
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Training Your Bull Pei
Studies have shown that crossbred dogs are easier and quicker to train than their purebred parents, so training should be quite easy. However, Bull Pei’s are also somewhat independent and training should be started early to prevent stubborn behavior.
Here are some points to keep in mind when training your Bull Pei puppy:
Be firm and positive: since the Bull Pei is a mixed breed dog, he can be independent and strong-willed just like his Shar Pei parent breed.
The English Bulldog and Shar Pei Mix can be adorable, but this mixed breed dog needs a confident owner who can use positive reinforcement training methods such as food rewards, treats and praise.
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You also need to give clear but strict words or else he will take control. Be careful not to use harsh words or else your puppy will develop behavioral issues.
The Bull Pei does well with hand and verbal commands: it is advisable to start with both hand and verbal commands at the same time.
Since this dog is intelligent and loyal, he will want to learn fast. However, he will still need time as these dogs tend to respond slowly at first (a trait that they inherited from the Shar Pei side of their lineage).
Exercise Requirements
The Bull Pei loves to spend time with their master. Just don’t leave your dog alone for extended periods of time to prevent boredom and separation anxiety. He typically enjoys being with the ‘pack’.
Neither the English Bulldog nor the Shar Pei has demanding exercise needs. However, the Bull Pei is a medium to large sized dog and is usually on the heavier side, so proper exercises are still necessary.
You should take your dog out on daily walks and hold short exercise sessions every day.
Also, provide your dog with interactive dog toys to ensure mental stimulation.
Living With a Bull Pei
Bull Peis don’t bark excessively, but they tend to snore quite loudly.
They do well in a spacious yard where they can sniff around, but they should also adapt well to apartment life. Just make sure they get enough exercises to prevent obesity.
Grooming
Bull Peis are quite easy to maintain because they have a short coat. While regular brushing with a bristle brush is recommended to help deal with their shedding and ensure body oils are well distributed, monthly baths should be sufficient.
Just be careful to ensure that no moisture or grime is trapped in the folds of their skin as this may cause irritation and bad odor.
You should also check and wipe the muzzle area on a regular basis to avoid bacterial or fungal infestation.
It is important to utilize high quality deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep his skin in good condition at all times.
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Feeding Information
Like most other dogs, the Bull Pei loves his food. This dog needs a balanced diet that is rich in protein, but you should not overfeed your dog since he can put on weight quickly and become lazy.
Feed your Bull Pei 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food each day, but be sure to split the food into 2 to 3 meals per day.
While there are no brands that offer dog foods formulated specifically for the English Bulldog Shar Pei Mix, you can get high quality dog food made for breeds of his size and activity level.
Bull Pei Health Problems
So, are there any health issues you should watch out for?
Well, there are a few health conditions that you should look out for. These include hypothyroidism, bloat, eye issues, patellar luxation, joint dysplasia and heat sensitivity.
Also, make sure to brush their teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup.
If you live in dry regions, you need to apply coconut oil or fish oil to ease issues with dry skin.
The dog’s ears should also be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections.
Finding Healthy Bull Pei Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Keep in mind that all mixed breed dogs can inherit health problems from their parents. However, you can avoid these issues by getting your Bull Pei puppy from a reputable breeder.
Responsible Bull Pei breeders will provide a health guarantee on their puppies. In case they don’t do this, look elsewhere and avoid that breeder at all costs.
Reputable breeders will honestly disclose any health and behavioral issues within the breed. Health clearances for both parent dogs show that they have been tested for and passed fit enough for breeding purposes.
There are several ways to find reputable breeders. Sometimes, it is best to start your search online by doing a simple Google Search.
You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. Ask your vet for any helpful leads or attend local dog shows.
Once you’ve found a good breeder, meet both parent dogs to get a good idea of what you’re getting yourself into.
It is also advisable to let them know what you’re looking for in a dog and ask them to choose the right puppy for you. Experienced breeders should be able to determine which Bull Pei puppy suits your preferences.
How much do Bull Pei puppies cost?
Price is another important thing to consider when getting a new dog. Bull Pei puppies usually cost anywhere between $500 and $1200.
If you’re operating on a tight budget, it’s best to consider Bull Pei puppies or full grown dogs available for adoption.
Sometimes, people buy dogs with little or no information about what they’re getting themselves into. Such dogs usually end up in rescue centers or animal shelters around the country. If you’re lucky enough, you may find a cute Bull Pei puppy or adult dog in need of a forever home.
The only problem with adopting a dog from a rescue organization is that there is no guarantee that you’re getting a healthy dog or a true Bull Pei.
In order to know what health issues you may be dealing with in the future, and what breeds are in your dog’s genetic makeup, we always recommend using the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit.
This at-home Dog DNA test will provide you with accurate information about your new pup’s health situation and the breeds in his heritage so you’re better equipped to take care of your furry friend.
Conclusion
If you’ve your mind set on the Bull Pei, you’re not alone. These dogs are loving, loyal and protective.
They are placid dogs who are happy to spend quality time with their owner. They are also low-maintenance dogs who do well in almost any living environment.
Keep in mind though that each Bull Pei is different and your new pup will have a combination of Shar Pei and Bulldog traits.
If you’re ready to put in the effort to love and take care of your Bull Pei, you’ll find that their loving and loyal personality will be truly worth it.