The idea of a Shar Pei Pitbull mix is an interesting one to those that are familiar with the parent breeds.
There are plenty of preconceptions here from the start – and two important questions immediately spring to mind.
First of all, does this look like a Pitbull with wrinkly skin? Secondly, are there any risks of aggression or dominance when breeding a Pitbull with a Shar Pei?
This guide aims to provide the best Pitbull Shar Pei mix information to help dog lovers better understand this animal.
The first section will address this first question, with a focus on the look and size of the dog. The second section will look at the second question, with a focus on the personality and training issues.
Then we will look at health care and where to get a Shar Pei Pitbull puppy.
Before we get to any of that, we need to look at the name of this breed.
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What should we call this dog?
The name Pitbull mixed with Shar Pei is far too long for a cross breed like this. Thankfully, there are a few shorter ones that owners and breeders use. The slight issue is that there seems to be a lack of consistency.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]Some call this the Sharpull terrier, others use the cuter name of the Shar Pit or the Pit Pei. Each name gives a pretty good idea of what to expect. [/thrive_text_block]It is up to owners which they prefer to use in the home, just be aware of what breeders actually claim to be selling.
If a breeder uses a slightly different name, and the pups don’t have the typical Shar Pei Pitbull mix characteristics, they may be a different sort of cross.
How big do Shar Pei Pitbull mix get and what do they look like?
Moving on to the look and size of this dog, the first thing to note here is that those initial suspicions are correct.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]There is a good chance that this cross breed will exhibit the wrinkled skin of the Shar Pei, but will have a look and build quite similar to the Pitbull. [/thrive_text_block]The amount of wrinkling and the depth of fold will vary between dogs. This is clear from many of the Shar Pei cross Pitbull pictures that are available online.
There are some dogs that barely have any in adulthood, while others retain them around the neck and face. They are likely to be more prominent in puppyhood, before the dog essentially grows into them.
This is likely to be a pretty muscular, stocky dog much like both parent breeds, with a Shar Pei Pitbull mix weight of around 60 pounds.
When it comes to the colors, there are two factors to consider here.
The first is the color and marking on the coat. This can vary considerably depending on the parent. There are many that retain the golden look of the Shar Pei. Some will be darker about the muzzle or have patches like their Pitbull parent.
The other factor is whether this is a cross between a blue nose or a red nose Pitbull Shar Pei Pit mix – this will dictate the color of the skin, especially around the feet and nose.
What about the Shar Pei Pitbull mix temperament?
The second important question here regards the personality of this Pitbull and Shar Pei mix .
There are those misconceptions about the aggressive tendencies of Pitbull. This means some fears that this will be passed on to Shar Pei Pitbull mix puppies.
One of the biggest concerns with this mix is this idea that they are a dominant, independent dog. This means that they might not play well with others, unless they receive the best possible training from a young age.
Therefore, they need good socialization training as puppies to ensure that they get along well with family members and other animals. It also helps that they understand their place in the pack.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]This is why many people will say that it is important that these dogs go into home with experienced owners. Those that are new to dog ownership probably wont have the command or experience to create that bond and assert themselves as a pack leader. This could lead to problems down the line where the dog is not safe around others. [/thrive_text_block]Featured Reading: The Top Ten Best Chew Toys For Destructive Dogs
Training a Shar Pei terrier mix
The most important thing to remember is that there are training solutions out there for all pets, no matter how difficult it usually is to train them.
It helps to create a strong regimen for these Sharpull terrier puppies – one that you can gradually use to get the best results in socialization, leash training and other forms of obedience.
Online guides such as Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer are a great source of helpful, accessible information to get new owners started. The step by step approach spells everything out neatly.
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Taking care of a Shar Pei and Pitbull mix at home
This idea of socialization and a place within the pack is important when dealing with the home life and exercise needs of this dog. You don’t want them to end up running off after other dogs, not coming back when called or causing a nuisance in public.
These dogs will be out in public a lot because they need an active lifestyle with long walks and play time to keep them in shape.
Most would benefit from a home with a yard to burn off energy, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t live as apartment dogs either. Their size means that well-trained animals should cope ok.
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Other considerations with the home life of these dogs are their diet. Be careful to provide a nutritious diet with good portion sizes to keep them in the best condition.
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Shar Pei Pitbull mix health problems to watch out for
On the subject of the health and well-being of this dog, it is important to note that there are a few major health concerns with these dogs.
They include hypothyroidism, heart issues, bloat and skin conditions.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]There is also an average Shar Pei Pitbull mix lifespan of 10-12 years, so they have a decent life expectancy if treated well and given all the right check ups. [/thrive_text_block]
Those that are concerned about the best way to look after these dogs should turn to The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health.
This online guide is a great source of information on a range of health care issue. It can help with basic needs, and provide users with a little more peace of mind. This could be especially helpful when dealing with the next consideration.
Shar Pei Pitbull mix skin problems and solutions
Skin allergies are a problem with Pitbulls anyway.
However, there are high risks with this cross breed. It doesn’t help that these dogs have those rolls of skin that need special care and attention. Owners need to be careful when grooming the coat in these areas.
It is important to brush the coat and deal with dead skin regularly – they are moderate shedders and need attention to keep the coat and skin in the best condition.
[thrive_text_block color=”blue” headline=””]Further Reading: What Is The Best Brush For Shedding Dogs? (Top 15)[/thrive_text_block]It is also important to be careful when drying the dog after baths with those rolls.
Those that suffer from particularly dry skin could benefit from coconut oil treatments to soothe the skin and help with the itching.
One product loved by many dog owners is the Alpha Pet Zone Coconut Oil for Dogs, Treatment for Itchy Skin, Dry Elbows, Paws and Nose (16 oz)
[easyazon_infoblock align=”center” identifier=”B01EKSPB92″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”howtotrainy03-20″]Finding a Shar Pei Pitbull mix for sale or adoption
With all of this in mind, it is important to think about this Pit Shar Pei mix very carefully.
This will be too much for some dog lovers to handle. Those that think that they are up to the job have two options in front of them.
The first is to search for a dedicated, responsible Pit and Shar Pei mix breeder
that understands the needs and best breeding practices with this dog. Some will be more than happy to show off the litter and talk about the cross breed, perhaps at a steeper price.
Beware of all those that try and sell these puppies a little too cheap.
The other option here is to look into Pit Pei adoption.
This could be challenging if rescuing a full grown Shar Pei Pitbull.
These dogs may have been abandoned because owners couldn’t handle them, or didn’t train them correctly.
Therefore, it could be a challenge to train them in adulthood and get the best from them. Even so, some experienced dog lovers will love the opportunity to try and the satisfaction of saving a life.
Is it a good idea to look for a Sharpull terrier for sale?
On the end, there is a lot to think about when considering Shar Pei Pitbull mix ownership.
This cross between a Shar Pei mixed with Pitbull will suit some owners and families well, but not others.
This cross breed has to go to a home with the experience and patience to handle the training needs and personality.
Those that put in the effort, and care for the dog correctly, will find themselves with a loving, sweet, playful family pet.
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