Shar Peis are unique dogs with origins in the Chinese Han Dynasty. Today, they are very popular family pets and show dogs. However, the price tag for a purebred Shar Pei puppy is steep; you can expect to pay at least $1,000, but you will likely pay even more for a dog from a reputable breeder.

If you like the physical and behavioral characteristics of the Shar Pei but don’t want to pay for a purebred, you may want to consider a Shar Pei mix. You are much more likely to find a mix in a shelter; unfortunately, people often put “designer dogs” up for adoption when they don’t turn out how they hoped they would. In this article, we will discuss nine of the most popular Shar Pei mixes so that you can learn more about whether a mix is right for you.

Shar Peis: Typical Behavior and Physical Traits

Any Shar Pei mix will likely inherit at least some of its parent traits, so it’s important to understand the behavioral and physical traits of Shar Peis. The Chinese Shar Pei stands between 18 and 20 inches tall and weighs up to 60 pounds. They have a distinctive muzzle that resembles a hippopotamus, wrinkled skin, and a coat of fur that is rough to the touch.

Behaviorally, Shar Peis are known for being affectionate and loyal to their families but aloof with strangers. They can also be independent and occasionally stubborn animals. Overall, Shar Peis can be great pets, but they can be challenging animals to train and socialize.

Top 9 Popular Shar Pei Mixes:

Now that you know a little bit more about Shar Peis, let’s discuss some of the most popular Shar Pei mixes.

1. Shar-Poo (Shar Pei x Poodle)

As you might guess, the Shar-Poo is a mixed-breed dog with Shar Pei and Poodle parentage. They typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and grow up to 18 inches tall. The Shar-Poo can still inherit some stubbornness from their Shar Pei ancestor, but when properly socialized, they can get along with kids and other pets.

They have been bred since the 80s or 90s to select for some of the best traits from both parent breeds, so they tend to be gentle animals. Depending on whether your Shar-Poo more heavily favors the Poodle or Shar Pei, they can be hypoallergenic, which could make them a good option if you or other members of your family are allergic to dogs.

2. Golden Pei (Golden Retriever x Shar Pei)

As a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Shar Pei, the Golden Pei is typically a wonderful family pet. They are a little bit larger than the Shar Pei and can weigh up to 65 pounds. For the most part, Golden Peis tend to inherit the Golden Retriever’s good-natured personality, making them great dogs for various homes, including those with children.

However, it’s a good idea to monitor them when they are playing with young children; the Shar Pei in your dog will have a low tolerance for horseplay.

3. Shar-Tzu (Shih Tzu x Shar Pei)

The Shar-Tzu is a cross between the Shar Pei and the Shih Tzu. Both breeds originated in China, though their histories are vastly different. The Shar Pei was a common dog among working-class people, whereas the Shih Tzu had royal connections. The Shih Tzu’s long, double coat of fur also couldn’t be more different from the sandpaper-like coat of the Shar Pei.

As a result, the length of the Shar-Tzu’s coat can vary dramatically depending on the dog. Thanks to the Shih Tzu’s smaller size, they only tend to weigh up to 35 pounds and stand as tall as 17 inches. The Shih Tzu is also much more of a lapdog than the Shar Pei. Both parent breeds tend to nip at people, so you should be on the lookout for this behavior and work to correct it early on if you adopt one of these dogs.

4. Cocker-Pei (Cocker Spaniel x Shar Pei)

This Cocker Spaniel and Shar Pei mix is a highly sociable animal that is usually well-suited to families with other pets and children, despite the influence of Shar Pei’s more stubborn personality. Physically, they inherit the Shar Pei’s distinctive wrinkles, though their coat length can vary anywhere from the Shar Pei’s short fur to the Cocker Spaniel’s characteristic medium-long coat.

Adult Cocker-Peis usually weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and are between 18 and 21 inches tall.

5. Pit Pei (American Pit Bull Terrier x Shar Pei)

The appearance of the Pit Pei, a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shar Pei, can vary quite a bit from dog to dog. Their coats can be white, silver, fawn, cream, blue, brown, red, black, or gray. They have thick coats that shed frequently, which means you should plan to brush them daily.

The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Shar Pei can be stubborn dogs that require experienced owners, so you can probably expect a similar temperament from their offspring. While they aren’t usually suitable for families with children, Pit Peis can be affectionate companions as long as they are adequately trained and socialized.

6. Chow Pei (Chow Chow x Shar Pei)

The Chow Pei is a cross between the Shar Pei and the Chow Chow. Physically, the Chow Pei tends to favor the Shar Pei. They are medium-sized dogs that can weigh up to 60 pounds and feature the Shar Pei’s wrinkles. However, they often adopt the Chow Chow’s ears and body type.

Since neither the Chow Chow nor the Shar Pei are breeds that are particularly good with children, you can expect the same from your Chow Pei. However, as with all dogs, if you socialize them with your children from a young age, your Chow Pei is more likely to become friendly with them.

7. American Ori-Pei (Pug x Shar Pei)

A mix between the Shar Pei and the Pug, the Ori-Pei, also known as a SharPug, Pugpei, or Pug-A-Pei, was initially created in 1970 by a breeder that wanted to achieve a smaller dog that had fewer health problems than the Shar Pei. The Ori-Pei weighs up to 30 pounds and stands 15 inches tall. They have a fairly short, low-shedding coat, which means they require less grooming than other Shar Pei mixes. Unlike the Shar Pei, the Ori-Pei is generally sociable, easy to train, and eager to please.

8. Rott-Pei (Rottweiler x Shar Pei)

The Rott-Pei is a cross between the Shar Pei and the Rottweiler. Weighing in at up to 100 pounds and standing 22 inches tall, they are one of the largest crossbreeds on our list. They require more exercise than a small or medium-sized dog.

However, they are loyal and gentle dogs that usually do well with children. They will also do anything to protect you and your family, making them excellent watchdogs. While they may be physically intimidating, the Rott-Pei will surely melt your heart with their winning personality.

9. Sharp Eagle (Beagle x Shar Pei)

Finally, the Sharp Eagle is a cross between the Beagle and the Shar Pei. They are medium-sized dogs that weigh up to 45 pounds. The combination of the Beagle and the Shar Pei usually results in a very intelligent, independent dog that is a skilled hunter. They have fairly high prey drives, so adopting one may not be a great idea if you have small animals, such as rabbits or cats, in the house.

With any luck, you will get a dog that has inherited the friendly nature of the Beagle. Although Beagles are usually good with other dogs, Shar Peis are not. When walking them, be sure to keep them on a leash lest they decide to chase after something that catches their attention.

Conclusion

There are many options if you are looking for a Shar Pei crossbreed. When deciding which dog is right for you, you should consider a few factors, such as your experience as a dog owner and trainer, your ability to provide your dog with opportunities for exercise, and whether or not you have children. If you have trouble finding breeders, check your local shelter to see if they have a Shar Pei mix waiting to be adopted.

See also:

• How to Train a Shar Pei – 12 Tips & Tricks
• 200+ Popular Chow Chow Dog Names: Unique Options For Your Adorable Pet

Featured Image Credit: Ripio, Shutterstock