Sharpull Terrier Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Sharpull Terrier is a mixed breed that combines a Chinese Shar-Pei and an American Pitbull Terrier. This combination of two strong-willed breeds can create quite a challenging dog for the wrong home, but they can be a fantastic pet for the right home.

The Sharpull Terrier is an energetic dog that is wary of strangers, but since the hybrid is not an established breed, it’s hard to know for sure what you’ll get. They're better for experienced owners who are accustomed to raising strong and athletic canines. They're loyal to their owners and make exceptional guard dogs. Below, we'll discuss the Sharpull Terrier's characteristics to help you decide if they're ideal for your home.

Sharpull Terrier Characteristics

Sharpull Terrier Puppies

The Sharpull Terrier isn't a common hybrid, but you may be able to find a puppy in a shelter. Rescues may also have Sharpull puppies available. Before adopting a puppy from a Shar Pei or American Pitbull breeder, research them thoroughly. However, you may have trouble finding a breeder specializing in the Sharpull Terrier.

When you welcome a Sharpull Terrier into your home, be ready for consistent and firm training sessions. Early socialization and training are essential for Sharpull Terriers to prevent them from having aggressive behaviors. They can also be stubborn, so they are not the best option for first-time dog owners. They can be great family dogs if they're well-trained.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Sharpull Terrier 🧠

Are These Dogs Good for Families 👪

Sharpull Terriers can be good family dogs with proper socialization. Pitbulls are loyal, gentle family dogs when trained properly. Shar-Peis, on the other hand, are more standoffish and often have a low tolerance for children. The Sharpull Terrier is not likely to be a good fit for homes with small children, but they're fine for families with older children.

The top concern with Sharpull Terriers as family dogs is their distrusting and aloof behavior toward strangers. While this does make them good for protecting the home, they may be uncomfortable with visitors, including children. Proper training, socialization, and boundary setting are necessary to make these dogs suitable for families and being around children.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets 🐶 😽

It’s hard to determine how well a Sharpull Terrier may do with other pets due to the personalities of both parents. Animal aggression is an accepted part of the breed standard of the American Pitbull Terrier, and Shar-Peis can be hit or miss with other animals. Therefore, proper socialization and introductions are necessary to have the best chance of the Sharpull getting along with other pets in the home.

Remember that Sharpulls are half Terrier, so they may be prone to chasing small animals, like cats and rodents. Proper supervision from an adult should be provided anytime your dog is around other pets, especially small animals. Some Sharpulls will be more receptive to other animals than others, although they are not the best pups to take to the dog park.

Things to Know When Owning a Sharpull Terrier:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Both parents are prone to becoming overweight and obese, so feeding a high-quality diet will help keep your dog at a healthy weight. Selecting a nutritious formula is vital, but providing proper portions based on their weight and activity level will also keep them at a healthy size. If you’re unsure what type of food your dog should eat or how to properly portion the food, talk to your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist for guidance.

Exercise 🐕

Keeping your Sharpull Terrier active will help maintain a healthy weight, burn excess energy, and prevent behavioral problems. Daily activity is crucial, and giving your dog at least an hour of exercise daily is ideal. This can include sports, games, or a simple walk or jog. Each dog is different, and their exercise needs will vary based on their age and health status, so make adjustments as needed to keep your dog in peak shape. Sharpulls can excel in Earth Dog trials, agility, weight pull, and protection work.

Training 🎾

The stubborn Sharpull Terrier requires an experienced dog owner to train, and a professional trainer may be needed depending on the aloofness of your dog. Positive reinforment is typically the most effective type of training. Sharpulls are stout and strong, so training them to walk on a leash and interact in public will keep you and your dog safe, as well as those around you. Although stubborn and aloof, the Sharpull Terrier is often receptive to treats and praise, which are tools to succeed in training.

Grooming ✂️

Pitbulls and Shar-Peis are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. They have some routine grooming needs, however. These dogs are short-haired and don’t have an undercoat, but they are prone to shedding.

Brushing their coat multiple times per week can reduce shedding and keep the coat and skin healthy. Both breeds, Shar-Peis in particular, are prone to developing skin problems, especially in and around skin folds and wrinkles. Routine baths and frequent wipe-downs can decrease the chance of these issues developing, and medicated shampoos from the vet can treat the conditions if they develop.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Male vs Female

Females of both parents are more protective of their family and less trusting of strangers than males are. The male is likely to make a better dog for social situations, while a female would be a better fit for protection work. Physically, females are slightly smaller than males, usually weighing 5–10 pounds less and standing a couple of inches shorter. Both males and females are likely to be stout, sturdy, powerfully built dogs.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Sharpull Terrier

1. The Meaning of “Shar-Pei” May Surprise You.

Anyone who has spent time around Chinese Shar-Peis knows their unusual coat. They have sharp, barb-like hairs that are irritating to people’s skin, even those who aren’t allergic or sensitive to dogs. The name “Shar-Pei” translates to “sand skin,” which refers to their sandpaper-like coat. Although this name directly references their coat, it could also apply to the breed’s abrasiveness toward strangers and anyone or anything they perceive as a threat.

2. The American Pitbull Terrier Isn’t an AKC breed.

You hear about American Pitbull Terriers all the time, and bully-type dogs are common in the United States. However, the American Pitbull Terrier isn’t an AKC-accepted breed. The AKC does accept the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier, although there are differences in the appearance of both breeds. The American Pitbull Terrier is an accepted breed through the UKC and the American Dog Breeders Association.

3. It’s Unclear How Long This Designer Breed Has Been Around.

We don’t know when Sharpull Terriers first appeared. Many assume they were developed in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

Final Thoughts

The Sharpull Terrier is not a dog for the first-time dog owner due to their stubborn nature and powerful build. An experienced dog owner is the best fit, but they can be good dogs for families with proper socialization. This is an active pup with high exercise needs, and they can exhibit behavioral problems without proper exercise. A balanced approach to training is necessary, and it’s important to establish boundaries with your dog while they are young. This will reduce the risk of your dog showing aggressive or dominant tendencies.

Featured Image Credit to: joestoltz, pixabay