Chow Chow and Shar-Pei mix, also known as a Chow Pei, is one unusual companion dog. This unique puppy has Chinese ancestors, but it’s believed that the Chow Pei was first bred in the United States.
Unfortunately, we don’t have much information about the dog’s origin and breeding. But, we do know that a Chow Pei is an all-purpose dog, quite independent and sometimes anti-social.
Still, this doesn’t mean that the Chow Pei isn’t a good family dog. They tend to bond hard with their owners and make excellent protectors and watchdogs, all thanks to their hunting traits.
Chow Pei does need lots of training to control its high energy drive, but it’s something crucial for this breed.
What else is crucial for the Chow Pei dog is how to deal with it, and where to find these puppies is waiting down below. We’ve got you covered, so you don’t have to dig around!
Shar Pei Chow Mix: Facts About Parent Breeds
Shar Pei
The Shar-Pei is a Chinese dog once used as a guard or hunting dog. Eventually, this pup became a favorite of the Chinese warlords and emperors. Their loyalty and bravery made them welcome to any household, and it’s something that hasn’t changed even today.
You’ll easily recognize a Shar-Pei for its wrinkled skin, but there are other colors and types like the bear coat Shar Pei.
Today’s Shar-Peis are independent dogs, strong-willed, protective, and highly devoted to their owners. The Chinese Shar-Pei is not friendly with strangers, but they’re very affectionate to their owners.
Since these dogs were once used as fighting dogs, it’s no surprise that aggressive behavior can show up on the surface, especially towards other animals like cats. That is why early socialization is a must for Shar-Pei dogs.
Chow Chow
Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds out there, and it comes in a variety of colors. It is believed they come from North China. The Chow Chow is also known as the lion-dog of China, which is just one of their names. Back in the time, Chow Chows were used to protect Tibetan temples and to serve as guard dogs for the royalties. Today, the Chow Chow is still one of the top choices for a pet dog in China.
Chow Chow is often compared to a cat because of its personality, but you’ll agree dogs are better, right? They’re independent, reserved, and stubborn from time to time. Both male and female Chow Chows are like that!
Chow Chow loves spending time with his family, but spending time alone gives pleasure equally.
Just like the other parent breed, the Shar-Pei, this dog needs early socialization to become friendly and calm when around other animals and people.
Shar Pei And Chow Mix: Breed Info And Facts
Appearance
Chow Peis can get its physical appearance from either one of its parents, but it usually has Shar-Pei’s wrinkled and loose skin on the head and neck.
Their ears resemble the Chow Chow, and the coat can be either short or long, but it’s usually thick and soft.
The dog’s trademark? The black tongue!
No matter which side of the family the Chow Pei puppy takes after, it will still be an adorable and unique-looking puppy.
Photo from: @mochi.the.chowpei
Colors
Chow Peis usually have brown eyes while their nose could be in black or brown.
Their coat color can have the following variations:
• Black
• Brown
• White
• Sable
• Brindle
Size and Weight
Chow Peis are medium-sized dogs with stocky bodies. These pups are known for their strong neck and upper body. Also, they carry a lot of muscle mass.
A full-grown male Chow Pei can weigh around 40 to 60 pounds, while a full-grown female can weigh around 35 to 50 pounds.
Even though they’re quite big, Chow Peis aren’t tall. They have relatively short legs. Females are around 13 to 16 inches tall, while a full grown male is around 13 to 20 inches tall.
Personality And Temperament Of A Chow Pei Dog
Photo from: @odie_the_chowpei
Chow Pei’s personality and temperament depend only on the genes the puppy gets from its parents.
Chow Peis are very loyal, intelligent, loving, and alert. They might be calm, but they’re in no way friendly with kids or strangers.
You will need to give lots of training and socialize your Chow Pei puppy from an early age. Otherwise, you will end up with an aloof dog.
Sure, a Chow Pei will be okay with kids inside the house, especially if they’ve been around them since the beginning. But, it’s the outside world that causes issues with behavior since it’s full of new challenges and situations.
Since both parents are intelligent dog breeds, the Chow Pei will also make a smart pup, but sadly, this intelligence won’t come in handy when going through dog training.
Chow Peis have an independent nature. Training will require lots of time and patience. Truly, it’s a challenging situation that will push your limits.
Chow Chow and Shar Pei are both highly active dog breeds. Their puppy will need a moderate amount of exercise a day in the form of daily walks.
These aren’t very vocal dogs, and they will only bark if they see an intruder. In fact, this can be a good thing if you want peace and quiet.
The Chow Pei gets its hunting skills from its ancestor. They’re notorious for wandering around and going anywhere their nose takes them. It’s not odd for a Chow Pei to follow a scent and investigate around the block.
If you’re working long hours, then this might be the dog for you. The Chow Pei can be left alone for some time. In fact, they love being alone. Don’t worry; they can take care of themselves.
However, this doesn’t mean that a Chow Pei doesn’t like spending time around people. They do, but they prefer to be around people with whom they have bonded.
Lifespan: How Long Does A Chow Pei Live?
Photo from: @baby_thechowpei
The average life expectancy of a Chow Pei depends on the puppy’s parents. If the Shar-Pei parent is a descendant of American quality, then your Chow Chow Shar Pei mix will live a short lifespan.
However, if your puppy’s parents are both purely Chinese, then your puppy will live a bit longer.
On average, Chow Pei dogs live from 10 to 15 years. Many factors affect their lifestyle and could improve or decrease their life expectancy. Health risks, exercise, and diet are the main factors that affect the lifespan of a Chow Pei.
Chow Chow And Shar-Pei Mix Basic Needs
Photo from: @bernie_the_chowpei
Chow Peis require lots of training and proper socialization from early puppyhood. These dogs have a high energy drive, which means you will need to spend quality time everyday to burn their energy.
This is not a dog for first-time owners. If a Chow Pei doesn’t get its physical and mental needs satisfied, it will be miserable and behave badly.
Training Requirements
Training a Chow Pei is a challenge. These are independent and dominant dogs that won’t think twice before making things harder for you. A Chow Pei owner will need a firm hand and lots of patience to complete the training successfully.
Early socialization is a must when we talk about this designer dog. It’s highly important to introduce this mixed breed to different animals, people, sounds, and situations as soon as you get it. You will need to teach the difference between a positive and a negative experience.
It would be best if you could introduce new people to your dog gradually. Maybe even give them a treat that your Chow Pei likes in order to help out with the introduction.
When training a Chow Pei, you need to use an assertive voice. They don’t hear a polite tone, and they react the best when authority is established.
Sometimes, you’ll catch your Chow Pei dog nipping and chewing on your belongings. This should be stopped immediately, and you will need to ensure that your dog knows what he’s doing is wrong.
Tips To Train Your Chow Pei:
Chow Pei believes he knows best. Training them isn’t a walk in the park, so keep your patience and focus on getting the desired results.
A Chow Pei isn’t the right choice for first-time owners. You should look for other breeds if you’re not an experienced dog owner.
You will need to show your Chow Pei you’re the pack leader and set up authority without using punishments.
Keep it cool when your dog becomes difficult to train. But, when he does something right, use positive reinforcement and treats to reward him.
Getting professional help if you can’t handle the training is absolutely fine.
Chow Pei is a smart dog breed, but its intelligence might mess with the training as these dogs are very independent.
Since both parents were hunting dogs, your Chow Pei must be trained to curb the habit of roaming.
Photo from: @baby_thechowpei
Exercise Requirements
We’ve already mentioned that Chow Pei dogs are active dogs. They require several walks a day, or extensive exercise sessions to keep the dog healthy and fit. A Chow Pei can live in an apartment as long as his exercise needs are met.
To keep your Chow Pei happy, ensure that both mental and physical exercise is given. These pups need something to do to avoid getting bored. Interactive games and puzzles where your dog has to use his intelligence to find a treat are excellent ways to keep your dog exercised and entertained.
Chow Pei dogs need lots of space, especially to play. This dog functions the best in a large, fenced yard where he can run and play as much as he wants.
If you’re a busy owner who has little to no time to walk your dog or spend some quality time playing in the park, then the Chow Pei is not the dog for you. These pooches are ideal for active dog owners that lead a healthy lifestyle.
In case your dog refuses to walk, you should consider taking it for a checkup.
Tips To Exercise Your Chow Pei:
Chow Pei is a highly active dog breed. They should spend lots of time each day on walks, running, or exercising.
Chow Pei should walk at least 10 miles a week.
Daily exercise needs should be at least 90 minutes of intense exercise and activities. Two or three exercise sessions a day would be ideal.
Chow Pei must always be on a leash when going outside; otherwise, he might wander off.
Mental health is as important as physical health, so invest in quality puzzle toys.
If your Chow Pei exercises regularly, it will be safe from some health conditions such as obesity.
Space Requirements
This Chow Chow and Shar Pei mix can live in a small apartment, but it should have access to a big and secured yard. Since a Chow Pei needs lots of exercise, at least make sure you take it out to the park if your space is crowded.
Chow Peis that live out in the yard should live in a secured and fenced area because they love to explore and hunt scents. Their nose can surely get them in some trouble!
How Much Food Does A Chow Pei Need?
Photo from: @sidneythechowpei
Chow Pei needs about 3 cups of food per day. The dog food they need should be high-quality and consist of lots of proteins and nutrients.
Dogs weighing more than 70 pounds should eat 4 cups of food a day. These cups should be divided into several meals.
Chow Pei has small legs and they’re not meant to carry extra weight. Treats can be used as a reward, but you shouldn’t use them too often in order to avoid obesity. Gaining too much weight will have a negative impact on your Chow Pei.
You should never feed your Chow Pei human food scraps or food like hummus, paprika, peppers, bagels, or poppy seeds as they can be toxic for dogs.
How Do You Groom A Chow Pei?
Photo from: @sidneythechowpei
Chow Chow and Shar-Pei mixes aren’t hard maintenance. Most of the time, their coat is thick and soft, and it can be long or short.
Chow Pei should be brushed several times a week to remove dead hairs and dirt. The brushing frequency increases as the season changes. Sadly, they’re not hypoallergenic dogs. Neither the Chow Chow or the Shar Pei is good for people with allergies, but only the Chow Chow sheds. The Shar Pei doesn’t shed, but it’s still not hypoallergenic.
The Chow Pei can be bathed once or twice a week, sometimes even more often if they’ve been too active. Bathing them will help get rid of the bad odor many owners complain about.
What you will need to take care of more often are their ears. They don’t need as much cleaning as they need checking for inflammatory signs. They have floppy and folded ears just like the Shar-Pei. Also, keep their eyes, nails, and teeth tidy.
When grooming at home, you should find high-quality products. Cheap shampoos and conditioners will save money, but will cause skin irritations, and possibly even more severe conditions.
Pros and Cons of a Chow Pei
Photo from: @sidneythechowpei
Those of you who are thinking of getting a Chow Pei, but are still not sure whether this is the right doggy for you should take a look at this list of pros and cons.
Pros
• Chow Pei is an intelligent dog breed.
• They’re loyal and very protective of people with whom they have bonded.
• They can live in apartments, too!
• They’re very aware of strangers, and are excellent watchdogs.
• Chow Pei is not a high-maintenance dog breed. You won’t spend hours grooming them.
• With their soft and fluffy coats, Chow Pei dogs are one of the most adorable dogs.
• Chow Pei is not a vocal breed. Your neighbours won’t have to worry about sleepless nights at all!
Cons
• They are independent and strong-willed. Training them is quite hard.
• Early socialization and training are a must for Chow Peis. Otherwise, you won’t have a normally-functioning dog.
• Chow Peis need lots of exercise and activities in order to stay healthy.
• Chow Peis are not friendly to kids and strangers. If you want them to tolerate children and other pets, you will need to train them well.
• They are very tough to find.
• Chow Peis are not cheap dogs at all. It will cost you a pretty penny to buy one as well as to take care of him.
• Chow Peis have strong hunting instincts, meaning they tend to wander off. Make sure the area where you keep them is secured, and you never take them out without a leash.
Chow Pei Puppy Price
Photo from: @mochi.the.chowpei
As we mentioned, the Chow Pei is not an easy dog breed to find. It’s not a cheap one either! You might consider yourself lucky if you find one in your area.
Both parents, the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei, are expensive dog breeds.
The cost of a Chow Pei puppy can be anywhere from $1000 to $2000. Since they’re so difficult to find, their price can only go up, not down.
Chow Pei Puppies For Sale
The Shar-Pei parent breed is not an easy one to find. In fact, it’s one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
To find a Chow Pei is not easy either. You might check out dog shelters, but the chances of finding one of these babies there is really low. They’re not that common among dog owners like Bulldogs, Retrievers, or Shih Tzus are.
What you can do is reach out to a breeder; a local one or one overseas. Still, chances aren’t that big, but they’re possible.
However, you need to ensure that your Chow Pei puppy doesn’t have a history of fighting dogs in the family. The Shar Pei is still a fighting dog in China and Hong Kong, and it’s something we tend to avoid. Such dogs produce puppies with aggressive behavior and a nasty temperament.
Any way you choose, you should always check all the paperwork and medical history in order to ensure all parameters are met. No one wants a dog with a history of ailments and behavioral issues in the family.
Your best chance for getting a Chow Pei would be to contact a breeder who specializes in breeding Chinese dogs.
Chow Pei Common Health Risks
Photo from: @baby_thechowpei
One of the biggest concerns about a Chow Pei’s health is their folded skin. This kind of skin can develop rashes or bacterial infections. It’s not easy to clean and keep it that way. Eventually, bacteria will grow and cause issues.
What you can do is clean your Chow Pei’s skin every week to reduce the chance of bacteria growing in the folds.
Here are some major health problems you should know about when getting a Chow Pei:
• Patellar Luxation
• Skin Problems
• Bloat
• Eye Problems like entropion
• Cancer
• Hypothyroidism
Other minor health concerns:
• Bone and joint problems like hip dysplasia
• Skin Fold Dermatitis
Proper exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of getting some of these diseases.
When taking care of your dog’s physical health, you should never forget its mental health. Only a healthy dog is a happy dog.
Chow Chow and Shar-Pei Mix: How To Breed Them
Photo from: @bernie_the_chowpei
Chow Chows and Shar-Peis are medium-sized dogs. Their breeding can be either in a natural way or through artificial insemination.
Before breeding, make sure that both dogs have their medical history checked and they’re not carrying any diseases. Purebred dogs should always participate in the breeding process to ensure top-quality puppies.
Natural breeding can be done when the female is in heat. Check for signs (a swollen retinal area, bloody discharge) to make sure your female is in the heat cycle. They usually strike twice a year.
A male dog will be attracted to a female when she’s in heat. If your female dog is ready for mating, she will allow the male to mount her. Otherwise, she will chase him away.
The heat cycle can last up to 11 days, so use this window of opportunity if you want Chow Pei puppies.
The most important thing about breeding Chow Chows and Shar Peis is to let an experienced breeder do it. This is a complex process that doesn’t involve messing around if you want pure Chow Pei puppies.
Final Thoughts
A Chow Pei is not the dog breed for everyone. It has a nature of its own, and needs that must be met. An inexperienced dog owner might have issues in dealing with these dogs.
But, if you’re good with dogs, and your Chow Pei bonds with you, then you will have a loyal friend despite all of its aloofness.