It wouldn’t be a surprise that this is the first time you’re hearing about the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix. That’s because this cute, designer dog is not actually the most popular family pet in the world.
These canines, despite the fact that they come from two quite popular dog parents, are not as represented as other mixes. However, they still make decent family pets, as they are loyal, affectionate and pretty adaptable to all sorts of environments.
Still, in order to meet this cute hybrid in detail, we need to go from the very beginning and give this puppy a proper introduction. Let’s take a ride!
What Is The Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix?
The simplest definition of the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix would be the following: This is a family dog with extremely emphasized guardian traits. That’s right. These canines come from two very dominant and vigilant dog breeds.
That means they are ready to serve and protect you at all times. Both GSDs and Pei puppies are extremely cautious, which is why they were initially used as guard dogs.
Other than that, these canines are respectable working dogs and service dogs, as they perform various tasks without a problem.
The chances that this mix will have the same characteristics are pretty high. In fact, canines with most of the GSD bloodline will be pretty good athletes, perfect for sporting families.
GSDs are known to be among the healthiest dog breeds in the world, which is a plus if you intend to buy their offspring. It is highly likely that this designer dog will reach up to 14 years of life if properly maintained.
Meet The GSD Shar Pei Mix’s Parents
We couldn’t predict the character of the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix without getting to know its parent breeds first. Both of these purebred canines belong to the medium to large dog breeds club.
This Chinese Shar-Pei Mix is highly likely to join the same club, which is why you need to take into consideration its daily feeding habits.
Both of the parents are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat – health conditions related to big dogs.
Other than that, these purebred dogs require early socialization and obedience training, as they are naturally reserved towards strangers.
If you have big crowds of people coming over to your house on a daily basis – early training is something I would highly recommend when it comes to this mix breed, too.
Still, both GSDs and Shar Pei canines make excellent human companions, as they are easily attached to their owners. Still, where you buy your future puppy is one of the most important things. Reputable Shar Pei and German Shepherd breeders will make sure you get a socialized and well-behaved puppy from the start.
German Shepherd
What could we possibly say about the GS puppy that it hasn’t been already said throughout the years!? This is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, as GSDs are highly represented in the United States, and in other parts of the world, too.
Both long-haired and short-haired GSDs are long-term members of the American Kennel Club, as they were accepted in 1908.
This gorgeous, large dog stands up to 26 inches in height. GS male puppies weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, while females can reach up to 70 pounds in their adult age.
Even though this canine belongs to the club of the healthiest dog breeds in the world, GS dogs live between seven and ten years.
Black and cream is their most popular coat color, but the breed standard also recognizes black, blue, black and tan, black and silver, gray, sable, liver, and white as common GS colors, too.
These canines serve as family dogs, but they are also widely used as watchdogs, law-enforcement dogs, military dogs, working dogs, and livestock guardians.
They are characterized by exquisite intelligence, which is why GS puppies are perfect for find-and-rescue purposes, as well as for AKC contests.
GS puppies are beautiful dogs that enjoy long walks, but they also prefer high-intensity training. Sixty to ninety minutes of exercise during the day is a must if you are a proud GS owner. These canines are natural athletes, which means they need to have some time outside the house.
You need to be careful about the GS feeding chart, as these canines, just like Pitbulls, Labradors, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, Malinois, and other large dogs, can suffer from bloat.
Shar Pei
Even though these purebred canines are much less represented among dog owners all over the world, Shar Pei puppies are probably one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
They originally came from the Han dynasty in China, where they served as guard dogs.
However, the breed was also used as a fighting dog and a herding dog throughout history.
Even though this is a serene dog, all Shar Pei and Shar Pei mixes will do anything to protect their home. Despite the fact that these canines are maybe not as athletic as German Shepherd dogs, they are still very strong and bulky.
These gorgeous dogs were accepted by the AKC in 1992. Their height revolves around 18 and 20 inches, while their weight is somewhere between 45 and 60 pounds. This is a medium to large dog breed, which doesn’t require as much exercise as GS puppies.
Thirty to sixty minutes of moderate exercise during the day is enough if you own this canine. These dogs with bear coats and wrinkled faces enjoy an indoor life, which is why you can find them joyfully lying on the couch for a good part of the day.
They resemble Chow-Chow puppies in their physical appearance, but their coat is significantly shorter. Shar Pei canines come in various colors. The most popular coat colors of this dog breed are black, brown, cream, blue, black sable, isabella dilute, and lilac dilute.
Their long, wide muzzle resembles those of hippopotamuses. Even though this is a cute dog at first, it still requires early obedience and socialization training.
If you’re a novice owner, there are two things that you can do: you can use training tips from professional dog trainers, or you can find a less-demanding dog breed. This canine is not actually recommended to first-time dog owners, as it can be stubborn and mischievous at times.
When Did This Crossbreed Appear?
There is no exact birth date of the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix. In fact, this hybrid dog is not as popular as other German Shepherd mixes, which is why its history is pretty vague.
Many dog experts claim that this dog comes mostly in the F1 variant, which is why it is almost impossible to predict the character of the future puppy.
Still, we can presume the characteristics of this canine by looking into the overall character of its two dog parents. Generally, this dog has been designed for family purposes, but the dog can be used as an excellent guardian, too.
Furthermore, both of its parents are extremely intelligent dogs, even though the Chinese canine can be stubborn at times.
Both GSDs and Chinese Shar Peis have the guardian character, which gives their offspring the guardian note, too. On the other hand, we can expect this mixed breed to be slightly less active, as these canines need moderate activity during the day.
No more than sixty minutes of exercise is required on a daily basis, which is perfect for families that live a moderately active life.
The GSD Shar Pei Mix Physical Appearance
The physical appearance of this mix is a debatable subject. Generally, these dogs resemble a GSD with a wrinkled face. They have long, straight ears and medium-long coats, but some mixes can have triangular ears and a very short coat, too.
They stand anywhere between 18 and 26 mixes, which places them among medium to large dog breeds. This canine requires a carefully designed feeding chart, as both of their dog parents have a tendency to gain weight easily.
If we look into the German Shepherd feeding chart, we can see that these canines require foods with proper representation of protein, healthy fats, and green vegetables. The same goes for the Shar Pei German Shepherd mix.
Obese German Shar-Peis are unhappy canines, as they cannot perform regular activities properly. Furthermore, obesity can be a trigger for major diseases, such as heart disease.
These mixed canines usually have a long, black, or brown muzzle and hazel or dark brown eyes. Their snout is somewhat thicker than in GS puppies, which gives them a sharp look.
However, their faces are not as wrinkled as those of their purebred parents. Still, these canines are most likely to have broad noses and a sturdy body physique.
Size
Many Shepherd Pei Mix puppies share the Shar Pei growth chart, which means they are 18 to 20 inches tall and 40 to 60 pounds heavy. However, some pooches reach up to 26 inches in height, while their weight can reach up to 80 pounds.
Still, these canines are not as athletic as their GS parents, as they have a thicker body physique and shorter legs. That is why you should not overwhelm your puppy with high-intensity training and long-interval exercises.
These hybrid dogs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and they require moderate activity during the day.
On the other hand, their size needs to be monitored on a daily basis. There is a pretty good chance that you will overfeed your puppy if you don’t follow the strict feeding chart. These canines require high-quality foods and a medium protein intake.
Furthermore, try giving them healthy snacks during obedience training. These canines don’t take table scraps well.
These canines are prone to heat stroke, as they have short, broad noses. Due to that, they need high amounts of water, especially in the summer.
Still, this is a powerful and extremely strong dog that has a muscular body physique.
Coat Type And Coat Color
Generally, these canines have a short to medium-length coat. Some mixes of a long-haired GSD and a Shar Pei can have long hair, too. When it comes to coat colors, this pooch inherits the color patterns of both parents.
Still, the most popular colors of this puppy are tan, sable, black, cream, blue, and bi-color. They have a smooth coat, which means brushing them once, or twice a week will be sufficient.
This is not a hypoallergenic dog, so if you or your family members suffer from dog allergies, the recommendation is to look for a dog with a hypoallergenic coat. If you’re a large dog lover, Poodles are an excellent choice!
Using the best-smelling dog shampoos for all coat types in baths is generally a good choice. Still, you may want to consult your veterinarian about the possible allergies your dog might have. Skin problems are not that rare in this breed.
Since this is not a high-maintenance dog breed when it comes to grooming, a monthly bath will be more than enough. A bear coat in this puppy will make your life easier, as these canines are low to moderate shedders.
Still, if you’re planning to have this puppy inside a house, purchasing a dog bed wouldn’t be the worst option. Getting your puppy used to one sleeping place will save you from hours of cleaning.
The GSD Pei Temperament
In order to get to know the temperament of the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix, you need to look into the temperament of its parents first.
Both of its parents have independent and strong characters, which is why you need to socialize your puppy during the puppyhood stage.
Obedience training would be a good option, too. These canines are not the friendliest dog breed in the world, especially if you don’t give them a proper amount of positive reinforcement during the puppyhood stage.
Using interactive dog toys and healthy snacks as positive reinforcement tools are excellent ways to mentally stimulate your puppy. These canines can be stubborn and mischievous at times, which is why dog training plays a crucial part in their upbringing.
However, these canines are excellent family dogs, which means they won’t ever hurt their family members. Still, the breed is recommended for families with older children.
Furthermore, using dog training collars, dog harnesses, or a leash for outside activities are good choices. Since this is a guard dog, it may not get along with other dogs well.
Housing
One thing is for sure – the GSD parent is certainly one of the greatest family dog breeds in the world. This trait is related to the Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix, too, which means this hybrid puppy will excellently fit into your loving home.
Even though these canines can be mischievous at times, just like Huskies, Husky mixes, or Chihuahuas – they can also be well-mannered and obedient dogs once they undergo the training process.
German Shepherd puppies are known to be one of the best dogs when it comes to training, as they are intelligent and task-oriented. Luckily, the same goes for this mix. Socialization and obedience training will help you adapt this canine to your home faster.
On the other hand, the reason why these dogs are suitable for an indoor life is that they don’t need as much exercise as their German Shepherd parents.
Moderate activity will make them burn out their energy, and they will gladly sneak into your bed or onto the couch for a cuddle. However, just like their Shar Pei parents, these designer dogs need some time for themselves, as they don’t enjoy being bothered.
That’s why this breed is recommended for families of adults.
The Shepherd Pei Around Kids And Pets
Generally, these German Shepard successors are family-friendly, but they are not recommended for families with small kids. That’s because these canines don’t have as high of a level of tolerance as other dog breeds, such as Labradors or Poodles.
Still, properly socialized and obedience-trained puppies have proven to be respectable family dogs. In fact, their GS parent has made them highly trainable, as their purebred parents are known to be one of the best trained dogs in the world.
German shepherds are good with cats, birds, hamsters, or other house pets once they are properly socialized. The same can be taught to their offspring, but the general recommendation is to keep them away from small animals.
Their hunting instinct dates back to ancient times, as their parents – Chinese Shar Peis, have been used for fighting and hunting.
Are German Shepherd Shar Pei Mixes Aggressive
Both of its parents can sometimes be qualified as aggressive dog breeds. This is due to their history of being guard dogs.
These canines are fearless, which is why they are excellent when it comes to home or livestock protection. In fact, the intuition, high intelligence, and high-sense of smell of GS puppies are why they are used to this day in the police and military.
If you’re intending to buy this puppy for yourself, make sure you buy it from a reputable breeder. Quality breeders will always make sure you get a well-mannered and socialized dog.
Still, if you are a first-time dog owner, it would be good to look for professional help from certified dog trainers. These canines can be overwhelming in training, as they require firm leadership and a lot of commitment.
Sometimes novice owners fail to implement these things, and their canines become stubborn, mischievous, and aggressive at times.
However, early socialized and obedience-trained Shepherd Peis will be excellent family dogs with a very low percentage of aggression.
The GSD Shar Pei Puppy: Health issues
Since this is a dog that comes from two extremely healthy parents, the assumption is that it won’t have as many health problems as other large dog breeds.
Still, this canine, just like any other large dog, is prone to bloat and hip and elbow dysplasia. Some dogs can suffer from heart problems, too. However, the last one mostly depends on lifestyle and feeding habits.
Regular vet exams are a must for any dog breed. Aside from that, if you notice that your dog is acting weird all of a sudden or that it is displaying unusual symptoms, you should pay your veterinarian a visit.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
These two separate health problems are basically related to large dog breeds, and both of them are inherited. Hip dysplasia in dogs represents a loosening of the hip joint, while the latter represents an abnormality in the elbow joint.
Canines that suffer from these hereditary issues need to be subjected to treatment as soon as possible, as untreated dysplasia can lead to further abnormalities or injuries.
Both of these problems are noticeable from a young age, which is why you need to pay attention to the quality of a breeder. Reputable breeders will test their puppies for hip and elbow dysplasia without exception.
Most of the time, surgery is the best solution for puppies that suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. However, the surgery cost revolves between $1500 and $3000 on average, which is why you might consider having pet insurance.
Bloat
Bloating is a pretty dangerous condition in dogs, as untreated bloat can have deadly repercussions. This condition represents a gastric torsion, which is a result of improper feeding and low-quality foods.
Dogs that suffer from this condition face severe stomach aches, lack of movement, loss of appetite, lethargy, and a bloated stomach. In some cases, the question of ‘‘Will a dog with bloat drink water’’ can be a true nightmare.
The recommendation that I can give to all dog owners is to avoid poor-quality food and table scraps.
Furthermore, you should give your puppy its meals timely and in smaller portions. Never feed your dog less than two hours before bed time. Unprocessed foods can cause bloat, too.
Also, take care of your puppy’s body position during meals. In some cases, elevated bowls prevent bloat from happening.
Heart Issues
If you’re feeding your dog with the worst dog food brands on the market, you’re not doing it a favor. Instead, try using high-quality food brands or homemade raw food that contains healthy ingredients in order to keep your puppy healthy.
Heart issues are generally a result of a poorly-planned feeding chart and a bad lifestyle. You need to give your Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix the proper amount of exercise during the day, as well as a well-planned feeding chart.
Obese puppies are more prone to heart diseases than puppies with a normal weight. Heart issues have a plethora of symptoms, among which the most popular are: lethargy, lack of energy, breathing heavily, fainting, and weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, visit a vet as soon as possible. Untreated heart problems can have fatal consequences in no time.
FAQs
Even though both of these dogs are natural guardians and watchdogs, there are several differences between them.
For starters, GS puppies are known to be large dogs, while Shar Peis are placed among medium to large dog breeds.
GSDs are generally more athletic, they have better stamina, and they are better trained than their counterparts. In fact, GS puppies are known to be among the easiest dogs to potty train, which is not the case with Shar Peis.
On the other hand, both of these dogs are highly intelligent and adaptable to family life.
Another difference between these two dogs is that GSDs are not as stubborn as Shar Peis. In fact, GS puppies love task-oriented activities, and they will do anything to please their owners. Furthermore, GSDs are better with small kids and other house pets.
However, both of these dogs require early obedience and socialization training in order to remain calm and friendly.
The fact that this rare breed is such a good family dog makes the Shar Pei cost high. These canines are decent family dogs, and they are easily attached to their owners.
Properly trained and socialized Shar Peis will be excellent life companions for moderately active families. They don’t need as much exercise as GSDs, which makes them perfect for moderate activities, such as walks, playing in a dog park, or fetching a frisbee.
Still, these canines need a lot of work and commitment from an early age, as they can be aggressive and suspicious towards strangers.
Conclusion
The Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix makes a decent human companion and a good family dog. Hopefully, by reading this article, you found elementary information on this rare dog and all pros and cons of having one in your home.
Certainly, this is a unique dog breed that you don’t come across that often. Its uniqueness is what makes this dog so special, though.
However, the fact that this is a rare dog breed makes the quest more difficult, as there are not many reputable Shepherd Pei breeders.
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