Shar Pei Labrador Mix Facts
The Shar Pei Labrador mix is the love child of breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Shar Pei. They both originate from different sides of the world, with the Labrador coming from Northern America and the Shar Pei coming from East Asia. While different in their roots, both dogs exhibit affectionate, warm, loving, and reconciling attitudes, temperaments, and features that go along together. So much so that they produce an offspring that truly shows what is best in the two breeds: a pup that is truly intelligent in its own way.
Nevertheless, with the good comes the not-so-good, but the adorableness and cuteness of the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei outshine such slight weaknesses.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Shar Pei Mixed with Labrador
- It’s a chaser. The Labrador mixed with Shar Pei has a tendency to wander off and chase animals and people at unexpected walks in the park. Not only are they difficult to control when this happens but they are also very unpredictable at that. It is not suitable for people who are easily vulnerable to sudden chases and unexpected breath-catching.
- It’s unreasonably aggressive. As loyal as this crossbreed can be, it can exhibit aggression towards strangers and other animals. What might seem to be a lovable dog at first, the Labrador crossed with Shar Pei is easy to protect its kin as easy as it is to attack others. It can not adapt to family and home gatherings with tons of visitors nor is it amicable towards other animals. This might cause problems in the long run and might even go as far as paying for injuries done to others.
- It is unsuitable for children. Like its unpredictably tempered Labrador parent, the Shar Pei crossed with Labrador is not an ideal pet for small children. Its patience can be a bit little and they quickly change moods and get territorial or aggressive, regardless of the person’s familiarity with them. What starts out as a mere bopping of the nose or a game of catch can lead to bruised legs and minor scars. Should you opt to choose this dog, a watchful eye must be observed when children are playing with it. They do not particularly tolerate rough play which tends to escalate too quickly.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Shar Pei Mixed with Labrador
- It’s intelligent. Taking good notes from its parents, the Labrador Shar Pei mix packs a brain that functions to adapt to situations and obey (and process) orders to follow. They learn quickly with just the right amount of patience. Training it to obey upon command takes less a bit of a chore than with other crossbreeds.
- They make excellent watchdogs. You can expect to Shar Pei Labrador mix to be a great protector from harm and unwanted intruders. They are observant and keen when taught and trained well enough. They can guard you with their sharp senses, but make sure to be vigilant about their actions as well/
- It is strong-willed and obedient (to its master). The Labrador mixed with Shar Pei is independent enough to be brave on its own. Coupled with intelligence, the strong-will of this crossbreed makes for a disciplined and obedient dog. Once it has established a known master, this crossbreed will maintain and follow his/her order at all costs. It is a loving and devoted companion. This crossbreed is known for its loyalty to its kin. When it knows you to be its family, you can expect it to be by your side at most times. It knows you are its master and respect you with its protective and guarding nature.
Best Pick for Shar Pei Labrador
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Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Shar Pei crossed with Lab
| Weight | 45-65 pounds (both male and female) |
| Height | 18-25 inches (full-grown adult), depending on which dog parent it favors genetically |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat Type | Short, Harsh, and rough |
| Coat Color(s) | Golden, Cream, White, Chocolate, Dark Tan, Brown, Black |
| Amount of Shedding | Minimal |
| Eyes | Almond-shaped |
| Nose | Black or Brown |
| Ears | Overlapping |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Intelligent, Alert, Energetic, Social, Protective, Loyal |
| Hypoallergenic | |
| Kid Friendly | No |
| New Owner Friendly | No |
| Breed Recognition | DRA |
Generally speaking, the Labrador crossed with Shar Pei is a dog that has a sturdy structure, little and over-lapping ears, with the face of its Labrador Retriever parent.
Their noses tend to be either black to dark brown, depending on the favored dog parent. Its eyes are almost the shape of an almond.
Borrowing from its wrinkle-necked Shar Pei parent, the Labrador Shar Pei mix tends to have loose facial skin, although not as wrinkled as its Shar-Pei parent.
Shar Pei crossed with Labrador Puppies For Sale.
What makes the Labrador Shar Pei mix a popular choice for many is its intelligence coupled with its being low maintenance compared to its shedder parent, the Labrador Retriever. Dog owners, especially those new to the whole thing, are expected to know more than just the basics. As such, it is important for them to recognize that crossbreeds inherit the good and bad from both is dog-parents.
Purebreds may not be as healthy as their crossbred offspring but this makes their puppies vulnerable to each parent’s potential diseases. A precautionary measure to ensure that this inheritance, if disease traits do not prosper into adulthood, is to be careful when looking for Labrador mixed with Shar Pei puppies that are for sale.
One essential tip is to never buy a crossbred puppy from an online seller or a large pet store (unless you are sure about their ethical methods). It is important because it ensures that you make the right choices given the circumstances.
The bigger picture of this whole scenario is that these companies and pet stores often conduct large-scale dog breeding. More so, their methods might not be the most ethical and animal-friendly. Often, in such a practice, the health of the parent dogs concerns the health of their offspring.
It is recommended that a customer focuses on local small-scale breeders who are allowing customers to check out their back-of-the-pet-store operations and kennels. A reputable breeder is one who is transparent about their methods. It is essential for you to check if the facility is clean and spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have fun.
The transparency of these breeders also extends to each of their dogs’ records. These breeders would be more than willing to present their stock of genetic health conditions and issues to their beloved customers. You can ask them for the records of the purebred parents and their crossbred puppies for reference.
Here is a list of breeders to jumpstart your search:
All across the state, one can also find puppies from rescue animal shelters. In one of these shelters, there is a possibility that one of them is a Shar Pei mixed with Labrador looking for a new lovely home. Here are some reliable shelters and rescue groups you can contact.
- West Star Ranch (Pahrump, NV)
- Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (Pompano Beach, FL)
- Share Pei Savers (Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin)
Other websites also are useful tools for your search, so long as they are reliable. Try www.adoptapet.com or www.petfinder.com
Grooming Your Lab crossed with Shar Pei
A Labrador Retriever is a shedder while, on the contrary, a Shar Pei is not. Thusly, their crossbred offspring is a dog of medium-length hair, and not that much of a shedder. It is an adorable pup that is average to low maintenance; in other words, they do not require much extensive grooming.
For one, this crossbreed is not hypoallergenic and a bit of a drooler. As such, it is recommended that clothes be taken out of the way so as to prevent the hair and fur is a bit of a chore to clean.
To ensure less shedding, one must brush the Shar Pei crossed with Labrador monthly in order to remove excess debris and loose fur, and properly distribute the natural oils.
Should your Labrador Shar Pei mix have many folds and wrinkles on its skin, regular cleaning and cleaning of these folds is recommended to prevent yeast and bacteria build up? Do the cleaning of such folds during regular baths.
While patting the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei down, you must properly wipe them with a damp wet cloth, while focusing on the following specific areas:
- Folds on the skin
- Foot pads and paws
- Anal region and tail
- Eye Region, especially the eyelids
As with all dogs, regular brushing of the teeth is also recommended not only for good oral hygiene but also prevention of nasty dental disease. The ears must also be a focus of the cleaning, and must be regularly checked for signs of infection and nails should be trimmed frequently. Note, when trimming their nails need, one needs extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent infection.
Shar Pei Labrador Mix Health Problems
It must be noted that all crossbreeds can be prone to an array of issues from either of its purebred parents. It is also possible, however, that the offspring not be totally vulnerable to these diseases.
Nevertheless, a quick overview of the purebred parents’ diseases gives light upon what future problems that the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei would possibly face.
A healthy Labrador Retriever’s lifespan is around 10-12 years. They are known to suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia. Similarly, they also develop eye problems such as cataracts or PRA blindness.
A healthy Shar Pei’s lifespan is, on the other hand, around 9-11 years. They are known to face skin problems with their many folds and complicated eye problems such as entropion.
The Labrador Shar Pei mix’s life expectancy, from the given information, is about 10-12 years, give or take.
Depending on its favored parent, the Labrador crossed with Shar Pei have usually been showing to be vulnerable to ailments that affect their parent such as:
- Eye Problems: The most common problem among these complications is Entropion. Without the proper diet and care, this can lead to taking and, worse, surgery. If not treated at the earliest instance, the Entropion can even cause permanent blindness.
- Skin problems: Because of its many folds, this crossbreed is prone to skin infections if not tended to properly. Avoiding skin complications means regular brushing and wiping of sensitive areas.
- Hip Dysplasia: A lot of crossbreeds with a Labrador Retriever parent suffer from this, and the Shar Pei crossed with Labrador is no exception. A focus on exercise and diet high in meat and glucosamine is recommended to prevent Hip Dysplasia complications.
Shar Pei Mixed with Labrador Food Requirements
The Labrador Mixed with Shar Pei is a relatively large dog which can consume around 3 to 4 cups of dry food every day.
Check for foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Glucosamine, and “meat” in them for stronger bones and muscles. This is to prevent complications from suffering from Hip Dysplasia.
With a tendency to overeat, the Shar Pei Labrador Mix are at high risk of becoming obese. If your dog suffers from obesity, it does not look good with the potential risk of the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei’s vulnerability to Hip Dysplasia.
Carefully monitor your pup’s calorie intake and focus on feeding him high-quality proteins and meat. You must have him do small frequent meals instead of one large meal to prevent bloating.
Giving of treats and scheduled feedings must be intermixed with free-feeding of at least once per week. This is to make sure that your Shar Pei crossed with Labrador does not become obese. The focus must be not to go overfeeding the dog, that’s why the free-feeding option is introduced.
The proper mix of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be consulted with the veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to assess the nutritional and essential needs of your dog according to their weight and size.
Owners should focus on buying dog food rich in glucosamine or chronodotin, or both. These nutrients are vital in lowering the risk for hip dysplasia. A good thing about the market is that it is filled with high-quality dog food and you won’t miss them out. Ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specific characteristics.
Here are some examples of high-quality dog food available in the market:
- BlueLife Food: DHA is incorporated into their ingredients for more significant help in mobility and brain growth In addition, the company which produces this food has a specialty in making all-organic and all-natural dog food.
- Victor Performance Formula with Glucosamine Dog Food: This is a notable dry dog food rich in glucosamine. It’s worth the try even with its high price since you are getting your dog the nutrients it needs to keep strong bones and healthy joints. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. More importantly, this dry food has high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a controlled diet rich in healthy fats.
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food: This is a dog food that is good for stocking up your dog’s joints and muscles. It is made as an ideal choice for average to large dogs for building their muscle fibers. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat (high in glucosamine), chicken, and real beef perfect for a Labrador and Shar Pei mix to enjoy.
- Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken and Oats Dry Dog Food: This dog food is well known to include a rich level of glucosamine. This dog food is made with free-range chicken without added growth hormones and steroid to provide your dog with the necessary amino acids which help define muscle tone and fiber. It has fiber from real fruits and vegetables, which support digestion and intestinal health. The vitamin E found in this dog food will keep the connective tissues of the muscles strong and prevents the loss of the elasticity of your dog’s skin and muscle
- Wellness Complete Health Senior Debone Chicken and Barley Recipe Dry dog food: This fresh-tasting meal consists of is blueberries, carrots, apples, deboned chicken, and spinach. Such a formula is perfectly designed to fit your Labrador Shar Pei Mix’s need in building strong bones and joints. Not only does this provide an answer for those joints, but it also stocks the fibers from berries and vegetable for their natural bowel movement.
- SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. It has high amounts of essential botanical oils and glucosamine to improve your dog’s bone structure and health.
All dog parents want to keep their furry babies happy and healthy all the time. Whether yours is big or small, avoid giving them the worst dry dog food, and opt for some of the best dry dog food options, such as:
If your furry friend is still just a puppy, check out our list of the best puppy food brands. Alternatively, your doggo may be a wise, gray-coated dog-grandpa, so make sure to offer them only the best senior dry dog food to keep them in tip-top shape even in the sunset of their life.
Never forget that your lovely mixed doggo carries the genetic makeup of their unique and gorgeous (albeit sometimes vastly different) parents. That is why you can freely serve them any of the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Consult with your vet before you change their diet from the core!
Labrador Mixed with Shar Pei Exercise Requirements
Shar Pei crossed with Labrador, who do not require much running and exercise to fulfill their energy needs since they are a medium energy breed. An hour of physical activity per day will satisfy its basic energy requirements.
Typically, this crossbreed enjoys a variety of different exercises such as swimming, hiking, running, sprint walking, playing fetch, and playing with humans and dogs. After some ample time of exercise and play, a Labrador Shar Pei mix will be resting comfortably at your feet.
Shar Pei crossed with Labrador Training.
With regards to training, owners would not have a difficult training the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei because of its innate intelligence. This crossbreed could easily pick up your hand gestures and signals, with a focus on your verbal and hand instructions. They might require, among other things, a few repetitions to perfect an act, but with the right amount of socialization and obedience, this pup can learn it more efficiently and quickly.
Borrowing from its equally obedient purebred Shar Pei parent, the Labrador mixed with Shar Pei is willful to do tasks and actions, making sure he understands you as being its master.
As with any dog, a positive rewards-based approach is best to use for this crossbreed. Other methods will not be as effective and efficient as this one. With a mixture of firm instructions and lots of praise, a rewards-based approach is typically the ideal training to use.
Shar Pei crossed with Lab and Families.
The temperament of its Labrador parent seems to be a problem for most families, and the Labrador Shar Pei mix inherits that trait. While it might seem like a happy Labrador baby with a few wrinkles, this crossbreed has a not-so-ideal temperament, which families would not particularly enjoy.
Without the proper socialization and good training, the Labrador Shar Pei mix tends to get easily aggressive, especially during rough play. When playing with kids, this dog must be properly observed. Vigilance is required, especially during parties, as this dog places its aggression against strangers who come near.
The only remedy to this is training and socializing your Labrador crossed with Shar Pei with other dogs and humans for a more controlled temper.
Shar Pei Labrador Mix FAQ
How long do Shar Pei mixes live?
The lifespan of a Shar Pei Labrador mix, like any other dog, can vary based on factors such as genetics, overall health, and quality of care. On average, mixed-breed dogs typically live between 10 to 15 years.
Shar Pei American Bulldog Mix – is there such a mix?
Yes, it’s possible to have a mix between a Shar Pei and an American Bulldog. A Shar Pei American Bulldog mix may exhibit a combination of traits from both parent breeds, including appearance, temperament, and size.
How long does Shar Peis live?
Shar Peis, in general, has an average lifespan of around 8 to 12 years. Proper care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups can contribute to their overall health and longevity.
American Staffordshire Terrier Shar Pei Mix – what can I expect?
A mix between an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Shar Pei may result in a dog with a combination of traits from both breeds. These can include characteristics such as size, coat type, and temperament. Early socialization and positive training are essential for a well-rounded companion.
Shar Pei and American Bulldog Mix – what are their characteristics?
A mix of Shar Pei and American Bulldog can produce a dog with a unique combination of features. Both breeds have distinct appearances and temperaments, and the mix may inherit traits from either or both parents. Understanding the characteristics of each breed is essential for providing proper care and training.
References:
- Davison, L.j., et al. “The CaninePOMCGene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, 8 Feb. 2017, pp. 343–348., doi:10.1111/jvim.14636.
- Chang, Ting-Hsiang, et al. “Stretchable Graphene Pressure Sensors with Shar-Pei-like Hierarchical Wrinkles for Collision-Aware Surgical Robotics.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, vol. 11, no. 10, 1 Mar. 2019, pp. 10226–10236., doi:10.1021/acsami.9b00166.
- Pets, About. Shar-Pei. Simon & Schuster, 2005.
- Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shar_Pei
