Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix: What Is A Pit Bull Shar-Pei Mix Called?

What do you get when you cross a pit bull and a Shar-Pei? The adorable combo is referred to as a Sharpull terrier. With any canine cross, the offspring look like a combination of the two breeds, although some Shar-Pei pit bull mix puppies will resemble one parent considerably more than the other.

Advertisement

Both of these powerful, muscular breeds are approximately the same height and weight at maturity, and both have short coats. However, one of the Shar-Pei's most notable attributes is wrinkly skin, so the Sharpull terrier could appear more wrinkled than the pit bull but not as wrinkled as the Shar-Pei. One caveat: You can never tell what you're going to get when mixing two breeds.

Shar-Pei pit mix size

Your Sharpull terrier will probably end up a similar height and weight to its Shar-Pei and pit bull parents, since both are approximately the same size. At maturity, the Shar-Pei stands between 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders, weighing between 45 to 60 pounds. Males are larger than females.

Advertisement

The breed standard for the American pit bull, recognized by the United Kennel Club but not the American Kennel Club specifies that adult male dogs should stand between 18 to 21 inches tall, and females 17 to 20 inches tall. Males weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, with females weighing between 30 and 50 pounds.

Sharpull coat and coloring

While the breed standards have some pretty strict coat standards for both Shar-Pei and pit bulls, a Sharpull may end up with a coat that is more one than the other, or a little bit of both. The Shar-Pei breed standard calls "the extremely harsh coat" one of the dog's distinguishing features. Any sort of softness or waviness is unacceptable.

Advertisement

The pit bull's coat is short, smooth, and somewhat stiff. In the Shar-Pei , only solid colors are permitted, while the pit bull standard allows any color or pattern with the exception of albino or merle. The latter refers to a genetic color pattern somewhat like dapples, with darker shades of the same hue on a lighter background.

Sharpull terrier temperament

Sharpull terriers come from strong stock. The pit bull originally was bred as a fighting dog. Unfortunately, illegal dogfighting with these canines still goes on. The Shar-Pei was bred to fight as well as herd and hunt in his native China. That means a Shar-Pei and pit bull mix could be aggressive to dogs and other animals.

Advertisement

Since both breeds are strong animals, a Sharpull terrier needs an owner experienced with dominant dogs. Neither breed is especially good with kids, so a Shar-Pei pit mix may not make a great choice for a family dog. While the pit bull can be quite affectionate towards his people, the Shar-Pei tends toward independence and stubbornness, and is more of a one-person pet. That being said, a Sharpull may take after her pit bull roots.

Shar-Pei and pitbull health issues

Both parent dogs are prone to some health issues, and knowing what they are can help you catch or even prevent issues in your Sharpull. Pit bulls are relatively healthy dogs, although they are prone to hip and eye issues, as well as a genetic condition called cerebellar degeneration. This can lead to balance and walking issues.

Advertisement

Shar-Peis have a lot of health issues. You might want to find a vet specializing in the breed. A hereditary condition known as Shar-Pei fever causes regular temperature spikes, swollen hocks, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. The wrinkly skin collects bacteria causing infections, so regular wrinkle cleaning is necessary. Eye problems also plague the breed, as do allergies, slipped kneecaps, elbow and hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Recommended

Advertisement