Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix (Pit Pei): Breed Info, Pictures & Facts

The Shar-Pei Pitbull mix could definitely pass as one of the most unique-looking mixed breeds out there. This hybrid combines the majestic traits of the Shar-Pei and the bold features of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

If you want to know more about the relatively new hybrid dog, continue reading this guide. Here, you’ll learn about its history, appearance, temperament, common health issues, and more.

This article also includes other vital information that could help you determine whether this mixed dog breed fits you. 

Breed Overview

What Is a Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix?

The Shar-Pei Pitbull mix, also called Pit Pei or Sharpull Terrier, is a mixed-breed dog developed by crossing a Chinese Shar-Pei with an American Pit Bull Terrier. This hybrid dog is protective, intelligent, strong-willed, and loyal. Size-wise, Pit Peis often grow to be medium-sized dogs.

The Pit Pei mix can exhibit both of its parent breeds’ coat colors and hair types. Depending on how genetics play out, a Pit Pei can take on the coat colors and patterns of its Chinese Shar-Pei or Pitbull parent.

On rare occasions, a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix can also be born from an American Staffordshire terrier or other Pitbull-type dog breeds. However, these mixes are rarer compared to Pit Peis born from American Pit Bull Terriers.

Since the Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mix is not purebred, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other major canine clubs. 

However, you can find this mixed-breed dog on dog registries such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). 

Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Origin and History

As with most mixed-breed dogs, the exact origin and history of the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix are not well documented. So far, we know very little about this adorable hybrid. 

Fortunately, we can learn more about the Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mix by taking a look at the history of its parent breeds — the Chinese Shar-Pei and American Pit Bull Terrier. 

The Chinese Shar-Pei is an ancient dog breed whose name means “sand skin.” They can be easily identified by their wrinkled loose skins and harsh coat.

The origin of this dog breed dates back to the Han Dynasty in 200 B.C. They were purposely bred for hunting and guarding livestock. 

Unfortunately, they were also used as fighting dogs before larger breeds were introduced in the arena.

Meanwhile, the American Pitbull Terrier can be traced back to the United Kingdom in the 1800s, when full-blooded Pitbulls were allegedly bred.

These dogs were mainly bred to compete in the cruel sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting.

Because of their history as fighting dogs, Pitbull Terriers and Shar-Peis are typically stereotyped as aggressive and dangerous dogs, when in reality, they are actually calm and obedient canines.

The same can be said with the Pit Pei mix. However, thanks to years of domestication and training, Pitbull Shar-Pei mixes take on the family-friendly traits of modern-day Pitbulls and Shar-Peis.

Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Appearance

The Pit Pei mix doesn’t have an established conformation standard yet. More often than not, its final appearance will greatly depend on which parent breed it will inherit more phenotypic traits. 

For starters, a Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier puppy can sport any of its parent breeds’ characteristics. Interestingly, its appearance leans more towards one of its parents rather than an equal mix of the two. 

That said, the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix can look like a Shar-Pei with few hints of a Pitbull or vice versa. 

Nonetheless, you should expect a Shar-Pei Pit dog to have a sturdy and muscular body frame, just like the American Pit Bull Terrier and Chinese Shar-Pei. 

A Pit Pei will have a harsh coat and wrinkled skin if it takes after its Shar-Pei parent. Meanwhile, other Pit Peis tend to have tight and short coats, just like American Pit Bull Terriers. 

However, you shouldn’t expect a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix to have a long coat unless their Shar-Pei parents exhibit a bear coat. 

Moreover, most Pit Peis are observed to have dark eyes, wrinkly faces, wrinkly skin, wide muzzles, and curly tails. In terms of coat colors, it can exhibit any of its parent breeds’ coat colors. 

Some of its prominent coat colorations include black, gray, brown, red, brindle, blue, tan, cream, fawn, and silver. On rare occasions, the Pit Pei can also take on the coat color of a tri-color, black & white, or champagne Pitbull.

Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Size and Weight

The Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mix is a medium-sized muscular dog. Typically, a fully grown Shar-Pei Pitbull mix can stand between 17 and 20 inches tall and weigh 30 to 60 pounds. 

Size-wise, male Pit Peis are a bit bigger and heavier compared to their female counterparts. This is expected as size is one of the most common differences between male and female Pitbulls as well as Shar-Peis.

At around 18 months, the Pit Pei is already considered full-grown. However, it can still gain a few inches and pounds throughout its lifetime, depending on its diet, health condition, and activity level.

If you want a good estimate on the growth of your Shar-Pei Pitbull mix, familiarize yourself with the growth of its Shar-Pei parent. This will give you an idea of what to expect as your puppy grows.

Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality

Shar-Pei Pitbulls are good companions for the right owners. Although they can be perfect family pets, they are not for everyone. 

These designer dogs can be stubborn sometimes. Therefore, beginner owners might find them difficult to tame. 

Shar-Pei Pit mixes are strong-willed and independent. If you don’t show your authority to these dogs, they won’t obey or listen to you. 

However, despite their parent breeds’ bloody history, Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mixes are not aggressive pooches. They are, in fact, affectionate, intelligent, and loyal dogs when trained properly.

Pit Peis are also protective of those they consider family, making them perfect guard dogs. However, they can be overly territorial sometimes and may bark uncontrollably, especially when they feel threatened or scared.

If you have an active lifestyle, the Pit Pei might be the perfect workout buddy for you. This medium-sized muscular dog requires regular exercise and activity.

However, Pit Pei mixes are not recommended for families with toddlers and children. Although they are calm and patient with children, the sheer weight of the Pit Pei could easily sway a child.

Watch this adorable Shar-Pei Pitbull playing with a Cockatoo:

Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mixes are generally healthy dogs. Their lifespan typically ranges between 10 and 12 years. Some even exceed this life expectancy through proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

That said, the exact lifespan of a Pit Pei mix depends on the health of its parents. Moreover, it also depends on what Pitbull breed it’s born from.

In general, Pit Peis are considered to be healthy. However, this doesn’t mean that they are not prone to sickness and health problems.

Here are some of the common health concerns a Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier mix may suffer from:

• Hip Dysplasia: Unfortunately, both of the Pit Pei’s parent breeds suffer from this crippling disease; hence, they will most likely inherit hip dysplasia. This joint-related disorder is caused by the abnormal growth of the joints in the hips. 
• Hypothyroidism: This health problem occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones called thyroxine. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, skin irritation, sluggishness, ear infection, and slowed heart rate. 
• Obesity: Improper diet and inactive lifestyle could cause obesity in Shar-Pei Pitbulls. An overweight dog has a higher risk of acquiring more diseases, such as heart problems, joint-related illnesses, and canine diabetes. 
• Demodectic Mange: This is a skin infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Demodex canis. Shar-Pei Pitbulls under 18 months old are more susceptible to this skin disease because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Symptoms of demodectic mange include hair loss and skin itchiness. 

If you want to lessen the risk of your Shar-Pei Pitbull acquiring these health problems, you should regularly take it to the vet. 

A healthy diet and an active lifestyle would also go a long way in enhancing the quality of your dog’s life.

How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Shar-Pei Mix

If you want your Pit Pei to live a happy life, you just need to provide a healthy diet, ample exercise, a clean and comfortable space, and unconditional affection. 

The following are some key reminders when caring for a Pit Pei.

Food and Diet

Shar-Pei Pitbulls need a kind of dog food that is packed with nutrients and protein for muscle growth and energy replenishment. 

Healthy treats such as bite-size vegetables and fruits can also be given to Pit Peis to supplement their nutritional needs. 

However, you should be careful in feeding them to your dog since they might be allergic to some of them. According to the AKC, there are some veggies and fruits that could be harmful to dogs.

Shar-Pei Pitbulls are prone to obesity. This is why their feeding schedule and habits should be monitored. Make sure to stick with a routine eating schedule to ensure that they are neither overfed nor underfed. 

Eating habits should also be monitored. Fast eating is dangerous for Pit Peis as it can cause choking, which could be fatal. If your Shar-Pei Pitbull eats too fast, you can try using slow-feeder bowls.

Cleaning and Grooming

Shar-Pei Pitbulls only require low to moderate maintenance. They only need occasional bathing and brushing to keep them fresh. To be specific, you need to bathe your Shar-Pei Pitbull at least once a month and brush its fur once a week.

If your Pit Pei has inherited the folded skin of its Shar-Pei parent, you should make sure that the area under its folds is cleaned thoroughly to remove the dirt and prevent skin problems.

Their ears should also be regularly cleaned as they are prone to ear infections. Meanwhile, the nails must be trimmed at least once a month. 

In terms of teeth cleaning, VCA Animal Hospital recommends brushing at least three times a week. 

Training and Exercise

The Pit Pei is an intelligent mixed-breed dog which is why it is easy to train. However, you should know that they can be stubborn sometimes. 

The independent and strong-willed personality of the Pit Pei is not suited for inexperienced dog owners. You must show confidence while training your dog, or it will dominate you and not obey your instructions. 

Although they love to please their owners, Pit Peis will not do a task if they don’t want to. For cases like this, positive reinforcement and consistent gentle training might help. 

As for exercise, Shar-Pei Pitbulls need long daily walks or activities to keep them in shape. These dogs can easily gain weight, especially when they have an inactive lifestyle.

How Much Does a Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The price of a Shar-Pei Pitbull puppy can range between $500 and $1,500, depending on the lineage and health condition. 

However, you should know that the Pit Pei is not a famous hybrid, and looking for breeders of this hybrid could be difficult. 

On the other hand, you can adopt a Pit Pei from a rescue or a local shelter. The adoption fees for this hybrid usually cost around $100 to $500.

Aside from the cost of the Pit Pei puppy itself, you should also consider including the initial expenses on your budget plan. These expenses include items and supplies essential for your puppy’s comfortable stay. 

Here’s a list of all the initial expenses for a Shar-Pei Pitbull puppy: 

As you have noticed, a large sum of the total initial cost goes to recurring expenses such as food supplies, grooming costs, and medical care.

Meanwhile, items such as food bowls, toys, and beds are usually one-time annual expenses. Normally, you will only need to replace them if they can’t be repaired or used anymore.

Places to Find Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

The Shar-Pei Pitbull mix is not as popular as other Pitbull mixed breeds, such as the Shepadoodle and Aussie Pit. 

This is why looking for a reputable Pit Pei breeder could prove to be very challenging. Fortunately, this guide is here to help you.

Here are some places where you can find Sharpull Terrier puppies for sale:

• Lancaster Puppies – This online pet database is one of the largest pet advertising sites in America. On this website, you’ll find hundreds of pets for sale from reputable breeders. Make sure to check their listings from time to time to see if they have Pit Pei mixes for sale.
• PuppySpot – PuppySpot has over a hundred purebred and designer dog puppies on their listings, including Pit Pei mixes. You will also find detailed information about a dog’s date of birth, location, personality, color, and weight on their website.

Meanwhile, here are some of the rescue organizations where you can find a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix for adoption: 

• Peace for Pits – This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing Pitbulls from high-kill shelters. They provide shelter, food, and medical care to all the Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes they rescue. Currently, their efforts are focused on rescuing Pitties around Chicago. 
• Shar-Pei Rescue of Virginia – This rescue organization takes in and rescues abandoned and surrendered Shar-Peis. They aim to free Shar-Peis from abusive families and institutions. You should check their available dogs’ list as they may occasionally have Shar-Pei Pitbull mixes. 
• Pittie Love Rescue – This Pitbull rescue center is composed of volunteer staff and foster families. Some of the Pitties they rescue come from abusive and unfortunate backgrounds. Nevertheless, the rescue makes sure that all of the Pitties in their care receive medical care and behavioral training before being cleared for adoption. 

If this is your first time adopting a dog from a rescue, you should definitely prepare emotionally, physically, and financially. Rescue dogs are typically more high maintenance because of what they’ve been through.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix

Don’t stress yourself out if you are still undecided about whether the Shar-Pei Pit is the right dog for you. In this section, we’ll explore the pros and cons of owning a Pit Pei mix. 

Here are some of the pros of owning a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix:

• Shar-Pei Pitbull mixes make excellent watchdogs. Shar-Pei Pitbulls have inherited their parent breeds’ exemplary guarding abilities. They are watchful of their surroundings and won’t hesitate to protect their families and properties against danger. 
• These hybrids are easy to maintain. This hybrid dog is pretty easy to groom and maintain. They only need occasional bathing and weekly brushing to be neat and hygienic.
• They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs. An experienced dog owner will find the Shar-Pei Pitbull easy to train because of its natural intelligence. They can easily pick up basic commands and abide by their owners’ rules.
• The Shar-Pei Pitbull mix is generally a healthy hybrid. The Shar-Pei Pitbulls are healthy hybrids because of their hybrid vigor and diverse gene pool. They have lower risks of acquiring breed-specific genetic conditions.

Here are some of the cons of being a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix parent:

• This hybrid has aggressive tendencies. Generally, Shar-Pei Pitbulls are calm and patient dogs. However, they might show aggression, especially if other dogs or animals invade their territories. 
• They are not suitable for families with children. The weight of this medium-sized mixed breed alone could easily push off a toddler or a child. Thus, kids should never be left alone with Pit Peis without anyone to supervise. 
• They could be stubborn. Some Pit Peis inherit the stubbornness and independence of their Shar-Pei parents. They might not obey their owners’ orders when they don’t feel like doing them.

These are just some of the pros and cons of owning a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix. You can use this list when deciding whether this hybrid dog is the right fit for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shar-Pei Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?

Shar-Pei Pitbulls are not inherently aggressive. However, they can be territorial sometimes, especially if other animals invade their space. 

Like with other breeds, early socialization can help balance the territorial and aggressive tendencies of a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix. 

Are Shar-Pei Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Shar-Pei Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. They are moderate shedders, and they lose hair throughout the year. This means that they are not suitable for people with allergies. 

Do Shar-Pei Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?

Shar-Pei Pitbull mixes shed at a manageable rate and amount. They are considered moderate shedders, which means they shed dander and loose hair throughout the year. 

Weekly brushing can help in managing a Pit Pei’s shedding.

Are Sharpull Terriers Loyal?

Shar-Pei Pitbulls, also known as Sharpull Terriers, are very loyal dogs. They treat their owners as part of their families and won’t hesitate to protect them against any form of danger. 

Final Thoughts

If you think you can manage the activeness and stubborn tendencies of this lovely hybrid dog, then nothing should stop you from getting a Shar-Pei Pitbull mix. 

Shar-Pei Pitbulls are also excellent watchdogs. They are easy to maintain and are highly intelligent. However, you should always bear in mind that they can be territorial sometimes. 

The expenses of owning a Pit Pei could seem to be financially daunting. However, you’ll see that it’s worth it once your Shar-Pei Pitbull mix showers you with love and loyalty.

So, are you getting this mixed-breed dog soon? Let us know your thoughts about the Shar-Pei Pit mix in the comments below!