The world of hybrid dogs is vast and diverse, providing an opportunity to crossbreed some of the most well-known and loved breeds around the world. One of the most adored mixes among dog lovers these days has to be the Pitbull and Shar-Pei mix which is a fusion of two strong and historically important dog breeds. Many dog lovers have embraced this hybrid as they are known to be loyal, protective and possess some distinctive features.
This guide will look at the more interesting parts of the Shar-Pei and Pitbull mix, more commonly known as the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix, and its origins. The guide will provide the prospective owners insight about any shar-pei Pitbull mix puppies they are thinking about getting so that they are aware of the dog physical traits, disposition and behaviour, health issues, training requirements, and other critical factors.
In order to learn more about the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix, it would be vital to look at the two breeds that provided genes for this unique hybrid.
Shar-Pei: Originating in China, the Shar-Pei is a breed that has been in existence for the longest time. These dogs boast of a pronounced hippopotamus-shaped head, small ears, and coarse skin with numerous wrinkles. They were formerly employed as guardians and hunters. The Shar-Pei is quite autocratic and at times even regresses from social interactions due to its introverted nature. Theyβre faithful and protective of their families, but may be suspicious of outsiders due to their strong character.
The heritage of the Shar-Pei as a guard dog is very visible in their temperament. Their nature is yappy, independent and somewhat reserved on most occasions. But in cases of ample socialization, they Can actually be very calm and affectionate.
Pitbull: Many people use the term βPitbullβ interchangeably to refer to multiple breeds such as the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. For the purposes of this article however, we would like to direct oneβs attention to the American Pitbull Terrier which is the breed most simply referred to an American Pitbull Terrier (APBT).
Pitbulls were bred in ancient times to bull-bait, and then they became working dogs and eventually turned into family pets for their strength, loyalty and nurturing attitude towards children. Most people have a rough idea of how Pitbulls are portrayed in the media, nevertheless they remain friendly and eager to impress their owners as long as they are well trained. These are hyper active dogs who are also quite intelligent and bodily active.
Physical Characteristics of the Shar-Pei Pitbull Mix
Physical appearance is one quality that many people adore with the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix. This is because the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix is composed of two breeds of different physiques which makes the mixture of the two breeds unique in its own way.
Size and Build: The Shar-Pei Pitbull is a medium-sized dog that weighs around forty to sixty-five pounds and stands approximately 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder. They appear to retain the muscular attributes of the Pitbull and hence possess broad shoulders, a sturdy build along with the dominant Shar-Pei wrinkle creating skin seams along the face and neck area.
Coat: The coat of this mix is short to medium in length, hair types are rough and dense. The bristles on the Shar-Pei dog are coarse and cover up the dogβs skin whilst the skin of a Pitbull is relatively smooth and contains short hair. The hairs on the coat of the hybrid can be slightly rough but are generally not as coarse as those on a Shar-Pei hence fall between the two dog breeds. The coat colors of the hybrid are black, brown, brindle, blue, cream and fawn.
Facial Wrinkles: A very distinguishable trait of the Shar-Pei and Pitbull mix is the presence of wrinkles although many other areas are believed to be quite wrinkle-free. Although the mixture will not be as deeply wrinkled as a purebred shar-pei, several will possess a few folds about the face and neck and also the shoulders thus having a charming appearance.
Facial Features: The Shar-Pei and Pitbull mix tends to possess a broad head with a square shape closely resembling that of a pitbul while having smaller ears. In this case, flat features are inherited from the Shar Pei. They have almond eyes and they usually have short, wide, flatter muzzles compared to the average pit bull.
Temperament And Behavior
Temperament of the shar-pei-pitbull hybrid dogs automatically baselines around their predominant parental influence breeds, but quite a few common baseline attributes exist for all hybrid mix design composition.
Loyalty and Protectiveness: It is a known fact that both shar-pei and pit bull breeds are extreme loyal family members. This is an exaggeration on all the shar-pei and pitbull mixes and is very emphasised in them making them good guard dogs. Self-defense is an abstract concept that descries their disposition of being considerate to their house and loved ones and possessing initial suspicion to strangers. However, appropriate measures have to be taken to allow the mixture to be well socialized so that they donβt become overly suspicious or even violent in the presence of other people or animals.
Affectionate Nature: Even though they have a hard body, Team players dogs are known to be caring and affectionate towards their families. In particular, pitbulloris especially considered as a βnannyβ dog, as they are gentle creatures and highly entertaining to kids. Such dogs can be wonderful family mates often roaming around their owners, ready to cuddle and play.
Intelligence and Stubbornness: This hybrid is inherited with higher intelligence due to the two parent breeds. This does not eliminate the fact that stubbornness and independence is somewhat innate as well especially when Shar-Pei traits have dominance. Although they are quick learners, training would require a fair amount of time and subtlety in effectiveness, consistency and a firm but a loving approach.
Energy Levels: The Shar-Pei pitbull mix may be considered as βliesurelyβ as they have modest energy. Pitbulls are (highly energetic and always require exercise) but Shar-Pei(on its own) is regarded as somewhat calm and lazy. This mixture can be normal, as it means that this mixture needs to play and then rest. Regular walks and gentle exercises whereby their brains are used combined with some active play are integral to their well being.
Training and SocializationAre you raising a Shar-Pei-Pitbull mix and unsure of how to tackle training practices? Addressing this concerns developing strategies to train a mix of Shar-Pei β Pit bull with a positive and firm approach to control their strong willed natures which is distinct to both breeds. For training a Shar-Pei β Pit bull puppy mix a firm but gentle approach, time, patience and lots of positive reinforcement is a crucial factor as they are somewhat stubborn. This canine is best trained from an early age, around 8-12 weeks. The right techniques should be used to avoid them developing aggressive behavioural traits when mature.
Start Early: The first step in training and socializing your puppy Shar-Pei-Pitbull mix is to introduce him threats so that he does not develop aggressive/overprotective behavior later. Frequent interactions with dogs and puppies of their age/dog parks or play dates help considerably ease the process of socialization. Puppy training is advocated.
Positive Reinforcement: Because they are so excitable, reward training can smoothen the harshness of correction, especially in younger pups. Employ positive reinforcement training namely providing treats, pets, praises, and a little bit of playtime with them as Shar-Pei-Pit bull blend accepts these positive reinforcements and repeat better than negatives. Hence it is best (as in EVERY situation) to remain calm and patient throughout the duration of the training.
Leadership and Consistency: Because both breeds are confident dogs, it is essential for pack leadership to be established. They need to be educated on what boundaries exist and what the expectations are repeatedly, consistently.
Mental Stimulation: Only physical stimulation is not enough for the Shar-Pei-Pit bull canines, and certain mental stimulation is necessary to not only keep them entertained but also ward off boredom. Toys, puzzles and training games are great ways to help Shar Pei pit bull mixes use their minds.
Health Aspects
As with all hybrids, the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix has the potential to develop health concerns inherited from either parent breed. On the positive side, crossbreeding sometimes reduces the chances for some genetic problems, although there may be possible health problems associated with this mix.
Hip Dysplasia: Perhaps the most common concern for both Shar-Pei and Pitbull breeds is hip dysplasia, and there is also a chance for the hybrid to develop this problem. This ailment develops when the head of the femur is not properly situated in the acetabulum, which may cause pain and arthritis to develop in old age.
Skin Problems: The wrinkles present on a Shar-Pei are a major contributing factor to the skin diseases the breed has as there are too much moisture lost within the folds leading to infections. For Shar-Pei Pitbull mixes with wrinkles, it might be necessary to spend effort on keeping such areas clean and dry to avoid pyoderma or dermatitis.
Eye Problems: The main breeds of Shar Pei and Pitbull also have problems with their eyes. The most popular are entropion, a common condition that causes one eyelid to roll inward and irritate the eye. With a regular routine, vaccinations, and occasional examinations most vets will be able to diagnose and treat properly any more serious issues.
Allergies: It is a common occurrence with the Pitbulls to have a skin allergy and this can equally be the case with the mix. These reactions may present as itching, redness and other irritations likely during some seasons and after exposure to certain allergens.
Bloat: Also referred to as gastric dilatation-volvulus, bloat is a condition that can be life-threatening among the likes of deep-chested canines such as the Shar-Pei Pitbull mix. It happens when there is gas in the stomach and it rotates or twists on itself. Immediate veterinary care is warranted when signs of nervousness, drooling and stomach enlargement are seen.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Shar-Pei Pitbull mix is however low grooming design but to maintain their health and comfort, some few aspects still requires focus.
Coat Care: A single brushing session once per week should be enough to remove dead hairs and maintain the health of the coat. This is of great importance during the shedding seasons. Those with short coats would require less grooming but rough coat dogs would require such regular routines of grooming.
Wrinkle Care: In a case where a dog has inherited the Shar-Peiβs wrinkled skin, it is necessary to keep the wrinkles properly scrubbed and scrupulously dry to avoid infectious diseases. A wet cloth is recommended for cleaning the spaces between the skin folds and the area afterward is dried completely. Maintaining skin dryness isΒ <a href=”https://ahsansportsgear.com/golf-cart-prices-in-pakistan/”>Training</a>a