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 attitude, 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.
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.
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 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 the make their puppies are vulnerable to each parents’ 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 this ensures that you make the right choices given the circumstances before you.
The bigger picture of this whole scenario is that these are companies and pet store often conduct large-scale breeding of dogs. More so, their methods might not be the most ethical and animal-friendly. Often, in such a practice, the health of the parent dogs concerning 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 extends also 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.
Other websites also are useful tools for your search, so long as they are reliable. Try www.adoptapet.com or www.petfinder.com
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:
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.
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:
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:
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 make-up 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 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!
Shar Pei crossed with Labrador 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.
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, just make 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.
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 most 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.