Shar Pei – Rocky Kanaka https://rockykanaka.com Every Dog Deserves a Loving Home Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:21:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://rockykanaka.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/favicon.png Shar Pei – Rocky Kanaka https://rockykanaka.com 32 32 The Surprising Reason No One Wants This Purebred Shar Pei Dog https://rockykanaka.com/the-surprising-reason-no-one-wants-this-purebred-shar-pei-dog/ Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:47:34 +0000 https://rockykanaka.com/?p=35988 In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a purebred Shar Pei named Charlotte has once again found herself in the confines of a shelter after being abandoned for the second time. Charlotte’s story highlights the challenges faced by shelter dogs and the uncertainties they endure in their quest for a forever home.

Purebred Shar Pei

Charlotte’s journey began when she was anonymously left in the night drop area of a local shelter. The night drop area is designed to provide a discreet and anonymous way for individuals to surrender dogs, whether they are Good Samaritans who found a stray or owners who can no longer care for their pets. When Charlotte arrived, she did so without a name, leaving the shelter staff to christen her as “Charlotte.”

???? Navigating Shar Pei Dog Price In 2023

Initially, Charlotte’s stay at the shelter was brief, lasting only about a week. During that time Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka spent time with her in her kennel.

Shar pei - sitting with dogs
Rocky Kanaka and Charlotte

She was quickly adopted by someone who, no doubt, saw the value of finding a shar pei at a shelter and of course her potential for companionship and love. However, this seemingly perfect match was soon marred by a significant obstacle – Charlotte’s incompatibility with cats.

It was with heavy hearts that Charlotte’s adopter made the difficult decision to return her to the shelter. This heartbreaking return was not a reflection of Charlotte’s character but rather a testament to the complexities of pet compatibility.

Charlotte’s situation sheds light on the importance of responsible pet ownership and thorough consideration before bringing a pet into one’s home. The decision to adopt a pet should involve a thorough evaluation of the pet’s needs and the owner’s ability to meet them, including compatibility with existing pets. The previous adopter should have conducted a cat test for compatibility.

Purebred Shar Pei - Charlotte

???? Shar Pei Coat Colors: A Rainbow of Wrinkles 

Despite her challenges, Charlotte’s journey is far from over. She is once again seeking a forever home, one that will provide her with the love and stability she deserves. As the shelter staff diligently works to match her with the perfect family, they remain hopeful that Charlotte’s next chapter will be one filled with happiness and lasting companionship.

For now, Charlotte remains a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, a reminder that every shelter dog deserves a chance at a better life, and an embodiment of the shelter’s mission to ensure the well-being of every animal that crosses its threshold.


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Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:47:36 +0000 Dog's Up for Adoption Foster & Adopt
The Pit Pei: A Guide to the Shar Pei Pitbull Mix [With Photos] https://rockykanaka.com/the-pit-pei-a-guide-to-the-shar-pei-pitbull-mix-breed/ Wed, 06 Sep 2023 01:32:46 +0000 https://rockykanaka.com/?p=35865 If you spend a little time searching, you can find almost any combination of dog breeds and an almost endless supply of designer mixes. The Pit Pei (AKA Sharpull, Sharpull Terrier, or Shar Pit) is one such designer mixed breed, but this one is both unexpected and fairly rare. The Pit Pei is a Chinese Shar Pei Pitbull mix and a fascinating combination of two much beloved and controversial breeds.

pit pei = shar pei + pitbull

The Shar Pei is a truly unique dog breed originating in China whose features have gained international recognition. Wrinkled skin, small ears, large muzzles, and short coats that look almost like velvet are all hallmarks of the breed, and highly desirable to Shar Pei enthusiasts. 

The American Pitbull Terrier (the most common breed combined with Shar Pei to create Pit Peis) is a mid-sized bully breed also considered a member of the terrier group. Pitbull Terriers are known for their broad, flat heads, high-set ears, and athletic physique. Like Shar Peis, Pitbulls also have short fur, but theirs is silkier and lays flat rather than standing on end. 

Pit Peis (Sharpei Pit mixes) are goofy, energetic, alert dogs who develop deep bonds with their humans and display remarkable loyalty. Here, we’re going to dive into the world of this unique mix and share all of our findings on the Pit Bull Shar Pei mix. 

Meet 7 Pitbull Shar Pei Mixes from Instagram

Get ready to see some of the cutest, wrinkliest, most smiley dogs you’ll ever meet! Pit Peis are truly a delightful mixed dog breed, but no need to take our word for it. Let’s take a look at a selection of Shar Pei and Pitbull mix pictures to get a good idea of what this mixed breed can look like!

1. Broskii

Broskii the pit pei
Source: @BroskiiBrooo

This very handsome and wrinkly boy is Broskii, a Pitbull mix with Shar Pei with all-red features! Broskii is still growing and has a lot of puppy left in him, but you can already tell he’s going to be a beautiful adult with that signature Shar Pei wrinkled skin. 


2. Charlie

Charlie the pit pei
Source: @CharlieThePitPei

Charlie is a lovely red and white Pitbull Shar Pei mix who gets a lot of her features from the Pit Bull side but has a few wrinkles around her face and a lovely soft rounded muzzle, like a Shar Pei. Charlie loves getting zoomies in nature, snuggling with her mama, and playing in rivers, pools, or any other water source!


3. Balú

Balu the pit pei
Source: @Balu.MyDog

Balú is a six-year-old Pit Pei mix from Brazil who could play all day long if his humans let him! A happy-go-lucky pup with endless energy, Balú loves to play with other dogs, play with his toys, go for long walks, and watch beautiful sunsets from his balcony. 


4. Penny

penny the pit pei
Source: @LasAventuras_Penny

Lovely Miss Penny here is a chocolate brown Shar Pei Pit mix from Tandil, Argentina. Penny looks a lot like a purebred Shar Pei, but if you look closely, you’ll see plenty of her Pitbull features. Penny loves to explore the great outdoors, spend time with her humans, and enjoy a life of luxury after being abandoned by her first humans. Thankfully, Penny was found by a group of friends and nursed back to health, and her life is beautiful now!


5. Gary

gary the pit pei
Source: @GaryAndDougs_Life

Gary is a very stately Pitbull and Shar Pei mix whose BFF is a little Boston Terrier named Doug! Gary is a playful boy with a mischievous streak and is a big fan of pretty much any and all dog toys. This Pit Pei is also quite the smartie pants and is great at solving puzzles for treats. 


6. Luciano

luciano the pit pei
Source: @Luciano_Sharpull_Terrier

Luciano (or Lou for short) is a gorgeous reverse brindle Shar Pei Pitbull mix with a knack for falling asleep in almost any position! Reverse brindle means that Luciano’s base coat is red/fawn while his stripes are black. Standard brindle is a black base coat with red or fawn stripes. 


7. Oreo

oreo the pit pei
Source: @OreoSweetiePie

Among examples of the Shar Pei Pitbull mix black is a semi-uncommon color. Although both American Pitbull Terriers and Chinese Shar Peis naturally can have black fur, most examples of the Pit Pei mix are red, fawn, or shades of brown. Oreo is a super sweet black and white Pit Pei who absolutely loves car rides, but would rather pass on the baths. 

Pit Pei Basic Info

Results can be a little uncertain when you start mixing different dog breeds, even if they have similar traits. For example, one Shar Pei Pitbull mix puppy might be very affectionate and eager for attention from humans, while another Shar Pei Pit mix puppy from the same litter might be aloof and independent. Purebred dog breeds are more predictable in terms of looks and temperament thanks to standardization, but it’s impossible to truly standardize mixed-breed dogs. 

With this in mind, we’ve done our best to collect information about Pit Peis to try to give you an idea of what life with one might look like. Remember, there’s no guarantee your Pit Pei will be the same as someone else’s, but we can give you some general tips, bits of advice, and pieces of information based on other people’s experience with the Shar Pei dog Pitbull mix. 

Pit Pei Temperament

The Chinese Shar Pei and the American Pitbull Terrier have fairly different personalities. The Shar Pei is calm, independent, stubborn, and loyal, and has a strong protective nature. They are suspicious of strangers, and may take time to warm up, but can be deeply affectionate with their humans, Most Shar Pei mixes inherit at least a few of these qualities. 

“We’ve had Shar Pei and Pit Bulls for years and recently just adopted a Shar Pei/Pit Bull mix…Something that has been consistent with every single Shar Pei that we’ve ever had has been their stubbornness,” says a comment from a Reddit user who owns a Pit Pei. “I swear I’ve never seen a more stubborn breed of dog and our [Pit Pei] puppy seems to have inherited the stubborn Shar Pei streak as well.”

a pit pei
Source: Kira – Mabbr.org

American Pitbull Terriers are lively, social, energetic, and eager to please. Known for their love of humans (adults and children alike), Pitbulls are excellent family dogs and love to play, snuggle, or just be in the presence of their people. Athletic and alert, some Pitbulls can be reactive to other dogs or small animals, and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and balanced. 

“Our Shar Pei Pit is older and slower now but was always an aloof girl…Quite tolerant of our other Pits but was never super into running around and playing. She will pick a human and want to lay next to you. Loves every human she meets…but otherwise usually just wants to do her thing,” says another comment from a Reddit user. Further down in the discussion, this commenter added more detail: “She is definitely loving but she isn’t a velcro dog like our [Doberman/Pitbull] mix, or water or toy obsessed like our Staffy. High prey drive and the most food motivated creature though.” 

Pit Pei Size

The size of a full grown Shar Pei Pitbull mix can vary, especially depending on what variety of “Pitbull” your Pit Pei is mixed with. The majority of Pit Peis are a mix of American Pitbull Terrier and Chinese Shar Pei and are large to medium-sized dogs that stand an average of 17–21 inches tall and weigh around 45–60 pounds. 

Pit Pei Health

Shar Pei dogs are unfortunately plagued with a host of health issues, several of which are shared by the American Pitbull Terrier. Pit Peis may inherit health problems from either of their parent breeds, but can of course also develop health issues independent of their genetics. We’ve compiled a list of health problems your Pit Pei could inherit, and have made those health conditions that are common in both parent breeds bold. 

  • Skin problems (e.g. skin infections, fungal infections, skin allergies, demodectic mange, atopic dermatitis)
  • Joint problems (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation) 
  • Allergies (e.g. environmental, food)
  • Hypothyroidism 
  • Bloat
  • Eye problems (e.g. cataracts, glaucoma, entropion)
  • IBS
  • Shar Pei Fever

Where To Find Pitbull Mixed with Shar Pei Puppies

Because a Shar Pei mixed with a Pitbull does not create a purebred dog, and because these two breeds do not combine to create a dog that is healthier or more temperamentally stable than either purebred parent breed, we do not recommend trying to buy Pitbull Shar Pei mix puppies from a breeder. 

If you really have your heart set on a Pitbull Shar Pei puppy (or adult!), try visiting a local shelter (which we promise will be full of Pitbull mixes) or checking out a breed-specific rescue. Here are a few resources to help you start your search for a Pit Pei.

Pit Pei FAQ

pit pei
Source: 101dogbreeds.com

We don’t blame you for having more questions about this mysterious mix! Here are some of the most common questions asked by other dog lovers learning about the Pit Pei. 

How long do Shar Pei and Pit mixes live? 

Unfortunately, life expectancy for a Pit Pei is not particularly long, especially since many Shar Pei mixes begin to show signs of health issues at a young age. By looking at the average lifespan of both parent breeds (American Pitbull Terriers and Shar Pei) we can guess that most Pit Peis will live around 8–15 years

What is the average Shar Pei Pitbull mix price? 

If you are buying a Shar Pei Pitbull mix puppy from a breeder (which we don’t recommend) you’ll pay between $500—$2,000. While this may not sound like much money in comparison to other designer mixed breeds, it’s important to remember that there is no oversight for the breeding of these dogs, and the people producing them are largely backyard breeders and puppy mills. 

Are Shar Pei mix breeds good family dogs? 

Sometimes. American Pitbull Terriers are well-known for their love of people and gentle nature with kids, but as with all breeds, they should still be supervised with young children. Shar Pei may tolerate or even be affectionate with children in their immediate family, but are often suspicious and aloof around children they don’t know. 

If you have little kids, the Pit Pei may not be the right mix for you, but remember, all dogs are individuals with unique personalities.

No matter what, always supervise your dog with your children. 

Do Sharpei Pitbull mixes make good guard dogs? 

No. We don’t recommend using any breed as a guard dog, especially if you are not a professional whose work involves working breeds doing official jobs. While Shar Pei may be slightly territorial and protective, they are certainly not guard dogs. American Pitbull Terriers love everyone, and would happily give an attacker a kiss. 

What do you call a Shar Pei Bull Terrier mix?

You might think that a Shar Pei Bull Terrier mix would be called a “Bull Pei” but that’s actually the name for a Shar Pei mixed with an English Bulldog. You might also think the name “Sharpull Terrier” could apply to the Shar Pei Bull Terrier mix, but this term describes a Pitbull x Shar Pei. 

For now, the official way to describe this hybrid breed is the Shar Pei Bull Terrier mix. 

What do you call a Shar Pei Lab Pitbull mix? 

A Shar Pei mixed with a Lab is called a Lab Pei, and a Shar Pei mixed with a Pitbull is called a Pit Pei. While there’s no official name yet for a mix of Shar Pei, Labrador Retriever, and American Pitbull Terrier, we figured we might as well create one ourselves. Let’s call this hybrid the Shar Labull Terrier

What is the difference between a Shar Pei and a Chow Chow? 

Both Shar Pei and Chow Chow originate in China, and many assume that these breeds both stem from the same indigenous dogs. Shar Pei today mostly have short fur, while Chow Chows look like little wrinkled teddy bears. Both breeds are considered aloof and independent, but the Shar Pei is more even-tempered than the Chow. 

What is the best best Food For My Pit Pei?

What is the best food for your dog?

The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.

This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.

Save 60% on your first order

2. Sundays Food For Dogs
Sundays For dogs woman pouring into bowl
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.

Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35

3. We Feed Raw.

This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.

Supplements:


I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.


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Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:21:03 +0000 Pit Bulls Breeds
Meet The Ori Pei—A Wrinkly Mix of Pug and Shar Pei  https://rockykanaka.com/meet-the-ori-pei-a-wrinkly-mix-of-pug-and-shar-pei/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:22:33 +0000 https://rockykanaka.com/?p=35458 One of the oldest and most uniquely North American designer mixed breeds is the Ori Pei. A mix of Pug and Chinese Shar Pei, the Ori Pei was first created in the 1970s by a breeder named Aaron Silver. The goal of mixing the Shar Pei with the Pug was to produce a healthier version of Shar Pei dogs while retaining their coveted and unique breed standard—the skin folds, the velvety fur, the small ears, the curly tail, and both meat mouth and bone mouth features. 

Ori Pei

Also called the Shar Pug, the Pei Pug, or the Pug Pei, the Ori Pei is much beloved by lovers of purebred Shar Peis and designer mixed breed enthusiasts alike. Here, we’re taking a deep dive into the looks and unique qualities of the Ori Pei and will introduce a handful of these dogs so you fully imagine what life with an Ori Pei is like. 

Meet 8 Ori Peis from Instagram

Some Ori Peis look a lot like Shar Peis, and to the untrained eye, they could possibly pass for purebred. Once you learn what to look for when identifying a Shar Pei Pug mix, you’ll easily be able to distinguish them from their purebred cousins and parents. Here, we’re showing a selection of Ori Peis in different colors, different sizes, and with different features from their parent breeds. 

1. Brandi, Moomie, & Pretzel

Ori Pei dogs
Source: @OriPei_Sisters

You’re getting a three-for-one deal with our first featured Ori Pei Instagram—meet Brandi (14, center), Moomie (13, left), and Pretzel (10, right)! These gorgeous girls are all Ori Peis, or Pug and Shar Pei mixes, but they all have very different personalities. 

Brandi is the oldest and most mature of the group—she will definitely judge you for late breakfasts! Moomie, the middle child, is a sweet girl with a protective streak who loves her family above everything else. Pretzel, the baby, is a little shy but is working hard to come out of her shell and show her amazing personality. 


2. Missy

Ori Pei dog and a corgi
Source: @Missy_The_OriPei

Like Shar Pei dogs, Shar Pei mixes like the Ori Pei can have spotted or speckled coats. Missy (left) is a lovely little black and white Ori Pei from New York City who loves to hang out with her doggie friends. Here you can see a size comparison of Missy and her Corgi friend—purebred Shar Peis are quite a bit taller than a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but as you can see Missy is almost the same height. 


3. Toby

Ori Pei
Source: @TobyTheOriPei

Toby is a nine-year-old Ori Pei who looks a lot like a purebred Chinese Shar Pei, but his tail gives away that he is actually a Pug mix! Shar Pei tails curl a little, but they don’t corkscrew as tightly as the Pug tail. Pug tails are also thicker at the tip, while purebred Shar Peis have tails that are known for tapering to a fine point. In standard Shar Peis, the higher the tail is set the better, and Toby definitely has a high-set tail. 


4. Porkchop

Ori Pei dog
Source: @Porkchop_The_OriPei

It’s been rumored that when you reach the end of a rainbow, there’s a good boy waiting there to give you a smooch! When he isn’t playing pot of gold, Porkchop the Shar Pei Pug mix is busy snoozing on the couch, modeling a new fashionable look, or keeping his eyes on his humans’ food to make sure they eat every morsel. 


5. Payton

Ori Pei dog
Source: @Payton.Da.OriPei

This very handsome boy is Payton, a 14-year-old Shar Pei Pug mix from the Chicago suburbs whose favorite activity is lounging outside, or anywhere snacks are being eaten. Payton gets his looks from both the Pug and the Shar Pei side, but you’ll probably notice that his snoot looks a little more like a flat Pug face than the bulbous Shar Pei nose. 


6. Cerisa

Ori Pei dog
Source: @Cerisa_The_OriPei

Beautiful Cerisa is a black Ori Pei, which probably means her parents were a black Pug and a black Shar Pei. Shar Peis come in more than a dozen standard colors, but Pugs come in only two. Because of this, there is less color variety in Pug Peis, but they still come in colors like fawn, red, black, and brown. 


Ori Pei Dog Basic Info

The original goal of creating the Ori Pei was to honor the breed standards of the Chinese Shar Pei while adding genetic diversity to reduce some health issues common within the breed. Ori Pei may indeed be slightly healthier than their Shar Pei parents, but many still suffer from the same issues and may have medically complicated lives. While the addition of Pug may not guarantee a healthier dog, Ori Peis do have more social and relaxed personalities than the Shar Pei. 

Let’s take a closer look at the health, temperament, and size details of this mix. 

Ori Pei Temperament

The Ori Pei’s temperament combines the loyal and protective nature of the Shar Pei with the goofy and laid-back vibes of the Pug. Dogs who bond closely with their families, Ori Peis enjoy being social and loving with those they trust but may be reserved or suspicious with strangers. Thanks to their Pug parentage, Ori Pei have a lower prey drive than most Shar Peis and often do well with other dogs

Like both Shar Peis and Pugs, Ori Pei are independent while still being attentive to their humans. Because they like to set their own boundaries, the Ori Pei may not be the best breed for homes with young children, though some may be very playful and enjoy respectful older kids. 

Ori Pei Size

Quite a bit smaller than purebred Shar Peis, but larger than Pugs, Ori Pei usually stand at around 12–15 inches tall and weigh around 15–30 pounds

Ori Pei Health

Unfortunately, both Pugs and Shar Peis are plagued with health issues, and many Ori Peis inherit these same problems. While their status as mutts or mixed-breed dogs can protect them from some genetic and breed-specific diseases, they are still susceptible to these health problems: 

  • Joint issues (e.g. hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease)
  • Eye problems (e.g. ulcerations and eye injuries, entropion, glaucoma)
  • Skin issues (e.g. allergies, skin fold infections, yeast infections, demodectic mange)
  • Breathing and respiratory issues
  • Neurological issues (e.g. epilepsy) 
  • Shar Pei fever (Shar Pei recurrent fever syndrome) 

Where To Find Ori Pei Puppies

The best place to find an Ori Pei puppy—or any mixed-breed puppy/dog—is at a shelter, humane society, or animal rescue! Mixed-breed dogs are available by the thousands, and there are even private rescues that specialize in specific breeds or mixes. To find an Ori Pei, we recommend checking out your local shelters, online rescue resources, and both Shar Pei and Pug rescues. Here are a few links to get you started. 

ori pei
Source: mind2muscle

Shar Pei Pug Mix FAQ

Learn more about Ori Pei parent breeds, and other Shar Pei mixes you might hear about when chatting with lovers of this fascinating breed. 

What’s the difference between a Shar Pug and a Shar Pei Puggle mix? 

A Shar Pug is a mix of purebred Shar Pei and purebred Pug. A Shar Pei Puggle (or a Shar Puggle) is a mix of a purebred Shar Pei and a mixed-breed Puggle—AKA a Pug Beagle mix. Shar Pugs have two parent breeds, while Shar Puggles have three. 

What is an Ori Pei Bulldog? 

An Ori Pei Bulldog is usually an Ori Pei (Pug mixed with Shar Pei) mixed with an English Bulldog. Ori Pei Bulldogs have three parent breeds: Shar Pei, Pug, and English Bulldog. 

Where do Shar Peis come from? 

The Shar Pei dog breed originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Intelligent dogs with high prey drive and instincts for protection, Shar Peis were used as livestock guardians, hunting dogs, and herders. After thousands of years of indigenous history in China, the Shar Pei was almost wiped out following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, which enacted a range of social policies, including a ban on dog ownership. 

A few Chinese Shar Peis survived and were kept by residents of Hong Kong and Taiwan. Dog breeders dedicated to preserving this ancient breed made a purposeful effort to create Shar Pei breeding programs and to reach out to breeders around the world for help. Among them, a breeder from Hong Kong named Matgo Law became particularly influential, and is credited by many for urging American breeders to buy Shar Pei puppies and invest in the breed. 

The Shar Pei was enthusiastically received by American dog lovers, breeders, and kennel clubs, and is now a widely recognized breed around the world. 

Where do Pugs come from? 

Like the Shar Pei, the Pug has more than 2,000 years of documented history and originates in China. The Pug was exported from China much earlier than the Shar Pei and already had a solid footing globally before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. European royals began importing Pugs around the 16th century and helped to popularize the breed not only in Europe but abroad. 


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Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:22:35 +0000 Breeds
Shar Pei Coat Colors: A Rainbow of Wrinkles  https://rockykanaka.com/shar-pei-coat-colors-a-rainbow-of-wrinkles/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:35:52 +0000 https://rockykanaka.com/?p=35386 One of the world’s most unique-looking dog breeds is the Chinese Shar Pei. A purebred dog breed with more than 2,000 years of history, these visually stunning dogs were once versatile companions of the people, used as livestock guardians, hunters, and herders. Today, the Shar Pei is prized for its fascinating features like its small ears, deep skin folds, blue-black tongues, and large, almost hippo or manatee-like snouts. 

Shar Pei Coat Colors: A Rainbow of Wrinkles 

Most well-established purebred dog breeds are so standardized that they come in only one, two, or possibly three accepted colors. Not so for the Shar Pei. The American Kennel Club alone accepts nearly twenty standard Shar Pei coat colors, plus a variety of patterns and markings. Here, we’re going to meet an array of Shar Peis in different colors and get to know what it takes to have a Shar Pei of your own. 

19 Shar Pei Colors & Patterns Explored on Instagram

Shar Peis come in solid colors and multi-colored varieties, so if you’re planning to buy a Shar Pei black and white, brindle Shar Peis, and sable Shar Peis are available. However, you won’t merle Shar Peis, as the merle gene is not standard within this breed. Some solid color Shar Peis also have slight shade or hue variations in their coats.

With more than a dozen standard coat colors accepted by the AKC and other kennel clubs, we’ll be focusing only on Sharpei colors you’re likely to come across from reputable breeders. Rare Shar Pei colors don’t really exist, since this beautiful and distinctive breed naturally comes in a rainbow variety of hues. 

Types Of Coats

Before we take a look at the many gorgeous shades of Shar Pei, let’s quickly go over the three coat types of Shar Pei: 

Horse coat

Shar Pei Coat Colors

Shar Peis are the most common, and have a short coat with hairs that stick up vertically from the body, making their fur almost prickly while also giving the illusion of velvetiness.


Brush coat

Shar Pei Coat Colors

Shar Peis have a slightly longer coat than horse coat varieties and are softer to the touch.


Bear coat

Shar Pei Coat Colors

Shar Peis have long fur relative to the other varieties and are sometimes mistaken for Chow Chows thanks to the furry mane they grow around their head and neck. The bear coat is not considered AKC standard.


1. Thor the Apricot Dilute Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Thor_Peiby

Apricot dilute is possibly the color most associated with Shar Peis, other than red, which we will show in a moment so you can compare. Thor here is a gorgeous apricot dilute Shar Pei from the UK who loves to be outside, even in the snow!


2. Prada & Love the Red Shar Peis

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @LoveAndPrada

The red Shar Pei coat is very similar to apricot dilute but deeper and richer in tone. Prada (far left) and Love (middle) are red Shar Peis with the most common “horse coat” type fur. Their little sister Tesla has the more unusual “bear coat” and is a lovely shade of chocolate dilute, which we’ll feature again a little later. 

Red Shar Peis also come in “five-point red dilute,” where five specific points on their body have darker, richer red than the rest of their coat.


3. Pilsen the Red Fawn Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @PilsenThePei

Pilson—named for the neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois—is a red fawn Shar Pei enjoying Colorado mountain living! His beautiful red fawn coat combines creamy, blonde fawn and true red, and can look a little different depending on the light. 


4. LeRoy the Red Sable Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @DirtRoadPhotoVA

This beautiful red sable bear coat Shar Pei is LeRoy! LeRoy has the great pleasure of having a photographer as his human, who loves to take photos of LeRoy’s stunning coat. Red sable Peis like LeRoy have a red base coat with brown or black tips. Bear coat Shar Peis are sometimes mistaken for Chow Chows, but they are distinctly different dog breeds. 


5. Ralphie the Fawn Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Pippa_The_Velvet_Hippo

Fawn Shar Peis look very much like apricot and red fawn Shar Peis, but their coat color is lighter and more golden than red. Ralphie is a two-year-old fawn Shar Pei from California, and can you believe how cute his wrinkles are?

There are also fawn sable Shar Peis, which have this lovely strawberry blonde base coat with brown or black tips. 


6. Ocean the Blue Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Blue.SharPei.InTheUK

Among the common and recognized colors of Shar Pei dog blue is one of the most popular. A blue Shar Pei puppy can fetch its breeder as much as $3,000, and it’s easy to see why people are obsessed with the blue. Full-grown blue Shar Peis are sometimes lovingly called “velvet hippos” thanks to their beautiful soft appearance and grey-toned fur. 

Some people may refer to the blue Shar Pei as a grey Shar Pei, but “grey” in the dog breeding world is most commonly called blue. Even so, grey Chinese Shar Peis are still a common search, just don’t be surprised when you see breeders and enthusiasts calling them blue. 


7. Dora the Blue Dilute Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Blue.SharPei.InTheUK

Like the standard blue Shar Pei, people also call the blue dilute Shar Pei grey. A lighter, literally diluted version of blue, blue dilute Peis like Dora are such a mesmerizing color. 


8. Blue the Blue Sable Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @JustineMarquez

This adorable puppy is Blue, a blue sable Shar Pei from California! Blue sable is a lot like red sable or fawn sable, but rather than having black or brown-tipped fur, this pup’s fur tips are blue. Blue sables may also accidentally be referred to as gray Shar Peis. 


9. Drago the Lilac Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Dora_And_Drago

This sleeping angel is Drago, a gorgeous lilac blue Shar-Pei from Alberta, Canada whose sister is Dora, the blue dilute Shar Pei from #7. Lilac is another of the diluted Shar Pei colors, meaning a lighter version of a deeper standard color. 


10. Harley Quinn the Isabella Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @HarleyQuinn_The_SharPei

Isabella dilute Shar Peis look very similar to lilac Shar Peis. Rather than being a dilute blue, Isabella is a dilute brown with hints of silver/blue that make this coat color appear more cool-toned. Little Harley Quinn here is a great example of Isabella—take a look at that cool-toned silver around her little snout!


11. Zeus the Black Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @ZeusZSharPei

Have you ever seen a more handsome boy basking in the sunshine? Zeus is a gorgeous black Shar Pei from Spain and a connoisseur of rays of sunshine, naps, and silky skin flaps! Black is one of the most common Shar Pei colors, and a black Shar Pei puppy usually costs around $1,000—$2,000. 


12. Kaito the Black Sable Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @SharPei_Muecke_Kaito

“Sable” describes fur that starts as one color, and then transitions to another color at the tips. “Black sable” describes a dog with light fur at the root with black tips. Beautiful Kaito is a black sable Shar Pei, and his fur almost looks duo-chrome—or like it shifts based on the angle you look at him. 

Brown sable—which looks similar—is also an accepted coloration for the Shar Pei. 


13. Sawyer the Brindle Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @WinstonAndSawyerWillis

Brindle—sometimes called tiger stripes—is a common coat pattern for a wide range of dog breeds, including the Shar Pei! Handsome Sawyer here has gorgeous distinct orange stripes on a deep brown coat and his stripes look even more vibrant in the sunlight. 


14. Muskat the Brown Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @SharPeiMuskat

Brown Shar Peis have a beautiful light chestnut-colored coat with a reddish undertone. Muskat here is a one-year-old brown Shar Pei with delightfully wrinkled skin that makes his adorable little ears camouflage into his cheek folds. 


15. Daizie the Chocolate Dilute Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @SarahLossing

Miss Daizie here is a chocolate dilute Shar Pei, which means she has brown or chocolate genes plus a dilution gene that makes her fur lighter. Brown and chocolate dilute Shar Peis are definitely giving us teddy bear vibes—beautifully wrinkly teddy bears!


16. Finn the Cream Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Finn_Bear_22

Finn is an almost one-year-old bear coat cream Shar Pei from the UK with a lovely coat of long fur. Cream isn’t quite white, but is less yellow/red than apricot or fawn. Remember, for a Shar Pei dog long hair is relative—most have short (horse coat) or medium short (brush coat) fur, so a Shar Pei like Finn is considered a long-fur-type Shar Pei. 


17. Ghost the White Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @SpookySharPei

Meet Ghost! Ghost is a white Shar Pei from Bristol, UK who loves to get into mischief, spend time with his humans, and go on lots of adventures. Like many light-colored and white Shar Peis, Ghost has darker shading around his ears, nose, tail, and back, while the rest of his body is a solid cool-toned white. 


18. Baxter the Brown & White Spotted Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Baxman.SharPei

While solid colors are more common amongst Shar Peis, spots of color on a white base coat are also accepted by the AKC along with several other marking varieties like masks, saddle patterns, and white markings. Handsome Baxter here is a stunning brush coat brown on white spotted Shar Pei, and as you can tell he really knows how to work the camera. 


19. Tiny the Black & White Spotted Shar Pei

Shar Pei Coat Colors
Source: @Life_Of_Lucy3

Last but certainly not least, meet Tiny—another example of a Shar Pei whose markings would be accepted as standard by the AKC. Don’t Tiny’s lovely black spots make him look extra cute? 


Shar Pei Basic Info

Can you believe how many standard colors there are for the Shar Pei? There’s such a huge variety, there is a color or pattern to suit everyone’s taste. Now that we’ve had a good look at the diversity of this breed, let’s learn more about what life with a Chinese Shar Pei is like. 

Shar Pei Temperament 

Once used as watchdogs and livestock guardians, Shar Peis are a suspicious, slow-to-trust breed that may be reserved or reactive toward new people or animals. Independent and intelligent, the Shar Pei is an alert breed that can be stubborn or domineering without clear rules and boundaries. Because of this, Shar Peis require early and regular socialization. 

Owning a Pei is a lot like having a personal security guard!

Reddit user

“Owning a Pei is a lot like having a personal security guard,” says a Reddit user with some Shar Pei experience. “They will want to know where you are at all times and will want to protect you.” 

While Shar Peis may pick up training quickly, they may also be aloof or guarded with humans until they gain their trust, and won’t immediately show a desire to please. Due to their intelligence and tendency for reactivity, Shar Peis need plenty of mental stimulation and routine and do best in homes with plenty of dog experience. 

The Shar Pei can be child-friendly, but is not naturally trusting of children, and like all breeds should be monitored with kids at all times. Shar Peis are not recommended for homes with small children for this reason, and because Shar Peis are only mildly playful, can be unpredictable, and are not the right breed to romp with your kids. 

“[Shar Peis] are very devoted to their person/family and aloof with other people…some love and some hate kids. I recommend raising a puppy around small pets and considerate children. Mine was and is great with all, even little mice,” says another Reddit comment from a Shar Pei owner. “They are playful and affectionate when they want, but also can be alone and quiet when you need them to be. Some are loners, some love being part of their pack.”

Shar Pei Size

Shar Peis are medium-sized dogs standing around 18–20 inches tall and weighing in at around 45–60 pounds

Shar Pei Health

Unfortunately, Shar Peis are not a particularly healthy dog breed and are plagued by numerous and somewhat unusual health issues. Some serious health problems to be aware of if you own a Shar Pei.

  • Eye issues (e.g. glaucoma, retinal dysplasia, entropion, SARDS, etc.)
  • Skin problems (e.g. skin infections, yeast infections, infected skin folds, etc.)
  • Respiratory problems
  • Heart problems
  • Joint issues (e.g. patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia)
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Thyroid problems 
  • Cancer

Around 20% of Shar Peis also have a condition called Shar Pei Fever, or Shar Pei Recurrent Fever Syndrome—a hereditary condition that causes episodes of fever, which can in turn cause organ and internal damage, shortening the dog’s life. 

Where To Find a Shar Pei Puppy

sharpei puppy

The American Kennel Club marketplace is a great resource for finding dog breeders and purebred puppies, but before you commit to buying a Shar Pei, take a few moments to consider adoption and check out these resources for Shar Pei rescues. 

Shar Pei FAQ

Do you still have more questions about the gorgeous and unique Chinese Shar Pei? Keep reading to see if we cover your pressing query below. 

Are Shar Peis double-coated? 

Horse and brush-coated Shar Peis have a single coat, while bear-coated Shar Peis have a double coat. It is because of this the bear coat is not recognized by the AKC. 

What is the most common Shar Pei color? 

Fawn and red are the two most common Shar Pei colors, but more than a dozen are accepted by the AKC and other kennel clubs. 

What is the most rare Shar Pei color? 

Colors like blue, blue sable, chocolate dilute, and Isabella are among the less common Shar Pei colors but are still considered standard. 

Why do Shar Peis have a blue tongue? 

Shar Peis and Chow Chows are the only two dog breeds known to have blue-black pigmentation in their mouths and on their tongues. Having a blue tongue is totally safe, it’s just extra concentrated skin pigment. 


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Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:47:44 +0000 Breeds
Navigating Shar Pei Dog Price In 2023 https://rockykanaka.com/shar-pei-dog-price/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:46:09 +0000 https://rockykanaka.com/?p=34427 I was amazed to find a Shar-Pei at a dog shelter. They are rare and costly breeds, so I would have expected someone to have adopted her already. I wanted to bond with her in her kennel, but before I knew it, another person came and took her home. It made sense, though. Adopting a dog is a great choice, and Shar-Pei’s are a unique sight at the shelter. When I got home I did some research on how much Shar-Pei’s cost if you buy one from a breeder.

Shar Pei Dog Price

If you are looking for a loyal, calm, and independent dog breed, you might want to consider getting a Shar-Pei. Shar-Peis are medium-sized dogs that originated from China and are known for their distinctive wrinkled skin and blue-black tongue. They come in different coat types and colors, but the most popular ones are the bear coat and the teddy coat Shar-Peis.

But how much does a Shar-Pei cost? And what are the factors that affect their price? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to find reputable breeders and save money on your Shar-Pei purchase.

Shar Pei Dog Price Range

The average price of a Shar-Pei puppy from a breeder is between $1,200 and $2,000. However, this can vary depending on several factors, such as age, appearance, bloodline, breeder’s reputation, and location. Here are some of the factors that can influence the cost of a Shar-Pei puppy:

Shar Pei Dog Price

Age

Younger Shar-Peis are usually more expensive than older ones because they are in higher demand and have more potential for training and socialization. Older Shar-Peis may be cheaper, but they may also have more health issues or behavioral problems.

Appearance

The appearance of a Shar-Pei can affect its price, especially if it has a rare or desirable coat type or color. For example, the lilac bear coat Shar-Pei is one of the most expensive varieties because it has a unique purple hue and a fluffy coat that resembles a teddy bear. Other rare or popular coat colors include blue, chocolate, cream, and apricot. The standard coat types for Shar-Peis are the horse coat, which is short and rough; the brush coat, which is longer and smoother; and the bear coat, which is very long and soft. The teddy coat is a variation of the bear coat that has a curly texture.

Bloodline

The bloodline of a Shar-Pei can also affect its price, especially if it comes from champion or show-quality parents. These Shar-Peis have superior genetics and conformation that make them excel in dog shows and events. They can cost up to $3,000 or more depending on their pedigree and achievements. However, if you are not planning to show your Shar-Pei or breed it, you don’t need to pay extra for a show-quality puppy. A pet-quality Shar-Pei will be just as loving and loyal as a show-quality one.

Shar Pei Dog Price

Breeder’s Reputation

The reputation of the breeder is another important factor that can influence the price of a Shar-Pei puppy. Reputable breeders are those who have experience and knowledge in breeding healthy and well-socialized Shar-Peis. They follow ethical breeding practices and adhere to the breed standard set by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They also provide health certificates, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and lifetime support for their puppies. Reputable breeders usually charge more for their puppies because they invest more time, money, and care into them. However, they also guarantee the quality and health of their puppies.

Location

The location of the breeder can also affect the price of a Shar-Pei puppy. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay more or less for transportation costs, taxes, fees, and other expenses. For example, if you live in the United States, you may find cheaper Shar-Peis in states like Missouri or Ohio than in states like California or New York.


How to Save Money on Your Shar Pei Purchase

If you want to get a Shar-Pei puppy but don’t want to spend too much money on it, here is the best way to money:

Adopt

One of the best ways to save money on your Shar-Pei purchase is to adopt one from a rescue or shelter. There are many Shar-Peis that need loving homes because they were abandoned, abused, or surrendered by their previous owners. Adopting a Shar-Pei will not only save you money but also save a life. The adoption fee for a Shar-Pei is usually between $100 and $500 depending on the rescue or shelter. This fee covers some of the basic expenses such as spaying/neutering,
vaccinations, microchipping, and vet check-ups. However, you may have to pay extra for other costs such as transportation, training, grooming, and medical care.

Shar Pei Dog Price

Shar-Peis are wonderful dogs that can make great companions for the right owners. However, they are not cheap dogs to buy or maintain. The average price of a Shar-Pei puppy from a breeder is between $1,500 and $3,000, but this can vary depending on several factors such as age, appearance, bloodline, breeder’s reputation, and location. If you want to save money on your Shar-Pei purchase, you can adopt one from a rescue or shelter, compare prices from different breeders, or negotiate with the breeder. However, you should always prioritize the quality and health of the puppy over the price. A healthy and well-socialized Shar-Pei will be worth every penny in the long run.


Where To Adopt A Shar-Pei

Shar Pei Dog Price
  • Pei People Shar Pei Rescue Inc: A registered 501c3 non-profit organization that rescues and adopts in California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon & Washington. Website: https://www.peipeople.com/about-us-events.html
  • North American Shar-Pei Rescue: A 501c3 non-profit rescue dedicated to those “last chance” purebred Shar-Pei in need. They have members, volunteers and adoptable dogs in the US and Canada. Website: http://www.sharpeirescue.com/
  • Shar Pei Rescue of Great Britain: A group of people who help the Shar Pei in the UK. They are recognized by the Kennel Club as an official Shar Pei breed rescue. Website: http://www.sharpeirescue.me.uk/
  • Florida Shar-Pei Rescue: A non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes Shar-Pei in Florida. They also provide education and support to Shar-Pei owners and adopters. Website: https://floridasharpeirescue.com/
  • Shar Pei Savers: A volunteer-driven organization that saves, rehabilitates and rehomes Shar-Pei across the US. They also offer assistance with medical expenses, training and behavior issues. Website: https://sharpeisavers.com/
  • Chinese Shar-Pei Network: This website provides a wealth of information about the Shar-Pei breed, including a directory of breed-specific rescues.

FAQ Relating To Shar Pei Dog Price

How much is a shar pei dog price?

The average cost of a Shar Pei can vary widely, ranging from around $500 to $3000 or more. Factors such as the breeder’s reputation, coat type, color, and location can influence the price.

What is the price range for a Shar Pei puppy?

Shar Pei puppies can be found within a price range of approximately $500 to $3000, depending on various factors such as lineage, coat type, and breeder quality.

How much should I expect to pay for a Shar Pei puppy from a reputable breeder?

Reputable breeders who prioritize health and ethical practices may charge around $1,000 to $3,000 for a Shar Pei puppy with proper vaccinations and documentation.

What is the cost of a Bear Coat Shar Pei?

Bear Coat Shar Peis, known for their distinctive long and fluffy coat, can be more expensive than other coat types, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

Are Teddy Bear Shar Peis more expensive than other coat types?

Yes, Teddy Bear Shar Peis, which have a soft, plush-like coat, tend to command higher prices due to their unique appearance. They may cost between $2000 and $3,500 or more.

How much do Shar Pei puppies typically cost in the United States?

In the United States, Shar Pei puppies can be found for prices ranging from $1500 to $3500, depending on factors like lineage, coat type, and breeder reputation.

What is the price of a Lilac Bear Coat Shar Pei?

Lilac Bear Coat Shar Peis, which have a rare coat color, can be quite pricey, often ranging from $1,500 to $3,500 or more.

Why are Bear Coat Shar Peis generally more expensive than other coat types?

Bear Coat Shar Peis are rarer and have a unique appearance, contributing to their higher price. Breeding and maintaining this coat type can also require extra effort and resources.

Do Shar Peis with unique coat colors like Lilac or Blue cost more?

Yes, Shar Peis with uncommon coat colors like Lilac or Blue are often more expensive, typically falling within the range of $1,500 to $3,000 or more.

How does the coat type affect the price of a Shar Pei?

The coat type, such as Bear Coat, Brush Coat, or Horse Coat, can impact the price of a Shar Pei due to factors like rarity, grooming needs, and demand.

What is the average price of a Blue Shar Pei?

Blue Shar Peis, known for their bluish-gray coat, may cost between $1,000 and $3,500, depending on factors like breeder reputation and lineage.

How can I save money when buying a Shar Pei puppy?

To save money, consider adopting from a rescue organization or shelter. Additionally, researching and connecting with reputable breeders can help you find a quality puppy at a reasonable price.

Is pet insurance recommended for Shar Peis?

Yes, considering the breed’s potential health issues, getting pet insurance for a Shar Pei is a wise choice to manage potential medical expenses.


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Wed, 23 Aug 2023 17:56:54 +0000 Breeds