Bull Pei Dog Breed

The Bull Pei, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed category. The exact origin of this hybrid is unknown, but it's possible it was first bred during the designer dog craze of the late twentieth century in the U.S. These dogs are playful, loyal, and protective, and make great family companions.

Some specifications: Bull Peis are medium- to large-sized (height at the shoulders averages 17 inches, and weight is 35-60 pounds), with short-haired, fine coats in various shades of brown, gray, and black. Here are some good (and not so good) qualities of this crossbreed:

PROS:

• Playful and affectionate
• Fairly intelligent
• Great watchdog abilities
• Low to moderate maintenance needs
• With exercise, adapts well to apartment life
• Excellent with children and families
• With socialization, does well with other pets

CONS:

• Can be stubborn
• Not hypoallergenic
• High tendency for obesity
• Typically barks (and snores!) frequently
• Sheds heavily twice a year
• Might be difficult to train
• Not good in hot climates
• Relatively short lifespan (8-12 years)

One way of describing a Bull Pei is that it is the canine equivalent of a lovable high school jock. Dogs of this mid-sized breed are strong, affectionate, and usually fun-loving; they're great with kids, they're loyal and protective, and while not brimming with intelligence, they typically have enough smarts to accomplish most tasks and commands.

Unfortunately, not all the Shar Pei-Bulldog mix information is great. These dogs often inherit their Shar Pei parent's tendency for stubbornness, which can make them difficult to train; they can also be almost snobby, in that they're normally very reserved and aloof around all humans except their immediate family members. And in keeping with the "high school jock" comparison, they can also be loud and smelly. They tend to bark and snore often, and are sometimes responsible for some quite unpleasant flatulence.

Bull Peis are strong and athletic, but not overly active. They can become obese quite easily, so it's best to give these dogs regular exercise to keep them in good physical shape.

Affectionate, protective, fun-loving, alert, and sometimes strong-willed, the Bull Pei temperament is one of loyalty and confidence. Dogs of this breed are devoted to their families--and often ignore everyone else. They're typically quite playful, so they're great with kids, and they usually socialize pretty well with other pets (though their Shar Pei parents have a history of dogfighting, so dogs of this breed might instinctively challenge other dogs). Owners say that plenty of socialization--with other pets, family members, and strangers alike--is a requirement for these animals.

In regards to training: most Bull Peis respond well to it, though a few may be quite stubborn and temperamental when forced to learn tasks or commands. Consistent, patient, reward-based training methods are best for these dogs, particularly ones that show stubborn tendencies. Any harsh treatment or repeated scolding, owners say, will cause a Bull Pei to shut down and become impossible to train.

The good news is that Bull Peis are excellent watch- and guard dogs. Their alert, loyal, protective natures will instinctively cause them to confront a potential threat.

Bull Peis are pretty healthy overall, especially because of hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred animal inherits the healthiest traits of both its parent breeds). Even so, this hybrid may suffer issues common to both the Bulldog and the Shar Pei, including hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and mange.