German Shar Pei Dog Breed

The German Shepherd and Shar-Pei mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Shar-Pei mixed with German Shepherd may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. Whatever the case, these strong-willed, resourceful hybrids make good pets (and they have particularly good watch- and guard dog skills), but they'll need a lot of training and socialization.

A few facts about the Shar-Pei and German Shepherd mix: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 21 inches at the shoulders in height and 65 pounds in weight; they have short- to medium-length coats that may shed seasonally (and they may also have wrinkly skin like the Shar-Pei); and they're pretty energetic and will need consistent exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Shar-Pei x German Shepherd:

The German Shepherd x Shar Pei is the offspring of two breeds that are similar in lots of ways, yet different in others. Both the GSD and the Shar-Pei are bold and opinionated--but where the GSD is usually enthusiastic and helpful, the Shar-Pei can be aloof and even lazy. This means a German Shar-Pei mix can lean one way or the other personality-wise, or even show both sides of that temperamental coin at different times.

These hybrids are pretty big, at 19-23 inches at the shoulders in height and 55-75 pounds in weight. Their coats, which can be single- or double-layered, come in a wide variety of colors including black, brown, gray, red, white, cream, and blue, among others, mostly in multi-colored patterns. The dog's skin often has at least some wrinkles like its Shar-Pei parent--in which case owners will need to clean the skin folds at least weekly (and make sure they're thoroughly dried after baths to avoid funguses developing there).

And these hybrids can be super-active like the GSD, or more laid-back like the Shar-Pei--and they're usually somewhere in between. Whatever the case, consistent daily exercise--walks or jogs, plus a period of play--will help ensure your German Shar-Pei is peaceful and relaxed.

Bold, intelligent, protective, and often stubborn, the Shar Pei-German Shepherd mix temperament is one of confidence and loyalty. These hybrids will usually be affectionate with family members, and very protective of them. German Shar-Pei dogs can also be strong-willed and even dominant, so they'll need owners willing to play the role of "alpha" in the dogs' lives. That said, German Shar-Peis can get along pretty well with kids and other pets (though some may instinctively try to dominate other dogs, in which case they might be better as part of a "one-dog" household). Owners say it's best if these hybrids grow up alongside any children or household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: German Shar-Peis are smart, and can respond well to it--but their potential for stubbornness means they may need a few repetitions when learning commands or tasks. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a German Shar-Pei has terrific watchdog skills. These hybrids are confident, loyal, and powerful, and won't hesitate to bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds--and chances are they'll be capable of neutralizing potential threats like intruders.

The German Shar-Pei, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is pretty healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and/or elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and various allergies (particularly those of the skin). Larger, deeper-chested German Shar-Peis are also prone to gastric torsion (or bloat), especially if they're allowed to "wolf" their food too quickly. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is relatively short, at 9-13 years.