Lab Pei Dog Breed

As a mixed breed, the Lab Pei is not an official member of any breed group. While no info exists to indicate how or why this mixed breed was first developed, these hybrids can be devoted, athletic pets--but depending on inherited traits, they can be friendly and intelligent like the Lab or reserved and stubborn like the Shar Pei.

Some Shar Pei-Lab mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 21 inches at the shoulders in height and 60 pounds in weight; they have short coats that shed moderately, and may or may not inherit the Shar Pei's wrinkles; and like both their parent breeds, Lab Peis will probably bark excessively.

A few advantages and drawbacks to owning a Lab-Shar Pei mix:

The Lab Pei is a mix of two breeds with quite a few differences. Though similar in size, the Lab and the Shar Pei are different in most other ways: the Lab is very active and task-oriented, while the Shar Pei is somewhat of a couch potato. In regards to temperament, the Shar Pei is usually reserved and aloof, and not really blessed with a ton of brain power--and the Lab, of course, is exceptionally friendly and affectionate, and is one of the most intelligent breeds known.

Typical Shar Pei-Lab mix information, then can vary a good bit. Individual Lab Pei dogs might be incredibly friendly to strangers, yet standoffish with family members. Even two Lab Pei mixes that are from the same litter might be both busy-bodied and lazy--or somewhere in between. Potential owners of these hybrids will do well to learn about both the Lab and the Shar Pei, and then expect their Lab Peis to exhibit characteristics of one or both parent breeds at any given time.

These dogs' energy levels are also luck of the draw. While a Lab Pei will be pretty strong, the dog can be extremely playful and energetic or pretty lethargic. Owners will need to adjust their Lab Peis' exercise requirements accordingly.

The Shar Pei-Lab mix temperament is a pretty mixed bag. While both parent breeds are typically devoted to their human family members, the similarities basically end there! Here's a summary of the temperaments of both breeds--and you can expect your Lab-Shar Pei mix temperament to be a combination of both.

Labrador Retriever: Friendly to everyone the dog meets. The breed is exceptionally sharp, and will need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep it from becoming too rambunctious.

Chinese Shar Pei: Reserved and standoffish most of the time. Is often stubborn and strong-willed. Has a history of dog fighting, and may be defensive and confrontational around strange people and animals (especially other dogs).

Ease of training can vary in individual Lab Peis too. Depending on inherited traits, the dog can learn tasks, tricks, and commands with very few repetitions--or they may take a lot of practice! As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And most Lab Peis have good watchdog skills. They'll surely sound a vocal alarm if they perceive an unknown sight or sound; if the dog is more like the Shar Pei, it'll likely neutralize any potential threats as well.

The Lab Pei, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of both parent breeds), is very healthy, with no known inherited issues. Individual dogs may suffer naturally occurring ailments including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and gastric torsion (or bloat). Owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for these hybrids is 9-12 years.