Shar Pei Mixed Breeds: Smaller Versions

by Melissa Coleman

There are many cross breeds with the Shar Pei and the Ori Pei is one of the most common. The breed was created in North America in the 1970’s. A breeder called Aaron Silver was a fan of the Chinese Shar Pei breed. But the dog was associated with innumerable health problems like eye tacking, skin problems and hip dysphasia. In order to have a smaller version of the Shar Pei without all the health problems the breeder used the Shar Pei and the Pug to create the Ori Pei.

So Aaron Silver decided to cross breed the Shar Pei with the Pug so that one could not only have a smaller version of the original dog, but also do away with the inherent health problems. This is how the Ori Pei came into existence. The Ori Pei pups are popular family pets and are really small in size. They look very similar to the Shar Pei pups in every way.

Another common Shar Pei mix is with the Basset Hound, which gives birth to the Ba-Shar (Sharp Asset). The best way to check out the temperament of a mixed breed is to check all breeds of the cross. Only then is it possible to know any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized the Ba-Shar as a hybrid dog. Many of the dogs that are being bred are only fifty percent purebred. So the result could actually be a multi-generation cross.

The Shar Pei mix could actually be a mix with other dogs like the Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix. Generally the features of the Shar Pei are overpowering and Shar Pei mixed breeds have more of the Shar Pei look with their extra skin and wrinkles. Shar Pei is also crossed with the Staffordshire bull terrier. The hybrid dog is generally shy, but also very loving and gentle, once he gets to know you.

It is possible to breed a healthy population of dogs only if the gene pool is large so that there is an abundance of genetic variation. This allows for competition of the genes under complete randomness, and hence maintains conservation of gene frequencies. It is already seen that the Shar Pei is becoming problematic in structure and temperament because it is bred within a small gene pool. What is required here is a new flow of genes from the original type at the place of origin.

The American Canine Hybrid Club just like the original Chinese Shar Pei recognizes The Shar Pai Mix. That is why insurance companies are prepared to give accident coverage to such breeds.

Of course the kennel club rules regarding breeding and cross breeding of dogs are quite strict. For purebreds as well as for cross breeds, there are exact combinations according to their specifications, and only then the cross breeds are recognized by them.

But you should choose the breeder of your Shar Pei mix with care, because he should be responsible and reputable and should be in a position to breed designer puppies that are intelligent and healthy. The kennel clubs lays down strict breeding rules. They do encourage cross breeding, but it should be a regularized one, so that the breed can be registered with them.

About the Author: About the author: Melissa Coleman is an avid lover of the Shar Pei and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shar Pei. Among other topics there, you will find out more about Shar Pei Mixed Breeds plus a whole lot more.