Chow Pei
The Chow Pei is a cross between the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Chow Pei. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog that presents a square profile when viewed from the side. Males typically stand between 19 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females measure 18 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The breed possesses a sturdy, muscular frame with straight, heavy-boned legs that contribute to its distinctive stilted gait. This unique walking pattern results from the rear legs having minimal angulation, creating a somewhat stiff-legged movement that is immediately recognizable and characteristic of the breed alone. One of the most striking features of the Chow Chow is its magnificent double coat, which comes in two varieties: rough and smooth. The rough coat is abundant, dense, and stands off from the body, creating a thick ruff around the head and neck that resembles a lion's mane. The smooth variety has a hard, dense outer coat with a definite undercoat but lacks the pronounced ruff. Both coat types come in five recognized colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, with shading variations acceptable within each color. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance, with particularly intensive care needed during seasonal shedding periods when the undercoat is released. The breed's head is large and broad with a flat skull and moderate stop. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the blue-black tongue, which is unique among purebred dogs and shared only with the Shar Pei. This unusual pigmentation extends to the lips and oral cavity, with darker coloration preferred in show specimens. The eyes are deep-set, almond-shaped, and dark, giving the Chow an expression of dignified aloofness and intelligence. Small, triangular ears are thick, slightly rounded at the tips, and carried stiffly erect, adding to the breed's alert appearance. The tail is set high and carried closely over the back, blending with the profuse coat to create a harmonious silhouette that completes the breed's distinctive outline.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their protective nature, Chow Chows are generally not aggressive when properly bred and socialized. They make excellent watchdogs, alerting their families to unusual activities without excessive barking. The breed has relatively low exercise requirements compared to many dogs of similar size, typically content with moderate daily walks. Chows can be dominant with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and their strong prey drive means careful introductions are necessary with smaller pets. Their clean nature and lack of doggy odor make them appealing for those who appreciate a fastidious companion.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health issues affecting Chow Chows include hypothyroidism, which can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems, and bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and potentially rotates. The breed's thick coat makes them susceptible to overheating in warm weather, requiring careful management during summer months. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of position, and various skin conditions including hot spots and allergies also occur in the breed. The average lifespan for a Chow Chow is approximately 12 years, with proper care and health screening helping to ensure the longest, healthiest life possible.
Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog instantly recognizable by its distinctive wrinkled skin and unique hippopotamus-shaped muzzle. Males typically stand 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh 45 to 60 pounds, while females measure 17 to 19 inches and weigh 35 to 55 pounds. The breed presents a square profile with a broad, flat head and small, triangular ears set high on the skull that fold forward toward the eyes. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature is the abundant loose skin that forms deep folds and wrinkles, particularly around the head, neck, and shoulders, though puppies display considerably more wrinkling than adults as they grow into their skin. The breed's coat is one of its defining characteristics, with the name Shar Pei translating to sand skin in Chinese. The coat is harsh to the touch and stands off from the body, coming in two accepted lengths: the horse coat, which is extremely short and prickly, measuring less than one quarter inch, and the brush coat, which is slightly longer but still less than one inch. Both coat types lack an undercoat, which distinguishes them from many other breeds. Accepted colors include solid shades of black, red, fawn, cream, blue, and chocolate, with darker shading along the back and ears permissible. The breed shares with the Chow Chow the distinctive blue-black tongue and mouth pigmentation, a trait that should be solid in color without spots or dilution. The Shar Pei possesses a compact, muscular body with a broad chest and strong, straight legs that support its substantial frame. The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point, carried high and curled in a tight ring over the back or to either side of the hindquarters. The eyes are small, deep-set, and dark, giving the breed its characteristic scowling expression that conveys dignified aloofness. The muzzle is broad and full, often described as resembling that of a hippopotamus, and should be well-padded with flesh without appearing weak or snipey. Overall, the Shar Pei presents an impression of calm alertness and quiet dignity.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Shar Pei can be dominant with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, making careful introductions and management necessary in multi-dog households. The breed generally does well with children when raised together, though supervision is recommended due to the dog's size and strength. Shar Peis require moderate exercise and adapt well to various living situations, including apartments, provided their physical and mental needs are met. Their naturally clean nature and minimal exercise requirements make them suitable for less active households, though regular activity helps maintain their physical and mental health.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, mast cell tumors, and various allergies. The breed's unique skin composition, resulting from excess hyaluronan production, predisposes them to a condition called cutaneous mucinosis. Demodectic mange affects Shar Peis more frequently than many other breeds. Cherry eye, where the tear gland prolapses, and glaucoma represent additional eye concerns. The average lifespan for a Shar Pei is approximately 10 to 12 years, somewhat shorter than similar-sized breeds, largely due to the health challenges associated with their distinctive physical characteristics.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Chow Pei may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Chow Chow and Shar Pei to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.