Heeler Pei
The Heeler Pei is a cross between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Chinese Shar-Pei. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Heeler Pei. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized, sturdy breed built for endurance and agility, developed in nineteenth-century Australia to handle cattle across vast, rugged outback terrain. Males typically stand between 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder, while females measure 17 to 19 inches, with both sexes weighing between 30 to 50 pounds. The breed possesses a compact, muscular build with well-developed hindquarters that provide the power necessary for herding work. Their body is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline and deep chest that allows for excellent stamina during long working hours. The head is strong and broad with a slightly curved skull, featuring erect, moderately pointed ears set wide apart that contribute to their alert, intelligent expression. The Australian Cattle Dog's double coat is one of its most distinctive features, consisting of a short, dense undercoat that provides insulation and a weather-resistant outer coat of straight, hard hairs lying flat against the body. The coat comes in two main color patterns: blue and red speckle. Blue dogs may be solid blue, blue mottled, or blue speckled, often with distinctive tan markings on the legs, chest, jaw, and around the eyes. Red speckle dogs display an even distribution of red markings throughout the coat, sometimes with darker red patches on the head. Many Australian Cattle Dogs are born white and develop their true coloring as they mature, a trait inherited from their Dalmatian ancestry that served to distinguish them from dingoes. Additional physical characteristics include dark, oval-shaped eyes that convey intelligence and alertness, set obliquely in the skull to provide excellent peripheral vision essential for monitoring livestock. The moderately long tail hangs in a slight curve when at rest but rises when the dog is alert or moving. The breed's movement is smooth, free, and tireless, reflecting their heritage as working dogs capable of covering vast distances at a steady trot. Their compact, round feet feature short toes, hard pads, and strong nails well-suited for rugged Australian terrain, while their overall appearance suggests strength, agility, and remarkable capacity for sustained physical activity.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their serious working nature, Australian Cattle Dogs can be playful and affectionate with their families. They are typically good with children they have been raised with, though supervision is recommended due to their tendency to herd. Their protective instincts combined with their physical capabilities make them formidable guardians of home and property. These dogs possess remarkable problem-solving abilities and can become bored with repetitive activities, often requiring varied training approaches and challenging tasks to remain engaged and content.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health considerations include osteochondritis dissecans, a joint condition affecting the shoulders of growing dogs, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a rare but fatal neurological storage disease that has been identified in the breed. Dental disease is common if proper oral care is not maintained. Eye conditions beyond PRA, including lens luxation and cataracts, may also occur. Regular veterinary checkups, maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise, and obtaining puppies from health-tested parents are essential strategies for maximizing the health and longevity of Australian Cattle Dogs.
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized breed instantly recognizable by its distinctive wrinkled skin and unique physical characteristics that set it apart from all other dog breeds. Adults typically stand 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45 to 60 pounds, with males generally larger and more substantial than females. The breed possesses a compact, square profile with a broad, flat head that is proportionally large compared to the body, creating an impression of substance and power. One of the breed's most striking features is the abundant loose skin that forms heavy folds and wrinkles, particularly around the head, neck, and shoulders. Puppies display even more exaggerated wrinkling, which they gradually grow into as they mature into adults. The Shar-Pei's coat is another distinguishing characteristic, coming in two acceptable types: horse coat and brush coat. The horse coat is extremely short, harsh, and prickly to the touch, measuring less than one quarter inch, feeling like sandpaper against the skin and giving the breed its name, which translates to sand skin in Chinese. The brush coat is slightly longer but still less than one inch in length, feeling somewhat softer while maintaining the characteristic stand-off texture. Both coat types stand off the body without an undercoat. The breed comes in various solid colors including fawn, cream, red, black, chocolate, and the rare dilute colors of blue, lilac, and apricot. The tongue and interior of the mouth display a distinctive blue-black pigmentation, a trait shared only with the Chow Chow among purebred dogs. The breed features small, triangular ears that sit high on the skull and fold forward toward the eyes, contributing to their characteristic scowling expression that many find endearingly distinctive. Their small, deep-set, almond-shaped eyes are sunken beneath the folds of skin, adding to this unique appearance. The muzzle is broad and padded, often described as hippopotamus-like in its shape, and the high-set tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point and carried in a tight curl over the back or to either side. The Shar-Pei moves with a distinctive free-flowing trot, and their overall appearance conveys strength, alertness, and quiet dignity.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed generally does well with children they have been raised with, though their independent nature means they may not tolerate rough handling. Shar-Peis can be dog-aggressive, particularly with same-sex dogs, stemming from their historical use in dog fighting. Careful introductions and ongoing socialization with other animals are important. Despite their serious demeanor, Shar-Peis can be playful and even silly with trusted family members, showing a gentler side that many find endearing. Their quiet nature means they rarely bark without cause, and they are often described as clean dogs that are relatively easy to housetrain.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Hypothyroidism is common in Shar-Peis and can contribute to skin problems, weight gain, and lethargy. The breed has a unique predisposition to vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting 50 to 80 percent of individuals due to impaired intestinal absorption. Orthopedic concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Ear infections are frequent due to their narrow, tight ear canals. Primary open-angle glaucoma has been identified as a genetic concern in the breed. Given these numerous health considerations, obtaining a Shar-Pei from a responsible breeder who conducts appropriate health testing is crucial, as is establishing a relationship with a veterinarian familiar with the breed's specific needs.
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 Heeler 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 Australian Cattle Dog and Chinese Shar-Pei to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.