Pit Pei

The Pit Pei is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 Pit Pei. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built dog that combines strength with athleticism in a graceful, agile package. Males typically stand between 18 and 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing 17 to 20 inches and weighing 30 to 50 pounds. The breed presents a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than tall, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs that provide ample lung capacity. The muscular frame should appear defined but never bulky or overdone, reflecting the breed's heritage as a working dog capable of sustained physical activity. The overall impression is one of power combined with nimble athleticism and fluid movement. The head is distinctive with a broad, flat skull of medium length and a wide, deep muzzle that is shorter than the skull but maintains substantial width throughout. The cheek muscles are prominent and well-developed, and the jaw displays considerable strength with a scissors bite preferred. Eyes are medium-sized, round to almond-shaped, and set low and wide apart on the skull. They come in all colors except blue, which is considered a fault in the breed standard. Ears may be cropped or natural, with natural ears being small to medium in size and carried as rose ears or half-pricked. The neck is muscular and slightly arched, tapering from the shoulders to the head and flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The coat is short, close-lying, stiff to the touch, and glossy in appearance. This sleek covering requires minimal grooming while providing adequate protection from the elements. The breed comes in virtually all colors and patterns except merle, which is a disqualification in the breed standard. Common colorations include solid shades of red, blue, brown, fawn, and black, as well as various combinations with white markings on the chest, feet, and face. Brindle patterns are also common and acceptable. The tail is medium length, set low as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. It is carried in a slight curve when the dog is relaxed and should never curl over the back or be docked.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While typically friendly and outgoing with humans, the American Pit Bull Terrier may display dog-selective tendencies, meaning they might not get along with all other dogs, particularly those of the same sex or with assertive personalities. This trait necessitates careful supervision during interactions with unfamiliar animals and responsible management in multi-pet households. Early and ongoing socialization with other dogs can help mitigate potential issues significantly. The breed is not well-suited for cold climates due to their short coat and benefits from indoor living arrangements where they can remain close to their family. They should never be left chained or isolated outdoors, as this contributes to behavioral problems and does not suit their social nature.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Cardiac concerns, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic stenosis, have been identified in the breed and warrant regular screening. Dilated cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to weaken and enlarge, eventually compromising the heart's ability to pump blood effectively and leading to congestive heart failure. Regular cardiac screenings including auscultation and echocardiography can help detect early signs of heart disease. Eye conditions including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and cherry eye may also occur in the breed. Additionally, American Pit Bull Terriers may be prone to demodectic mange particularly as puppies, cerebellar ataxia, dental disease, and have shown increased susceptibility to parvovirus as puppies, making proper vaccination protocols absolutely essential for young dogs.
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Shar-Pei

Shar-Pei

The Shar-Pei is a medium-sized, compact dog instantly recognizable by its distinctive loose, wrinkled skin that gives the breed its unique appearance. Males and females stand between 18 and 20 inches at the shoulder, with weight ranging from 45 to 60 pounds. The body is square in profile with a broad, flat back and a high-set tail that curls tightly over or to either side of the hindquarters. The breed presents a solid, muscular frame with moderate bone, built for both guarding and hunting tasks in its native China. The overall impression is one of compact power and dignity despite the unusual skin folds. The head is perhaps the most distinctive feature of the breed, appearing large in proportion to the body with abundant loose skin forming deep wrinkles that are especially pronounced in puppies. The muzzle is broad and full, often described as resembling a hippopotamus, with no tapering toward the nose and maintaining substantial width throughout its length. The breed possesses a unique blue-black tongue and mouth lining, a trait shared only with the Chow Chow among purebred dogs. Small, triangular ears lie flat against the head and are set high, while the deeply set, small eyes display a somewhat frowning expression that adds to the breed's dignified and somewhat aloof appearance. The coat comes in three distinct varieties that differ in texture and length. The horse coat is extremely short and harsh to the touch, measuring less than a quarter inch in length and feeling like sandpaper. The brush coat is slightly longer, up to one inch, and somewhat softer in texture. The bear coat, which exceeds one inch in length and has a softer feel, is not accepted in conformation shows. All coat types should feel harsh or rough to the touch. Accepted colors include solid shades of black, blue, red, cream, fawn, and chocolate, with dilute colors also occurring. While puppies display extensive wrinkling throughout the body, adult dogs typically retain deep wrinkles primarily on the head, neck, and shoulders as the skin stretches to accommodate their mature frame.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Shar-Pei's reserved nature with strangers necessitates early and extensive socialization to prevent excessive suspicion or potential aggression toward unfamiliar people. They may show intolerance toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, requiring careful management in multi-dog environments and at places like dog parks. While devoted to family members, including children they are raised with, their independent personality means they tolerate handling and attention on their own terms rather than endlessly seeking it. Exercise needs are moderate compared to more active breeds; daily walks and some playtime typically suffice to keep them content. They do not tolerate extreme heat well and prefer cooler environments where their breathing is not compromised.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Entropion, where the eyelids roll inward causing the lashes to irritate the cornea, is extremely common in Shar-Peis due to their excessive facial skin and skin folds around the eyes. Many dogs require surgical correction, sometimes multiple procedures, to prevent corneal damage and chronic pain. Skin fold infections occur frequently in the breed's wrinkles, requiring diligent cleaning and drying to prevent bacterial or fungal growth between the folds. Additional health concerns include hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, glaucoma, allergies and atopic dermatitis, and an increased incidence of mast cell tumors compared to other breeds. Regular veterinary care and attention to the breed's unique needs are essential.
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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 Pit 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and Shar-Pei to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.