The Chow Pei is a medium-sized designer breed developed by crossing the Chow Chow and Chinese Shar-Pei.
While both breed parents originated in China, it is believed that the mixed breed “Chow Pei”, originated in the United States but the approximate date of origin remains unknown.
History of Shar-Pei Chow Cross Breed
The exact date and place of origin of the Chow Peis is not known but is believed to have occurred in the United States.
The Chow Chow has great hunting skills and the Shar-Pei has superior guard dog skills, this mix has produced a canine which fulfills that original purpose extremely well.
The personality traits of both parent breeds are blended, resulting in a dog which is alert, protective, loving and intelligent.
The Chow Pei hybrid itself is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry.
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The Appearance of Chow Peis
The Chow Peis can inherit the physical appearance characteristics of either or both parent breeds, the Chow Chow and the Chinese Shar-Pei.
Most appear to have wrinkled or loose skin on the head and neck on what amounts to a Chow Chow type of body.
They are further characterized by a Shar Pei-like hippo-shaped head and erect ears as the Chow Chow.
Their coat can be long or short but will most likely be soft and thick. They have various coat colors, like black, brown, black and brown, dark brown, chocolate, white, sable, albino or brindle.
A full-grown Chow Pei will be approximately 15 to 20 inches tall and will likely weigh 40 to 60 pounds.
Chow Pei Pictures
Quick Information & Facts ~ Shar Pei Chow Chow Mix
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Chow Pei |
| Other Names | Shar Pei, Shar Pei Chow Chow Mix, |
| Color | Black, Brown, Black and Brown, Brown, White, Chocolate, Dark Brown, White |
| Coat | Mostly long, or short soft and thick. |
| Breed Type | Crossbreed |
| Breed Group | Designer Dog, Watch Dogs, Companion Dog |
| Size | Medium Sized |
| Hieght | 15 to 20 inches |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Life Span/Life Expentancy | 10 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Alert, Loving, Protective and Intelligent |
| Shedding | Moderate, but high during the shedding season |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Barking Level | Less (Barks when scared or disturbed) |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Good with Children | No (Supervision Recommended) |
| Good with Other Pets | Yes, Sociable. |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Competitive Registration/Qualification Information | DRA, IDCR |
Personality & Temperament
These dogs are renowned for their loyalty and can have a bit of an aggressive and temperamental behavior due to their wild origins.
However, with the proper training, this can be controlled. Keeping him on a leash when outside is in everyone’s best interests.
Their personality is very affectionate, and they don’t like to be away from their owners.
The Chow Pei dogs are not naturally good with kids or strangers. You will need to begin socializing them with children and strangers as early as possible in his life to make them friendly and adaptable.
Inheriting the alertness of the Chow Chow and Shar Pei, this mix is wary about strangers that thereby making it a good watch and guard dog, that can go to any extent to protect its family.
Care & Maintenance
Exercise
Chow Pei is a fairly active canine breed and will require regular daily walks to keep him healthy and happy.
He can survive in an apartment but it is then incumbent upon the owner to assure he gets adequate exercise, both physical and mental, opportunities to channelize his energy. He does best when he has a fenced yard in which to roam and run.
Daily walks, frisbee, games of fetch, and obedience training will keep him well exercised and entertained.
Grooming
Chow Pei require moderate levels of maintenance.
Most often the coat is soft and thick and may be either long or short and, as such, will require brushing several times a week to remove loose hair and debris to keep it clean and healthy.
You should bathe him once a month or shampoo to reduce the “doggy” smell which can accompany your pooch.
This weekly brushing requirement will likely increase during the seasonal times of increased shedding which is in spring and even in summers.
Regular cleaning and clipping of toenails, teeth, ears, and eye check-up will keep your pet clean, healthy and happy.
Health Problems of Shar-Pei Chow Mix
The life expectancy of the Chow Pei is 10 to 15 years depending on how healthy they can remain.
This breed might inherit some of the health concerns of both its parent breeds. Some of the major health concerns of Chow Chow includes
- Patellar Luxation
- Skin Problems
- Bloating
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
Training
Training the Chow Pei might be challenging enough because of its independent and dominant nature, very much like its parents.
Firmness, patience, and assertion are the key requirements its trainer should possess to help it develop a pleasing personality.
- Early socialization training is a must for Chow-Pei puppies which can be started by making them acquainted with various kinds of people and also teaching them to distinguish a positive experience from a negative one.
- If a visitor is regular to your house, introduce him to your Chow Pei puppy slowly and gradually, probably by asking him to hold treats in his hand and give it each time the dog comes up to him.
- Obedience training would help in controlling their independent behavior. While teaching them to follow commands like “Sit”, “Stop” or “Come”, make sure you have an assertive tone.
- If your pup has already learned to respond to a clicker training device, then click on to it the moment he achieves a task and rewards him to motivate him.
Diet and Feeding
The Chow Pei will need around 2-3 cups of food a daily basis. If they are on the larger side and weight closer to 75 or 80 pounds, then this can be increased to 4 cups a day.
This should include an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals in his diet to ensure your pet gets proper and balanced nutrition.
It’s okay to feed them occasional treats and snacks but don’t let them eat too much.
Their short legs weren’t meant to handle the extra weight, and obesity can affect these dogs quite negatively.
Chow Chow Pei Dog Playing (Video)
Fun Facts about Shar Pei Chow Chow Mix
- Chow Pei puppies are very loyal and affectionate and enjoy being around their human companions more than anything.
- Press reports of 1982 have related the Chow Pei to one human attack where the victim was a child and had required hospital treatment.
- Chow Peis are known for being territorial. It’s not uncommon for them to bark at any strangers who they haven’t built a trusting relationship with. This usually begins in their puppyhood but can be trained out with a little bit of effort on the owner’s part.