
The Shar Pei Lab mix is a unique and lovable breed that requires special care and attention. This mix of Shar Pei and Labrador Retriever can make a wonderful companion for active families or individuals.
These dogs typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand between 17-22 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do shed heavily twice a year.
To keep your Shar Pei Lab mix happy and healthy, regular exercise is a must. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, or playtime in the yard.
With proper training and socialization, Shar Pei Lab mixes can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.
Caring for Your Dog
Caring for your Shar Pei Lab mix requires attention to their diet, exercise, and grooming needs.
Feed your Shar Pei Lab mix 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals. This will help keep your dog at a healthy weight while preserving their joint and muscle health.
Shar Pei Lab mixes are energetic dogs that require at least an hour of activity per day. Walking is a great way to provide your dog with consistent low-intensity exercise, aiming for 10 miles per week or roughly a mile and a half per day.
Their grooming needs are relatively low-maintenance, requiring a brush 2 to 3 times a week to keep them looking fresh and healthy. They also need regular cleaning of their skin folds, eyes, and ears, and their nails need to be kept at the correct length to prevent paw injuries.
Food and Diet
Your Shar Pei Lab mix will eat 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food per day, so make sure to provide high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs.
Feeding your dog two meals a day is recommended, with one cup of food given three times a day if you're feeding 3 cups per day.
A well-formulated dry dog food is essential for your Shar Pei Lab's joint and muscle health, so look for a food that's specifically designed for joint health.
As your dog ages, you may need to switch to a joint food to help preserve their joint health and keep them mobile.
Lab Pei's require a high-quality dried kibble that's age and breed size-appropriate to keep their teeth clean and prevent plaque buildup.
Remember that your Lab Pei might inherit a 'missing' hunger gene, so they'll always be on the hunt for snacks, and it's essential to prevent overeating to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of your dog's daily routine, and Shar Pei Lab mixes are no exception. They require at least an hour of activity per day.
Walking is a great way to provide your dog with consistent low-intensity exercise, which is especially beneficial for their joints. It's recommended to walk your dog 10 miles per week, or roughly a mile and a half per day.
Mixing up exercise activities is a good idea, as Lab Peis are intelligent and love to fetch and retrieve. You can combine this with their love of water and take them to the local doggy lake.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and the frequency and type of grooming will depend on your dog's coat type and skin characteristics.
If your Shar Pei Lab has a short coat, you'll only need to groom them once a month or less, and a periodic bath will usually be enough to keep them looking their best.
Brushing your Lab Pei 2 to 3 times a week will keep their coat looking fresh and healthy, especially during shedding season when they'll experience a full blow-out.
You'll need to clean your Lab Pei's skin folds regularly, especially if they're active or spend a lot of time outside, to prevent bacteria and skin infections from developing.
Cleaning their eyes and ears regularly is also crucial to prevent infections and ensure their overall health.
Bathing your dog with a gentle shampoo once every 8 weeks or so is a good rule of thumb to keep them smelling clean.
Temperament and Training
The Shar Pei Lab mix is a people-oriented dog that can become attached and bonded with their owners, making them great guard dogs and watchdogs. However, they can also be stubborn and protective, which can make them hard to handle for some people.
Young Shar Pei Labs can be very energetic, which can make them difficult to train and manage, especially if they don't get the proper amount of exercise. To handle their energy, they need extensive training to become well-adjusted, and puppy training or obedience classes are recommended.
Their dominant personality requires a strong and experienced owner who can show them the ropes and teach them the family hierarchy. This means maintaining obedience training throughout their life, especially with positive reward training, to keep them in line.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Shar Pei Lab Mix is a very people-oriented dog, which means they can become attached and bonded with their owners, making them great guard dogs and watchdogs. However, this strong attachment can also make them stubborn and protective, which can be challenging to handle.
They can be very energetic, especially when they're young, which can make training and management difficult if they don't get enough exercise. Young Shar Pei Labs can be a handful, but with proper training and socialization, they can grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.
The Lab Pei is a dominant dog that requires an experienced owner who can show them the ropes and teach them the family hierarchy. Dominant dogs like this need even more dominant masters, and they're much happier in a home where they understand who's boss.
This breed is confident and courageous, protecting their family and estate if they feel it's necessary. They can be suspicious of strangers at first, but once they warm up to them, they'll be friendly and loving.
The Lab Pei is full of love and loyalty, and their family will be the apple of their eye. They love to play and will spend hours playing with their family, making them a fantastic companion for families who love to spend time outdoors.
Despite their high energy levels, they also know when to be calm in the home, and they'll happily sit back and relax with their family. They're not very needy dogs, but they do need their human-company fix most days and can become sad without it.
The Lab Pei is a very intelligent dog, thanks to the Labrador passing on their intelligent genes. They can pick up training and tricks relatively quickly, especially if you tempt them with treats. However, the Shar-Pei genetics might make them a little stubborn to train.
The Is Often Called
A Shar Pei Lab mix is often referred to as a Lab Pei, a name that's gaining popularity as this mixed breed becomes more well-known.
Don't be confused, a Lab Pei is the same thing as a Shar Pei Lab mix.
Health and Well-being
Shar Pei Lab mixes are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Dysplasia, a condition that affects the joints, is a serious concern that can lead to mobility issues and pain later in life.
Limiting exercise to five minutes per day per month of age can help prevent overexertion and growth issues that can exacerbate dysplasia. This means a four-month-old pup should only have about 20 minutes of exercise a day.
Bloat is another serious health issue that can be fatal if left untreated. Recognizing the signs of bloat is crucial, so you can intervene immediately if you suspect your dog is experiencing it.
Some common health issues in Shar Pei Lab mixes include:
- Eye issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy and entropion
- Dermatitis and skin allergies
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
Vital Statistics
This mixed breed combines the characteristics of a Shar-Pei and a Labrador retriever. The lifespan of this breed is relatively short, ranging from 8 to 12 years.
Their height is quite consistent, measuring between 18 to 20 inches. With a weight range of 55 to 70 pounds, they require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
The breed's coat is a short-to-medium length, with a medium shedding tendency and a block color pattern. This means they need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their trainability can be a challenge, as they're intelligent but also stubborn and sensitive. This requires patient and consistent training to bring out the best in them.
Here's a brief summary of their vital statistics:
- Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
- Height: 18 to 20 inches
- Weight: 55 to 70 pounds
Health
Shar Pei Lab mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they're prone to certain health issues. One of the most significant concerns is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to mobility problems and pain later in life.
To minimize the risk of dysplasia, it's essential to limit your dog's exercise to five minutes per day per month of age while they're a growing pup. This will help prevent overexertion and growth issues.
Bloat is another serious health condition that can be fatal if left untreated. It's crucial to know the signs of bloat, such as a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and difficulty breathing, so you can intervene immediately.
Shar Pei Lab mixes are also prone to eye issues, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness. Entropion, where the eyelashes grow inwards, is another common issue that requires swift treatment.
In addition to these health concerns, Shar Pei Lab mixes can also inherit skin allergies and dermatological issues, such as atopy dermatitis and seborrhea. Regular grooming and monitoring can help prevent these issues.
Here are some common health concerns to watch out for in Shar Pei Lab mixes:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye issues (progressive retinal atrophy, entropion)
- Skin allergies and dermatological issues (atopy dermatitis, seborrhea)
Keep in mind that every dog is different, and not all Shar Pei Lab mixes will develop these health issues. However, being aware of these potential concerns can help you provide the best possible care for your furry friend.
Purchasing and Owning
Purchasing a Shar Pei Lab mix puppy can be a significant investment. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for a Lab Pei puppy, and it could be more than double that depending on supply and demand where you live.
Finding a Shar Pei Lab mix puppy can be challenging due to their rarity. Shar-Peis are relatively rare when compared to other breeds, and Labradors are popular in many mix breeds, which means there just aren't that many Lab Peis being bred.
If you're considering adopting a Shar Pei Lab mix, be aware that there aren't many in shelters, and few rescues work specifically with the breed.
Puppies
Finding a Shar Pei Lab Mix puppy can be a challenge due to their relatively new and unknown status. Few people are breeding them, especially for sale.
Shar Peis are not a popular breed, ranking 70th in the US according to the American Kennel Club. This makes finding purebred Shar Peis difficult to source.
If you do manage to find a Shar Pei Lab Mix puppy, be prepared for a strong protective instinct. He'll guard his home and family, but not be aggressive.
His Lab parent's intelligent and obedient genes can make him more responsive to training. But be warned, this dominant dog requires an experienced owner.
He won't appreciate other pets, especially dogs, even if he's well-socialized. It's best to have him as the only pet in the household.
Puppy Cost
Puppy cost can be a significant factor to consider when deciding to bring a new furry friend home. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for a Lab Pei puppy.
Lab Pei puppies are relatively rare, which means they can be quite expensive. This is because Shar-Peis are not as common as other breeds, and Labradors are often used in mix breeds.
The cost of a Lab Pei puppy can be more than double the minimum price depending on supply and demand in your area.
Here's an interesting read: Pitbull Lab Mix Cost
Will You Adopt?
Adopting a Shar-Pei Lab mix can be a great decision, but it's essential to consider their temperament and behavior.
Their environment plays a significant role in shaping their personality, so proper socialization and training from a young age are crucial.
A Shar-Pei Lab mix can be a loving and friendly family pet that knows when to relax and when to be on high alert.
They can also make excellent guard dogs, but they might not do well with small children due to their protective nature.
Extensive training is necessary to ensure they become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
If you're an active individual looking for a devoted dog, a Shar-Pei Lab mix might be the perfect fit.
Owning a Dog
Owning a dog can be a life-changing experience, but it's essential to consider the needs and personalities of the breed you're interested in.
A Shar Pei Lab mix, also known as a Lab Pei, can be a loyal and loving companion, but they do have a strong protective instinct.
They will stand their ground and may not appreciate strangers coming to the house, so you need to be prepared to handle this trait.
If you're an experienced dog owner, you may be able to successfully train a Lab Pei to be more responsive to commands.
However, if you're new to dog ownership, a Lab Pei may be too much to handle.
They have a strong prey drive and may not get along with other pets, especially other dogs, so it's best to have them as the only pet in the household.
With proper socialization and training, a Lab Pei can be a wonderful family pet, but they may not be the best fit for families with small children due to their nippy and rambunctious nature.
If you do have a Lab Pei, make sure to give them plenty of attention and affection, as they thrive on human companionship.
They love a good afternoon snooze and will happily curl up beside you for a cuddle.
Family and Lifestyle
Shar Pei Lab mixes can be a great addition to many families, but they're not suitable for all households. Shar Pei Lab mixes are very loving and loyal, making them wonderful companions for families who can provide the right environment.
They do bond very well with their family, forming strong attachments. However, Shar Pei Lab mixes can be a little touchy around children and may nip if not handled carefully.
Worth a look: Dog Breeds Shar Pei Mixes
Suitability of Dogs for Families
Shar Pei Labs can make great family pets, but it's essential to consider their needs and personality. They are loving, loyal, and protective of their family, but may not be suitable for families with small children due to their rambunctious nature.
Shar Pei Labs bond well with their family, but socialization is key to minimizing their dislike towards other animals. This means exercising them in public on a leash and ensuring their yard is secured to prevent escape and potential conflicts.
In general, Shar Pei Labs get along with other dogs, but it's crucial to introduce them to a home with established dogs. They might not get along with small pets like cats or guinea pigs due to their protective nature.
Enjoy the Water

If you have a Shar Pei Lab mix, you'll be happy to know that they're natural swimmers.
Their Labrador Retriever heritage makes them well-suited for water activities.
Some Shar Pei Lab mixes even inherit the Labrador's love of swimming from their parent breed.
Shar Peis, on the other hand, aren't exactly known for their aquatic abilities.
In fact, some Shar Peis can't swim at all.
But don't worry, the Shar Pei Lab mix is more likely to enjoy the water than not.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a Shar-Pei lab mix?
A Shar-Pei Lab mix typically lives 10-12 years, with some factors affecting their lifespan. Their lifespan is influenced by inherited traits from both parent breeds.
What is a Shar-Pei lab personality?
Shar-Pei Labs are loving, loyal, and protective companions who bond well with their family, but may require extra care around children due to potential nippiness and rambunctiousness. They make great family pets for the right owner.
How big do Shar-Pei mixes get?
Shar-Pei mixes typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and reach a height of 18 inches. Their size can vary depending on the individual mix, but this range is a good general guideline.
What is a Labrador crossed with Shar-Pei?
The Lab Pei is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Shar-Pei, resulting in a loyal and protective hybrid breed. This unique mix makes for a great family companion with a playful and independent nature.
What are the characteristics of a Shar-Pei Labrador?
Shar-Pei Labradors are loving, loyal, and protective companions who bond well with their family, but may require extra care around children due to potential nippiness and rambunctious behavior.
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