Bull-Pei Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bull-Pei?

Both the English Bulldog and the Shar-Pei were originally bred as farm dogs but soon made the transition to becoming fighting dogs, to which their barrel-like bodies, strong musculature, and loose folds made them perfectly suited.

English Bulldogs are an ancient breed about which whose history we're unsure. Some experts say they are a Mastiff/Pug cross, while some believe the English Bulldog is older than the Mastiff.

In any case, Bulldogs of the 18th Century were bred to be much more aggressive and have a high pain threshold. Today they maintain pain tolerance but are much more agreeable and docile dogs now following the banning of dog fighting in 1885.

The Shar-Pei followed a similar trajectory, initially bred for working on and guarding farms as well as being a hunting companion that soon proved itself capable of fighting pits.

As a result of mass famine caused by communist government policies, Shar-Pei numbers were decimated during the 1940s and 50s. Luckily enough survived that by the 1960s, they were accepted into the Hong Kong Kennel Club.

Who are Bull-Pei dogs best for?

A Bull Pei makes a great family pet if given the right socialisation early in life. They love being with families and get along especially well with children, inheriting the nanny dog streak from their English Bulldog parent.

They have a moderate amount of energy and are happy doing whatever you do, so they don't need to be in a very active family in order to be content.

An unsocialised Bull Pei puppy will grow into a dog that can tend to be territorial and not immediately trusting of other animals or people. If left unchecked, the Bull Pei temperament can leave them open to anxiety which manifests as aggression; this could also be the case if they become overly protective of children in your home.

However, with correct early training, they make fantastic family pets but are just as comfortable in smaller families.

How much grooming does a Bull-Pei need?

The Bull Pei sheds throughout the year and will require moderate to minimal grooming to maintain its appearance. They will shed heavily during two periods throughout the year and will need daily brushing during this time and around 2-3 times a week during regular shedding.

You should be prepared to have dog hair appearing over your furniture and clothing, so regular vacuuming is a must.

When you bathe your Bull Pei use a good quality dog shampoo and make sure they're dry afterward, especially between their folds, to avoid any infections caused by moisture build-up. Check their ears once a week and clean them using a pet-approved cotton ball and solution and remember to clip their nails and brush their teeth 2-3 times a week.

Do Bull-Pei bark much?

Bull Peis are noisy dogs in general. They like to exercise their vocal cords when the feeling takes them, and they will snort and snore all the time. They don't bark compulsively but mainly just to communicate with you.

The correct canine education and early socialisation will curtail their vocal habits to an extent and make them much easier to quiet down with a verbal command; however, they will always be vocal dogs.

Do Bull-Pei bite?

Both parent breeds of the Bull Pei are gentle dogs that love a bit of roughhousing but aren't known for genuine aggression. The Bull Pei is similar in temperament, with a territorial streak and the potential to lash out if provoked enough, though this stems from a desire to protect their territory and their family and not for the sake of it.

This, combined with their tendency to bark, can make a fantastic guard dog if given the right training.

The Bull Pei takes to training especially well, and with the correct education and socialisation, you won't have to worry about any aggression from this generally agreeable, sociable dog breed.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bull-Pei?

Bull Peis are docile, gentle dogs that generally have a great attitude toward kids, though if the Shar Pei's attitude is more dominant, they can be less trusting of young and older kids.

The case is generally that they are more similar to their Bulldog parent. In any case, it's important to keep an eye on any interactions with kids as they are a powerful breed that could cause some accidental damage.

They are playful dogs but never overexcited and carry themselves with an air of assured confidence. It's best to socialise them and train them properly as these traits can manifest as aggressive behaviour towards other dogs, and seeing as they're strong, it's best to teach them their place in the pecking order as soon as possible.

These dogs take very well to training and are easily adaptable, so you shouldn't have a tough time shaping them into a trustworthy, well-behaved family pooch.

What is the weight & size of a Bull-Pei?

This mixed-breed dog has a similar size and weight to its parents, with the males tending to be fractionally bigger than the females. They will reach between 40-46 cm at the withers and weigh anywhere between 16-29 kg.

How much training does a Bull-Pei need?

The long history of the Bull Bei's parents is one that's involved working closely alongside humans. The trainability of the two breeds exists in the Bull Pei, too, as they are easy dogs to train.

They're very smart and easy to house train. Proper socialisation and consistent but firm training with an emphasis on positive reinforcement. They can be a touch stubborn, but just remember you have a much higher capacity for patience than them, so stick with it, and you'll win them over.

Bull Pei pups can be adorable and may try to win you over, but stick to your guns and make sure you don't allow them to control you with their puppy dog charm.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bull-Pei?

Bull Peis are robust dogs, but like a lot of mixed breed dogs, they can inherit a few health issues that are common in both the Bulldog and Shar-Pei breeds. Some issues to look out for are -

• Hypothyroidism

• Bloating

• Demodectic mange

• Reverse sneezing

• Hip dysplasia

Regular vet checkups will allow you to stay on top of any burgeoning issues.

What is the lifespan of a Bull-Pei?

With proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, these dogs can enjoy long, happy lives of up to 8-12 years.

How much should you feed a Bull-Pei?

The Bull Pei can be prone to putting on weight if overfed, so make sure you feed them high-quality dog food, stick to recommended serving sizes, and do not overdo it on the treats.

As with every dog, a Bull Pei puppy will require food made for puppies which you'll wean off as they get older. They will require more meals as puppies and fewer as they develop.

The breeder who you got your puppy from will provide you with a guide for your Bull Pei's diet, and it's important to stick to it closely to avoid upsetting their developing stomachs.

What is the price of a Bull-Pei in Australia?

The price of Bull-Pei puppies can vary depending on the quality of its lineage, the reputation of the breeder, and the breed supply. These designer dogs can go for anywhere between $500-$2000 though you may find breeders who sell them for less or more.