Bull-Pei Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

16-29 kg

Height

40-46 cm

Lifespan

8-12 years

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About the Bull-Pei

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

These beautiful dogs are a winning cross of a Chinese Shar-Pei and the English Bulldog, combining the soft, adorable wrinkles and loveable nature of both breeds. They have athletic, robust bodies that make them perfect for cuddling, along with a simply adorable look that will have everyone falling in love with them where ever they go.

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 the 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 in 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.

What is a Bull-Pei breed?

Bull Peis inherit the wrinkles of their Shar-Pei parents with the square, muscular body of both parents. Their heads are broad and disproportionately bigger than their bodies, with thick necks and powerful jaws.

They’ve small, sometimes droopy eyes with floppy triangle ears that sit high on their heads.

Bull Pei dogs inherit the short coats of both parent breeds and have a varied mix of colours that are usually mixed and rarely one solid colour. The most common coat colours are mixtures of brown, grey, white, black, and fawn.

Who is a Bull-Pei 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.

Bull-Pei Grooming & Shedding

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 afterwards, especially between their folds, to avoid any infections caused by moisture build-up. Check their ears once a week and clean them using a vet-approved solution and remember to clip their nails and brush their teeth 2-3 times a week.

Do Bull-Peis bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Bull-Pei dog?

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.

Are Bull-Peis easy to train?

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 40-46cm at the withers and weigh anywhere between 16-29kg.

How do Bull-Peis behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Bull Peis are docile, gentle dogs that generally have a great attitude towards 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.

Does the Bull-Pei have any common health issues?

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: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, which can affect energy levels and skin health.
Bloating: A serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist, potentially leading to life-threatening situations.
Demodectic Mange: A skin condition caused by mites that can lead to hair loss and skin irritation.
Reverse Sneezing: A common occurrence where the dog rapidly inhales, leading to a snorting sound, often caused by irritation in the throat or nasal passages.
Hip Dysplasia: A genetic issue where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, potentially leading to arthritis.

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 does a Bull-Pei need to be fed?

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 not overdo it on the treats.

As with every dog, a Bull Pei puppy will require food made for puppies which you’ll wean them 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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Bull-Pei FAQs

Are Bull-Peis aggressive?

Bull Peis aren’t aggressive, but they can have a tendency to be overly territorial which can lead to antisocial behaviour if not properly trained out of them.

They are sweet-natured dogs, and it’s important to bear in mind that dogs are very rarely violent for no reason and that their aggression is simply an expression of energy. The right sort of training and mental stimulation will ensure an agreeable, friendly dog.

What is a Pit-Pei?

A Pit Pei is a mix between a Shar-Pei and an American Pitbull Terrier. They are a touch more stubborn and harder to rear than Bull Peis.

Do Bull-Peis require professional grooming?

Bull Pei’s require low to moderate maintenance when it comes to grooming. You shouldn’t need to hire a professional to do the job for you, but it can be easier to give you one less job to do.