There are many cross breeds with the Shar Pei and the Ori Pei is one of the most common. The breed was created in North America in the 1970’s. A breeder called Aaron Silver was a fan of the Chinese Shar Pei breed. But the dog was associated with innumerable health problems like eye tacking, skin problems and hip dysphasia. In order to have a smaller version of the Shar Pei without all the health problems the breeder used the Shar Pei and the Pug to create the Ori Pei.
The Ori Pei is now recognized by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) and has a pedigree history up to six generations. The Ori Pei pups are often mistaken for Shar Pei pups, because they normally stay small. They are devoted to their families and have a great rapport with children.
Another common Shar Pei mix is with the Basset Hound, which gives birth to the Ba-Shar (Sharp Asset). The best way to check out the temperament of a mixed breed is to check all breeds of the cross. Only then is it possible to know any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized the Ba-Shar as a hybrid dog. Many of the dogs that are being bred are only fifty percent purebred. So the result could actually be a multi-generation cross.
The Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix could be considered for cross breeding with the Shar Pei. In the new Shar Pei mix the characteristics of the Shar Pei stand out more than the characteristics of the other parent breed. The extra skin and wrinkles are enough to show that the dog is a Shar Pei Mix. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is also another option for cross breeding with the Shar Pei. The new breed has many positive features like being friendly and loving, but is also shy.
It is possible to breed a healthy population of dogs only if the gene pool is large so that there is an abundance of genetic variation. This allows for competition of the genes under complete randomness, and hence maintains conservation of gene frequencies. It is already seen that the Shar Pei is becoming problematic in structure and temperament because it is bred within a small gene pool. What is required here is a new flow of genes from the original type at the place of origin.
The kennel clubs today have introduced some strict rules regarding breeding. This discourages people to take in new genetic materials from the original stock. The kennel clubs insist that by isolating genes the purity of the breed is preserved, and not by preserving genes in population.
Of course the kennel club rules regarding breeding and cross breeding of dogs are quite strict. For purebreds as well as for cross breeds, there are exact combinations according to their specifications, and only then the cross breeds are recognized by them.
But you should choose the breeder of your Shar Pei mix with care, because he should be responsible and reputable and should be in a position to breed designer puppies that are intelligent and healthy. The kennel clubs lays down strict breeding rules. They do encourage cross breeding, but it should be a regularized one, so that the breed can be registered with them.
