Hybrid Dogs, also commonly known as “Cross Breeds” or “Designer Dogs”, are a category of dogs who are offspring to parents of two different pure dog breeds. This aims at extracting the qualities of each of the breeds involved in the matting process, which will results in the breeding of stronger and healthier puppies. This is typically characterized by puppies that have inherited the physical and mental qualities of both parents.
More on Hybrid and Designer Dogs

Although there are some people who would prefer to have 100 % of everything, from whole wheat and 100% cotton t-shirts, there are definitely some advantages to having a hybrid, or a more new-aged term, Designer Dog.

Hybrids have come a long stretch from the mutts and mongrels formerly tsase when two hybrids are bred to produce a breed. Though many would beg to differ, there is nothing new about the practice of selective breeding. For years different dogs have been teamed to create an otherwise ‘perfect’ offspring exhibiting greater characteristics and personality traits that would qualify them as man’s best friend.

Although every dog is as unique as its owner, perhaps the best way to find out about the hybrid’s temperament is by looking up the breeds in the cross and understand you can get any of those characteristics found in either breed. It is not uncommon to have more dominant traits from one parent than another, the same way a child will inherit more prevailing traits from their father than their mother or vice versa.

Because hybrids are ‘created’ from the likeness of purebreds, their names are invented as well. Take the Airedoodle for example- a mixture of Airedale Terrier and poodle; the Aussiedoodle-Australian Shepherd and Poodle, Cadoodle- collie and poodle, and the foxhoodle-fox hound and poodle. The reality is, there are oodles and oodles of mixes of poodles all in the search for the perfect dog.

The Shiba Inu originated in Japan and was bred to hunt birds. They are related to the Akita Inu as both are fierce working dogs but differ greatly in size. These little dogs became very close to extinction in the 1930′s but were specifically bred to become re-populated and are now known and owned all over the world. The Shiba Inu’s name translates to “small dog” or ” shrub dog” which is where they would flush their prey from.

These little dogs have an athletic, muscular body and a sharp muzzle. Their ears are medium sized and pricked upward giving them a constant alert expression. The Shiba Inu has toned, straight legs which give them their speed when on the hunt, and a coiled tail that curls over to touch their lower back. These little dogs are the spitting image of their larger relatives, the Akita Inu and are often mistaken for Akita puppies!

Responsive, spirited and outgoing, the Shiba Inu is a great companion! They bond very strongly with one person but will be friendly to family members or family friends. Around strangers they will be weary and stand off-ish but this will pass once they have a few meetings. These dogs make great family pets because they get along very well with children, but should be the only pet in the household. The Shiba might be aggressive towards other dogs, especially those of the same sex and should not be around small family pets such as cats or hamsters because they have a high prey drive and might attack.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 14-17 inches high
Females:13-16 inches high

Weight

Males: 20-30 lbs
Females: 18-28 lbs

Color(s)

The Shiba Inu comes in any colour combination but most commonly seen is the cream or red.

Coat

These little dogs have a thick coat that has 2 layers. The outer layer is soft, dense and straight while the under coat is thick and plushy giving them extra insulation for colder climates. The Shiba Inu is a generally clean dog but will need weekly grooming to upkeep their coat.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Shiba Inu is an energetic, clever little dog that will make a great companion! They will excel greatly in not just obedience, but agility, tracking, and hunting. They are known to pick up little tricks very quickly and enjoy entertaining their masters with their skills. The Shiba Inu will need to be socialized thouroughly as a puppy, especially around other dogs and people. Cats and smaller animals should be introduced at a young age as well to ensure they can co-exist with them as adults.

This breed will make a fine working dog if their skills are put to use. Hunting game or rodents is what their breed was originally used for and they will still carry on these characteristic hunting abilities even today. Most commonly they are used for companionship and are standard household pets in their birth country! The Shiba is growing in popularity everyday and makes an excellent little dog for people who want an independent yet affectionate pet.

Care

The Shiba Inu will need to be brushed 2-3 times per week and bathed every 1-2 months. They are clean animals but will need to have the dead fur removed from their coat on a weekly basis. This breed is prone to luxating patella’s, hip dysplasia, epilepsy and a few eye ailments such as cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and glaucoma. For the most part they are a very healthy breed but potential owners should have the parents medical history checked before buying a puppy to see if there are any health problems their dog might inherit at an older age.

Training

This little dog will need a persistent and calm owner who will be able to show dominance and firmness when it comes to teaching them basic obedience. They can have a stubborn attitude but with consistency and repetition will grasp obedience quickly. The Shiba Inu is an intelligent breed and it will not take long before they learn what it is their owner is wanting to teach them. These dogs are known to pick up training techniques quickly and are also fairly simple to housetrain.

Activity

The Shiba Inu will need about a half an hour of exercise per day which can be done at an off-leash park or on a long walk. These dogs play during the day so do not need an excessive amount of exercise in the evening. They will be comfortable in an apartment because they don’t require an entire household of room to live in, and a backyard would be preferable just so there is an outdoor area to roam.

The Schipperke originated in Belgium and was bred to guard boats either docked or at sea and to hunt down vermin that live aboard the ships. They are descendants of the Belgium Sheepdog but were bred to become decreased in size until they reached their current weight which tops out at a whopping 18 lbs.

This breed is petite and has a significantly compact body and tiny, fine boned legs. They have a sharp muzzle and ears that are tiny but are pointed upwards giving them a constantly perceptive look. The Schipperkes tail will be docked for show purposes but if left natural will be a tight coil that curls over to touch their lower back.

The Schipperke is a lively little dog that is courageous and strong minded. They love children, and will get along well with other dogs and cats so will make a great family dog. This breed has a very high adoration for their master and will usually give all of their love and loyalty toward that one person. They are not as outgoing or friendly with people they’ve never met or even know because they are devoted to their owner.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 11-13 inches high
Females: 9-12 inches high

Weight

Males: 7-18 lbs
Females: 7-18 lbs

Color(s)

The Schipperke only comes in one colour variation which is the solid black. They can come in tan, a rich brown, or a cream colouring but none of these will be accepted for show rings as black is the only permitted colour.

Coat

This breed has a very thick double layered coat that is a bit more dense and hard feeling to the touch. The top coat is fine yet smooth, while the undercoat is fleecy and insulating giving them protection from colder climates. The Schipperke has a “mane-like” tuft of fur around their necks which gives them a more distinguished look.

Life Expectancy

About 15-18 years.

Personality

The Schipperke is a clever breed that has a mischievous side that needs to explore! They are bright dogs and will not be too difficult to train if their owner is consistent with the techniques. These little guys are notorious for their cleanliness because they have little to no smell and groom themselves as regularly as a cat would.

This breeds purpose was to guard their master’s territory (in this case boats or ships) and this trait has been carried on to the Schipperke of today. Despite their size, these little dogs are not all bark and will defend what belongs to them at will! Strangers are not welcome around this breed unless they are formally introduced.

Care

The Schipperke will need a large amount of grooming maintenance to upkeep their thick fur. One to three times per year times they will lose their coat to re-grow a new one, this is called “blowing their coat”. The entire undercoat of the dog will be shed and during this time they will need to be brushed at least 2-3 times per day! Bathing should be done about every 2 months or at the owners discretion as to how often. The Schipperke is prone to cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia and a breed specific disease called MPS IIB. They might be inclined to inherit hypothyroidism but this will only be in some lines.

Training

This breed is a very clever little dog and will need firm yet gentle training methods to grasp any concepts. Sessions should be shorter and made to be enjoyable so the dog is motivated to learn! They want to please their masters but can be stubborn so owners must be consistent and patient.

Activity

The Schipperke will need at least an hour per day of exercise which can be time spent in an off-leash park or on a walk. It is suggested they be taken to dog parks because they will burn off their energy much quicker if they are running after a ball or playing with other dogs. This breed will do well in an apartment as long as they have their daily exercise and a backyard is preferred so they have an outdoor area at home to run around in!

The Lowchen originated in France and is a relative of the Bichon Frise. They are one of the most rare breeds still alive today, but are slowly becoming more popular. This little dog resembles a lion and actually has an alternate name being “little lion dog”.

These dogs have a unique coat trim that is usually bare from the hind legs to the tail. Their front legs and chest are covered in long, fine fur and their face has hair cascading from the ears. The Lowchen has long floppy ears, a short muzzle and large circular eyes. They have a compact body and long fine boned legs with a long tail. These little dogs resemble their cousin breed the Bichon and also the Maltese.

The Lowchen is a friendly, outgoing, and clever little dog that loves attention from their owners. They make great family pets because they get along great with children and smaller animals. For the most part, this breed will interact well with other dogs but might be more aggressive towards other males. The Lowchen thrives on their owners affection and will become depressed if left alone to often.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 10-14 inches high
Females: 10-14 inches high

Weight

Males: 8-18 lbs
Females: 8-18 lbs

Color(s)

The Lowchen will come in any type of colour combination but most commonly seen is the black, lemon or white. All patterns and markings are accepted in the AKC standards.

Coat

This breed has a long loosely wavy coat that is often accompanied by a unique hair cut. Some owners prefer the breed standard haircut which is to shave the dog from the hind quarters down, and some owners prefer to have the dogs fur cut evenly but shortly. Either way they will need to be brushed at least once per week just to remove the dead coat.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Lowchen is an energetic happy dog that is courageous and will make a great family pet. They will need to be trained in a positive yet firm manner but this should not present any problems as they are a smart breed that want to please their owners. Socialization as puppies will be needed, especially around other dogs (preferably of the same sex) and other animals to ensure they can be comfortable in various situations as adults.

These little dogs, despite their size, make great watchdogs! They are constantly on guard and possess a loud bark which could alert the family and the neighbors as well. Lowchens can be a stubborn and sometimes dominant breed so their masters will need to have patience while training them. Owners would also be encouraged to have some experience or knowledge in basic obedience in order to quickly teach this breed.

Care

The Lowchen will need a moderate amount of grooming to keep their coat looking great. Brushing 2-3 times per week and bathing once per month will be great for this breeds coat. Monthly trims will be needed if the owner decides they want a show cut. The Lowchen is prone to a couple of eye ailments, such as cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They might be genetically prone to luxating patella’s, but for the most part they are a healthy breed.

Training

The Lowchen is a bit of a stubborn breed and will need an owner who is more firm in their training techniques, but gentle. They want to please their owner but need to be taught with positive consistency in order to grasp the concept. Training sessions made enjoyable will be more motivating to these dogs as it will seem like a treat rather than a chore.

Activity

The Lowchen will need about a half an hour of exercise per day and this can be done either at an off-leash park or on a long walk. Time spent running off-leash or playing with other dogs will definitely burn their energy much quicker. These dogs will do well in an apartment because they are small and don’t take up too much space. A backyard is not necessary but would be a bonus so they have an outdoor environment at home to roam around in.

The French Bulldog originated in England and was bred to hunt rodents and also to be a companion to people. They are a mixture of the English Bulldog and a variety of French Terriers!

This breed is a goofy little character that needs loads of affection to be happy. They are animated, fun loving and sweet making them uplifting dogs to be around. The French Bulldog (Frenchie) will make an excellent family pet because they like children and get along well with other dogs and smaller pets such as cats.

Solid, sturdy, and stout, the Frenchie is a significant dog for such a small package! They have a pushed in face and large bat like ears. Their legs are muscular and toned giving them the traditional bulldog appearance. Naturally their tails are shaped in a corkscrew, just like that of a pig!

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 12 inches high
Females: 12 inches high

Weight

Males: 20-28 lbs
Females: 16-24 lbs

*Neither male nor female can be over 28 lbs as this is grounds for disqualification in the show ring.

Color(s)

The French Bulldog comes in a wide variety of colours such as cream, brindle, liver, fawn with black, blue and ticked pied. The most commonly seen is cream or brindle but all are accepted within the AKC standards.

Coat

The Frenchie has a silky short coat that will need very minimal grooming to upkeep. They shed an average amount of fur and are generally very easy to keep in perfect condition!

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

This breed is a spirited and active little dog that has an upbeat and charming personality. They can be a stubborn breed especially when it comes to training, but this can be overcome with consistency on the owner’s part! Although these dogs are little, they have been known to excel in weight pulling, agility and obedience trials!

Socialization will be needed at a young age to ensure that the Frenchie is comfortable around dogs and other people. Generally they are affectionate and friendly to everyone but might sometimes have problems with dogs of the same sex.

Care

The French Bulldog is a very low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming their coat. Brushing once per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be perfect! These dogs are prone to breathing difficulties because their face is pushed in, giving them little room for their nasal passage to be fully open. Eye ailments, difficult labor, cleft palates, and not being able to swim are also traits the Frenchie might be inclined to receive!

Most of their inherited diseases or problems occur because of their bodily structure and some of these may be avoided if the dog is kept at a healthy weight and if the owner checks the medical background of the puppy’s parents before deciding to buy so they know that they will be getting a healthy baby.

Training

The French Bulldog is a stubborn dog that will need consistent training but this must be done in a very gentle manner. Frenchies thrive on the love they receive from their master and negative training methods will completely ruin their confidence! Repetition and lessons that are made to be fun will be the key to success for these dogs. If they are having a good time while learning obedience, they will be much more likely to perfect it at a quick rate.

Activity

This breed will need roughly a half an hour of exercise per day. Trips to an off-leash dog park or a long walk will tire them out. Frenchies play during the day and use up most of their energy but will still need daily exercise to keep them in shape. They will do well in an apartment as they are small and don’t need a large amount of space. A backyard would be excellent but is not a necessity.

The Finnish Spitz originated in Finland and was bred to hunt small game, elk and even bear! They are notorious for their incredibly fast barking and statistically they can bark up to 160 times in one minute. Despite their small size, this breed has mastered their hunting abilities and are so prized that historically their masters would feed them the first hunted game of the day.

This little dog has a compact, athletic body and strong, strait legs that give them their quick stride and long gait. They have a sharp muzzle, large triangular ears, and small circular eyes that give them a constant alert look. The Finnish Spitz has a tightly coiled tail with small rounded paws. Their coat is thick and straight with a variety of light red colouring giving them a similar appearance (face and coat colour wise) to a fox.

The Finnish Spitz is a responsive, outgoing and affectionate breed that needs to have their owners acceptance and love in order to thrive. They are loyal and hardworking making them not only great hunters/working dogs, but also excellent companions. They make great family pets because they adore children and will get along with other smaller animals in the household as well as other dogs. Despite their hunting and barking instincts, the Finnish Spitz is not a loud dog nor are they highly prey driven making them easier to raise and train.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 15-19 inches high

Females: 14-17 inches high

Weight

Males: 27-35 lbs
Females: 20-27 lbs

Color(s)

The Finnish Spitz comes in a variety of reds ranging from blonde red to a rich brown red. Most commonly seen is the deep red which is similar in colouring to a fox. All shades of red with tiny white markings is acceptable for the AKC standards.

Coat

This breed has a thick double layered coat with the outer layer being soft and plushy to the touch. The under layer has a light cotton feel and is very warm keeping them insulated when hunting in cold weather. The Finnish Spitz must have a straight coat, wavy or curly is not accepted in shows and must be standing on end.

Life Expectancy

About 12-15 years.

Personality

The Finnish Spitz is an energetic, happy dog that will need a family that has the time to spend with them. They are not a dog to be left at home or alone often because they will become very barky and depressed. They have a strong bond with their masters and will work to please them. The Finnish Spitz will be weary of people they’ve never met but will warm up after a few meetings. These dogs are clever and will be more difficult to train but once they have the concept, it will stay with them forever.

This breed is notorious for their cleanliness because they keep themselves quite clean and don’t make messes around the house. They will make a great medium sized pet and just need consistency during training and be considered part of the family to be content! The Finnish Spitz is known for their barking or noises they enjoy making so people that want a quiet dog should not consider one of these.

Care

The Finnish Spitz will need a moderate amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing 2-3 times per week and bathing when the owner feels it necessary is all they need to stay well groomed. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and luxating patella’s. They are considered one of the healthiest breeds and do not usually inherit these diseases, but the parents history should be checked just to see what their medical background is and what potentials might be passed onto their offspring.

Training

This breed is incredibly clever but will need a patient and firm owner to be able to teach them. Consistency is the key with these dogs but they also need shorter lessons and the training to be made enjoyable for obedience information to stick. Controlling the barking level of this breed is a must because if they are able, they will bark unnecessarily and will become a nuisance to the family and neighbors.

Activity

The Finnish Spitz will need about an hour of exercise per day and this can be done running at an off-leash park or on a walk. Chasing after a ball or playing with other dogs in a dog park will be much more effective to burn off their energy because these dogs need and love to run! They will do well in an apartment because they don’t need the space of a household to live in and access to a backyard would be preferable but is not needed.

The Dalmatian originated in Croatia (around the area of Dalmatia) and was bred to protect their master’s territory which commonly would have been a horse-drawn carriage. They were also used as hunting or retrieving dogs and were commonly known as the firefighter’s aid. This comes from their original breed purpose which was to lead and make sure nothing was in the way of the trail the fire fighters would take on their way to a fire!

This breed has a very unique coat that has become famous to the general public of today. Their white with black spotted fur and lean, athletic body is needed in their line of work. The Dalmatian has a slender face with a long muzzle and large floppy ears. Their legs are muscular and strong, giving them speed and fortitude while working. These dogs have a long, narrow tail and medium sized boney paws.

The Dalmatian is well known for their tightly bonded relationships with their masters. This breed became very popular when the cartoon movie “101 Dalmatians” premiered but this gave the public false knowledge of their behavior and personality. The Dalmatian is a great pet but can be an anxious breed and should be around adults or older children that will treat the dog with respect and give them their space when it’s needed.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 22-24 inches high

Females: 20-22 inches high

Weight

Males: around 55 lbs
Females: around 55 lbs

Color(s)

The Dalmatian has a one of a kind coat colouring which is the spotted black with a solid white body colouring. The under layer of colouring must always be white but the spots may be black, liver, lemon, blue, brindle or orange. Only the black and liver are permitted for show rings. Puppies are white when they’re born but will “grow” their spots as they age.

Coat

This breed has a very short yet smooth coat that will need minimal grooming to upkeep. Weekly brushing and monthly bathing is all this dog needs to keep their prim appearance.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years.

Personality

The Dalmatian is an energetic and devoted breed that is extremely loyal to their owners. They make great pets for people that have the time to spend with them as well as give them the amount of exercise they need.

This breed will need to be socialized thoroughly as puppies especially around children and dogs to ensure they will be comfortable around these as adults. Dalmatians are affectionate and cuddly towards their owners but will be weary of people they’ve never met.

These dogs are very intelligent but will need repetitive and gentle training. They have the ability to compete in obedience trials because they grasp training concepts quickly and they have a fantastic memory. Dalmatians today are used primarily as companions but have the skills to be a hunter, retriever and guard dog as well!

Care

The Dalmatian will need to be brushed once per week and bathed every 1-2 months. They are clean dogs that won’t need too much grooming. This breed will be prone to urinary ailments, such as bladder stones, or urinary infections. Deafness is not uncommon among these dogs as well as skin problems, so the family vet might suggest a special diet for them to prevent some of the urinary or skin ailments.

Training

The Dalmatian will need an owner who is calm and patient when it comes to training. These dogs are clever but will be stubborn at times and using harsh methods will definitely not promote their learning. They are sensitive and should be trained using short sessions and also making obedience fun for them to encourage the actual learning process.

Activity

The Dalmatian will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day. They are very energetic and need to run or be taken on a very long walk to tire them out. Off-leash park visits are suggested so they can play with other dogs or run after a ball to burn off their energy. The Dalmatian will do well in a household as they need a lot of room to live in. A back yard will be needed so they have extra outdoor room to roam around in.

The Chow Chow originated in China and was bred to hunt smaller animals and to guard property. Today these dogs are used primarily for companions but in China are also considered a tasty morsel! These dogs are thought to be the original inspiration for the statues in front of Chinese temples called Fu lions.

This breed is known for their fluffy coat and blue tongue! They are large and powerful dogs, which will often do the job when acting on guard. Their legs are straight, and their tail is a tight curl that touches their lower back. The Chow Chow has tiny triangular ears that are pricked upward and a short muzzle.

The Chow Chow is a stubborn breed that can be very dominant and defensive of family or their territory. They are independent and enjoy time spent alone but also love the affection they get from their owners. As a family dog, this breed is not the best candidate due to their independent nature, but will get along well with children and other pets if they are raised with them.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 18-22 inches high
Females: 18-22 inches high

Weight

Males: 45-70 lbs

Females: 45-70 lbs

Color(s)

The Chow Chow will come in a variety of colours such as tan, cream, gray, black, red or blue. Most commonly seen is the black but all 6 colours are accepted for showing purposes.

Coat

This breed has extremely thick fur that is straight and puffy. They have a double layered coat that has a rougher outer layer and a soft, plushy under layer. The Chow Chow will be either a rough or smooth haired coat type, but most popular are the rough coated.

Life Expectancy

About 10-15 years.

Personality

The Chow Chow is a breed of dog that is not suggested for just any owner or family. They can be a very dominant breed that needs very firm training and their owners must have experience in raising or training more difficult dog breeds. These dogs will be devoted and affectionate to their master but will show no interest in anybody else. Their loyalty is renowned making them a great dog for the right owner.

Socialization as a puppy will be thoroughly needed to ensure they can be well adjusted and familiar with dogs, people and other pets as adults. These dogs do not usually get along with dogs of the same sex but with extra socialization when they are young, this can be prevented.

Care

This breed will need a moderate amount of grooming maintenance to keep them looking great. Brushing about 3 times per week and bathing every 2-3 months will be perfect for these dogs. The Chow Chow might be prone to a few eye ailments called ectropian and entropian. Hip dysplasia is common and they might be genetically inclined to inherit luxating patella’s. Before buying a puppy, the parent’s medical history should be checked to ensure that the mom and dad are healthy so they are birthing a healthy baby.

Training

The Chow Chow will need very firm training from an owner that has experience. These dogs are dominant and will need their master to be more dominant than themselves so proper obedience training and house rules must be taught to this breed from the start. The Chow Chow is very clever but their stubborn attitude will slow down any process of obedience so patience, consistency and repetition will be very much needed to allow these dogs to grasp the training concept.

Activity

The Chow Chow will need at least a half an hour of exercise per day and a long walk or time spent roaming an off-leash park will do just fine. They are very laid back dogs that don’t require extensive exercise. This breed will do well in an apartment but access to a backyard would be excellent so they can sniff around in an outside environment at home.

The Shar Pei is a powerful dog who comes from the southern provinces of Guangzhou in China.
Well-known as the “Chinese Fighting Dog” he’s name means “sand skin” and he’s coat were developed to aid him in fighting.

The ancestry of the Shar-Pei is uncertain, perhaps related to the smooth-coated Chow Chow and the Tibetan Mastiff.
Kept as a general-purpose farm dog, the Sharpei was also used for hunting, protecting stock, and guarding the household.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

18 – 20 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

35 – 60 lbs.

Color(s)

Coat colors include solid cream, fawn, red and black.

Coat

Known for his deep wrinkles, the Chinese Shar-Pei has an unusual harsh and straight coat.
Two types of coat are found in this breed, the brush-coated variety is harsh and about an inch long.
The horse coat is short, rough and extremely prickly.

Life Expectancy

About 8 to 12 years.

Personality

Confident, playful and active, the Shar-Pei is very loyal and devoted to his master.
He makes an easy-going companion and a wonderful watchdog. Often considered independent and dominant, this breed can at times be aloof and intimidating toward strangers.
He can do well with children and other pets if he is well-socialized as a puppy, however mixing other dogs can sometimes be a problem.

Care

Generally a healthy breed, the Shar-Pei is susceptible to eye irritations, diverse mouths and ear (the ears should be cleaned regularly) problems and some skin disorders.
Very sensitive to heat the Shar-Pei needs shade and water all the time.
The coat of the Chinese Shar-Pei is easy to groom, however it should be brushed regularly with a rubber brush and bathe once a week only during shedding periods.

Training

The Sharpei is not for everyone and needs an experienced owner who as the ability to establish a leadership over them.
He can be stubborn and bold at times, making him slightly hard to train.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is an intelligent dog that does not always follow commands slavishly, that’s why he need firm, but gentle and highly consistent training.
However, he is very eager to please and has a strong protective instinct making him ideal for a guard or watchdog as well as a companion who is dedicated to is family.

Activity

The Chinese Shar-Pei is suited for both urban and city living, he is fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard if it is sufficiently exercised.
They loves outdoor walks but keep them leashed in public so they do not fight with other dogs.

The Bulldog originated in England and was bred to fight bulls! They are a mixture of the Mastiff and the Pug which gives them their pushed in face and muscular body. Although in the late 1600′s they were bred to bait bears and bulls, today they are primarily used for companionship to people and go by the names English Bulldog or British Bulldog.

This breed has a unique appearance that is well known worldwide. Their body is muscular and of significant weight considering their height. They have toned legs and are low to the ground giving them an advantage when fighting massive opponents. The Bulldog has tiny triangular ears, a small corkscrew tail and eyes that are large and circular with the most appealing look being set further apart.

The Bulldog is a gentle, affectionate dog that literally thrives on the attention they get from their owners. They make great family pets because they adore children and will get along well with smaller family pets. This breed has become much more friendly with other dogs but there might still be friction with dogs of the same sex when meeting for the first time. Goofy, playful and fearless, the Bulldog is an excellent companion and will make a great addition to any one person or family’s life.

Breed Group

Non-Sporting

Size

Males: 12-16 inches high

Females: 12-16 inches high

Weight

Males: 53-55 lbs
Females: 49-51 lbs

Color(s)

The Bulldog comes in a variety of colours such as white, red, fawn, or brindle. Most commonly seen is the white or the fawn but all are still accepted for show. Black is the only colour that is a disqualification according the the standards of the AKC.

Coat

This breed has a very short, dense coat that is hard to the touch but the underbelly, chest and top of the head are areas where the fur is much smoother. The Bulldog will need weekly brushing just to remove the dead fur.

Life Expectancy

About 8 years.

Personality

The Bulldog is an animated character that has a loving yet clowish personality. They are a sweet breed and are not the aggressive fighters that they were once known as, but more of a breed that has been focused towards becoming the large lapdog they are today! These dogs can be very stubborn, especially during training so they will need an owner who is firm, patient and dominant. Bulldogs are known for their loyalty towards their masters and exceptional outgoing nature, making them perfect for one person or for large families because the more people surrounding this dog with affection, the merrier they are!

This dog will make a great pet but are not recommended for every family because they are a bit more difficult to raise and train. With the right type of owner they will be happy, socialized dogs comfortable in any sort of situation. As puppies these dogs should be brought to different parks and social situations as well as introduced to many people and animals to ensure they will become stable adults.

Care

The Bulldog will need a minimal amount of grooming to upkeep their coat. Brushing 1-2 times per week and bathing every 1-2 months will be perfect! These dogs are often prone to skin allergies, difficult labor (because the puppies are so large), hip dysplasia and breathing difficulties (due to their pushed in face). Most of their ailments are due to the standard they are to meet for show and breeding requirements, so should be expected when attaining a dog of this breed.

Training

This breed will need firm and consistent training in order for them to grasp any type of obedience concept. They are a very stubborn breed that will need a patient owner who can take fun in their antics! Bulldogs are a comical breed and don’t mean any harm or disrespect and should not be taken too seriously. These dogs are not the type to be the top of their class in basic obedience but will listen to their owners for the most part.

Activity

The Bulldog will need about a half an hour of exercise per day to tire them out. This can be done at a dog park or just on a longer walk because playing throughout the day will not be enough for this breed. They will do well in an apartment because they don’t require the space of a household to live in and a backyard would be preferable for them just so they have an outside environment to roam while at home, but this is not needed.