Shar Pei Great Dane Mix: Care, Pictures, Info, & More

Are you looking for a unique, devoted, and majestic companion? The Shar Pei Great Dane mix may be the perfect dog for you! This striking hybrid combines the wrinkly charm of the Chinese Shar Pei with the gentle giant persona of the Great Dane. The result is a large, smart, playful and protective dog well-suited for experienced owners with an active lifestyle.

The Shar Pei Great Dane mix typically weighs between 80-170 pounds and stands 20-34 inches tall at the shoulder when full grown. They have a muscular, athletic build with the distinct wrinkles and looser skin of the Shar Pei, especially around the head and face. The coat is usually short and comes in colors like fawn, red, brindle, black, and cream.

As a mix of two intelligent breeds, the Shar Pei Great Dane is a smart and trainable dog. However, they can also be independent and stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement training methods work best, with lots of treats, praise and consistency. Early and ongoing socialization is also essential to raise a friendly, well-adjusted dog.

These pups have lots of energy and need an outlet in the form of long walks, jogs, hikes, swimming, fetching, and playtime. A securely fenced yard is ideal for letting them run and romp. Puzzle toys and games provide important mental stimulation too. Without enough activity and engagement, the Shar Pei Great Dane mix can become bored and destructive.

While they have a short coat, they shed moderately and need regular brushing. Those iconic Shar Pei wrinkles need special attention to keep them clean and dry and prevent skin fold infections. Their ears should also be checked and cleaned frequently. Occasional baths and nail trims keep them looking and feeling their best.

As a large breed dog, the Shar Pei Great Dane mix is prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. Choosing a puppy from health-tested parents can reduce these risks. Providing proper nutrition, exercise, preventative care and vet check-ups also help them live their healthiest life.

The Shar Pei Great Dane generally lives 8-10 years. They do best in a home with space to move, a safely enclosed yard, and an active family. Their guardian instincts and potential prey drive mean they may not be suited for homes with other small pets. But with proper introductions and training, they can get along well with other dogs.

If you‘re looking to welcome a Shar Pei Great Dane mix into your life, be sure to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs. Meet the puppy and at least the mother dog in person. Look for a friendly, confident pup who has been raised in a clean environment and is well-socialized. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and breeders who always have puppies available or cannot provide health clearances.

Did you know the name "Great Dane" is a misnomer? The breed actually originated in Germany, not Denmark! They were prized boar hunters for German nobles in the 16th century. But when they began being imported to other parts of the world in the 1800s, the name Great Dane stuck.

The Chinese Shar Pei has an even older history, dating back to 200 B.C. statues resembling the breed. Their name translates to "sand skin" which describes their gritty sandpaper-like coat texture. After nearly going extinct in the mid-20th century, the breed surged in popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s.

Today, the Shar Pei Great Dane mix is still a relatively rare designer dog. But they are gaining fans for their striking looks, loyal nature, and goofy, playful personality. If you can provide the time, space, training and care they need, you‘ll be rewarded with a smart, devoted, and majestic lifelong friend!