Sharbo (Boston Terrier & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures & Care Guide

A Guide to the Sharbo: Adorable Boston Terrier Shar-Pei Mix

Are you looking for a medium-sized dog that‘s equal parts cute, cuddly and protective? Meet the Sharbo! This adorable designer breed combines the best traits of two popular pooches – the lively Boston Terrier and the loyal Chinese Shar-Pei. The result is a smart, affectionate, one-of-a-kind companion.

Whether you‘re already smitten with Sharbos or just learning about this rare crossbreed for the first time, you‘ve come to the right place. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m excited to share everything you need to know about these wrinkly little charmers, from their history and appearance to their grooming needs and health concerns.

So let‘s dive in and discover what makes Sharbos so "shar-mazing"!

Breed History and Origin
The Sharbo is still a relatively new hybrid, developed sometime in the early 2000s. Like many designer dogs, the original intent behind crossing Boston Terriers and Chinese Shar-Peis was likely to minimize the health issues that plague the parent breeds (more on that later) while retaining their most desirable traits – the Boston‘s friendly, comedic nature and the Shar-Pei‘s devoted, guardian instincts.

Breed Characteristics
So what happens when you mix the compact, tuxedo-wearing Boston Terrier with the loose-skinned, hippopotamus-headed Shar-Pei? You get a dog that‘s stocky yet substantial, wrinkly yet refined. Here‘s a quick breakdown of the Sharbo‘s defining features:

Size: Medium. Most Sharbos stand 15-20 inches tall and weigh between 30-50 pounds fully grown, with males slightly larger than females.

Coat: Short and smooth. The Sharbo inherits the Boston Terrier‘s fine coat, not the Shar-Pei‘s rougher, sandpapery fur. Most have a brindle (striped) pattern, but solid black, seal, or cream-colored coats are possible too. Bonus – they‘re very low shedders!

Wrinkles: Plentiful. Those quintessential Shar-Pei wrinkles make Sharbos look perpetually concerned, but don‘t worry, that‘s just their default expression! The extent of wrinkling varies from dog to dog.

Head: Blocky or round. Some Sharbos have the Boston Terrier‘s flatter, more proportionate face, while others have the Shar-Pei‘s trademark meatiness and scowl.

Ears: Erect or folded. Pointy bat ears are most common, but smaller button ears are also seen.

Eyes: Round and soulful. Eye color is usually brown, with some dogs inheriting the Boston‘s slightly protruding peepers.

Tail: Curly or straight. Most Sharbos sport the Shar-Pei‘s high-set, tapered tail.

Overall, Sharbos have a solid, muscular, almost square build that pairs well with their alert, confident demeanor. They may look serious and tough, but inside beats the heart of a big softie. Which brings us to…

Temperament and Personality
Sharbo owners describe their dogs as "lovers in Doberman clothing." Yes, they‘ve got that proud, don‘t-mess-with-me strut down pat, but deep down, they‘re sweet, playful, and oh-so-eager to please. Thanks to the Boston Terrier‘s influence, Sharbos are less aloof and serious than pure Shar-Peis. They relish being the center of attention and are happiest snuggled up with their favorite human.

But don‘t mistake their clownish antics for weakness. True to their Shar-Pei roots, Sharbos are vigilant watchdogs with strong protective instincts. They won‘t hesitate to defend their families if they sense danger. Early socialization is a must to prevent aggression towards strangers or other animals.

Speaking of other animals, Sharbos can get along with dogs and cats they‘re raised with, but some are determined to be the only pet in the household. Much depends on which parent breed they favor. Similarly, Sharbos that take after the more stoic Shar-Pei may be indifferent towards children, while those channeling the Boston Terrier‘s goofball energy make enthusiastic playmates.

One trait that‘s universally Sharbo is loyalty. These steadfast sidekicks form deep attachments to their humans and always want to be involved in family activities. They don‘t like being left alone for long stretches. Separation anxiety is a potential problem, especially if they‘re under-exercised or not given enough mental stimulation.

Which leads to our next question…how much activity do Sharbos need to stay happy and healthy? The answer may surprise you!

Exercise and Living Requirements
Don‘t let their couch potato physiques fool you – Sharbos are no slouches when it comes to exercise. These are high-energy dogs that require at least 45-60 minutes of heart-pumping activity each day. A leisurely stroll around the block won‘t cut it. Sharbos need room to run, jump, and burn off steam.

Access to a securely fenced yard is ideal, but trips to the dog park or hiking trails work well too. Bonus points for games of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek that engage both mind and body. The key is to find activities your Sharbo enjoys and make fitness fun!

Without enough exercise, Sharbos get bored, destructive, and downright ornery. Chewing, barking, and general mischief-making are sure signs your furkid needs to blow off steam. Fortunately, a tired Sharbo is a well-mannered Sharbo.

When properly exercised, Sharbos adapt surprisingly well to apartment life. They‘re not excessively noisy and lack the yappy tendencies of some small breeds. Just be prepared for some silly antics as they race around performing their "zoomies." A Sharbo at full throttle is quite the spectacle!

In general, Sharbos do best in homes where they receive tons of attention and aren‘t kept cooped up for long. Though they tolerate cold weather better than heat (thanks, Shar-Pei genes!), they‘re not equipped for full-time outdoor living. Sharbos crave comfort and togetherness. Wherever you are is where they want to be.

Training and Socialization
Despite their stubborn reputation, Sharbos are actually quite trainable with the right approach. These intelligent dogs pick up commands quickly but aren‘t always eager to obey. It‘s the classic "I know what you want, but what‘s in it for me?" mindset.

The key is making training worth their while. Sharbos respond best to upbeat, reward-based methods and lots of praise. Punishment and scolding will only make them shut down. Keep sessions short, fun, and packed with yummy treats. End on a positive note before your Sharbo gets bored or frustrated.

Like all dogs, Sharbos need early socialization to become well-rounded adults. Exposing them to new people, pets, places, and experiences – especially between 3 and 16 weeks of age – helps prevent fearfulness and aggression later in life. Puppy classes are a great way for Sharbos to practice their manners and mingle with other canines.

Even with socialization, don‘t expect your Sharbo to be a social butterfly. By nature, they‘re reserved with strangers and prefer to observe first, greet later. Let your Sharbo set the pace for meet-and-greets and never force interactions. Some prefer admiration from afar, and that‘s okay! Building trust takes time.

Grooming and Care
Now for the nitty "gritty" on Sharbo grooming. The good news? These dapper dogs are relatively low maintenance in the fur department. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove is usually sufficient to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. Baths can be done monthly or as needed.

The wrinkly news? Those signature skin folds require extra TLC. To prevent dirt, moisture, and bacteria from getting trapped and causing infections, Sharbo wrinkles must be cleaned and dried regularly – at least a few times a week. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe between the crevices, then follow with a dry cloth to prevent chafing. Corn starch or baby powder can help keep skin dry.

Ears are another area to watch, as Sharbos are prone to infections. Check and clean your pup‘s ears weekly using a veterinarian-approved solution. Contact your vet if you notice redness, discharge, or odor. Nail trims, tooth brushing, and occasional gland expressions round out the Sharbo grooming regimen.

Staying on top of your Sharbo‘s skin and ear care is crucial for preventing discomfort and more serious medical issues down the line. Consider it bonding time with your wrinkly bundle of love!

Health and Lifespan
The Sharbo‘s average lifespan is 12-15 years – a respectable range for a medium-sized dog. Like all breeds, they‘re prone to certain health conditions passed down from their parent breeds. Here are some of the most common concerns:

Skin Issues: Sharbos inherit the Shar-Pei‘s tendency for skin irritation and infections, including pyoderma (bacterial), demodectic mange (mites), and malassezia (yeast). Allergies and environmental sensitivities can worsen these problems. Keeping the skin and wrinkles clean and dry is the best defense.

Eye Problems: Both Boston Terriers and Shar-Peis are at risk for eye conditions like cherry eye, glaucoma, and cataracts. Many of these are related to the brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure they share. Tear stains and eye discharge are common in Sharbos.

Ear Infections: As mentioned, those cute folded ears can trap moisture and debris, leading to bacterial or yeast overgrowth. Regular cleaning is a must.

Orthopedic Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and intervertebral disc disease are seen in both parent breeds. Keeping your Sharbo slim and avoiding high-impact exercise can help prevent joint problems.

Respiratory Difficulties: Sharbos with shorter muzzles may develop brachycephalic airway syndrome, which causes snoring, snorting, and exercise intolerance. Extreme temperatures and overexertion can be dangerous for these dogs.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Some Shar-Peis are prone to heart murmurs and valve disease. Regular vet check-ups can catch these issues early.

While this list may seem daunting, it doesn‘t mean your Sharbo is destined for health woes. Many live long, vibrant lives with few major problems. The key is working with a reputable breeder who screens for inherited diseases and provides health clearances for their breeding dogs.

Adopting a Sharbo
Ready to add a wrinkly bundle of joy to your family? The first step is finding a responsible Sharbo breeder who puts the health and welfare of their dogs first. Avoid pet stores, online sellers, or anyone offering "rare" coat colors or bargain prices. A well-bred Sharbo typically costs $500 to $1500.

When visiting a breeder, ask to see health certifications for both parent dogs. Ideally, they should be screened for hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and heart disease at minimum. Observe the puppies in their home environment – they should be friendly, curious, and well-socialized. Steer clear of any breeder who seems evasive or pressures you to buy on the spot.

If you‘d prefer to adopt, check with local shelters and rescue groups first. Purebred Shar-Pei and Boston Terrier rescues sometimes take in mixes too. Online adoption sites like Petfinder can also help connect you with Sharbos in need of homes.

Wherever your Sharbo comes from, be prepared for a loyal, loving companion that will steal your heart and keep you laughing for years to come!

Conclusion
The Sharbo may be small in stature, but they‘re big on personality! With their goofy grins and steadfast spirits, these adorable hybrids have so much to offer the right family. While no dog is perfect, Sharbos come pretty darn close for active, attentive owners who can keep up with their exercise needs and don‘t mind a little drool.

If you‘re looking for a pint-sized protector with an oversized heart, the Sharbo might be your perfect match. Just remember – they‘re not fashion accessories or novelty pets. Adding any dog to your life is a major commitment. Take time to learn about the breed and make sure you‘re ready for the responsibility.

Here‘s to many joyful, wrinkly years ahead!