The Sharmatian: A Unique and Captivating Shar Pei-Dalmatian Mix

If you‘re looking for a one-of-a-kind canine companion that will turn heads on your daily walks, look no further than the Sharmatian. This enchanting designer breed combines the distinctive wrinkly skin of the Chinese Shar Pei with the athletic build and spots of the Dalmatian. The result is an eye-catching, intelligent, and loyal pup that is still quite rare but rapidly gaining popularity.

Whether you call them a Shar-matian, Dalmapei, or simply a Shar Pei-Dalmatian mix, these unique dogs make wonderful pets for the right owner. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the origin, appearance, temperament, and care requirements of the captivating Sharmatian. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of whether this could be the ideal canine match for you and your household.

The Origin of the Sharmatian

As a very new mixed breed, the origin and history of the Sharmatian is not well-documented. Most sources agree that purposeful crossing of Shar Peis and Dalmatians first occurred in the mid-2000s, likely in the United States, to create a striking and uncommon designer dog.

The earliest known reference to Sharmatian puppies being born is from 2007. However, it took until the mid-2010s for this unique hybrid to start gaining attention and popularity among dog lovers seeking a pet that was both adorable and unusual.

To understand the Sharmatian, it helps to know a bit about the background of its parent breeds:

The Shar Pei is an ancient breed from China, believed to descend from mastiff-type dogs. They were traditionally used for hunting, herding, guarding, and dog fighting. When China‘s Communist Revolution nearly wiped out the breed in the 1940s, a few remaining Shar Peis were brought to the US and the breed was saved from extinction. The wrinkled, loose skin is a signature Shar Pei trait.

The Dalmatian, named for the Dalmatia region of Croatia, has a history stretching back to the 1600s. Their heritage likely includes Pointers, Great Danes, and a spotted Croatian breed called the Istrian Hound. Dalmatians became famous as coaching dogs, trotting beside horse-drawn firefighting carriages (and later, fire trucks). The spotty coat is their hallmark feature.

Sharmatian Appearance

Since this mixed breed is so new, there is not yet a breed standard for the Sharmatian. Their appearance can vary quite a bit depending on which parent breeds‘ genes are dominant. In general though, you can expect a Sharmatian to be a medium to large dog with a muscular, athletic build.

Height ranges from 17 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weight falls between 35 to 60 pounds, with males typically being larger than females. The head is usually broad with a short, somewhat flattened muzzle. Ears may be erect, folded, or somewhere in between. The round, wide-set eyes convey an intelligent, alert expression.

One of the most distinguishing and variable physical features of the Sharmatian is the coat. Some individuals inherit the horse, bristly coat of the Shar Pei, while others have the short, sleek, glossy fur of the Dalmatian. Sharmatians frequently have a mix of both coat types in different proportions.

Color possibilities run the gamut and include black, white, fawn, cream, red, brindle, merle, speckled, and the iconic black-spotted Dalmatian pattern. Many Sharmatians sport a striking and unique combination of colors and markings. Patches of color, ticking, and spotting are common.

The amount of loose, wrinkled skin a Sharmatian displays also differs from dog to dog based on the genetic influence of the Shar Pei parent. Some have heavy wrinkling concentrated on the head and face, while others show looser skin and folds over their entire body. Older dogs tend to have more prominent wrinkles.

Sharmatian Temperament and Personality

The Sharmatian tends to be a confident, intelligent, active, and affectionate companion. They usually bond closely with their owners and are quite loyal. Many have a somewhat independent nature and strong-willed streak, especially if the Shar Pei genes are prevalent.

With proper socialization, Sharmatians are friendly and accepting of strangers. They have a protective instinct though and make excellent watchdogs, quick to bark an alert if something seems amiss. Usually their guarding doesn‘t veer into aggression, but they can be standoffish or suspicious of people outside the family.

Sharmatians are smart, curious, and energetic dogs that need a good deal of mental stimulation and physical activity to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They enjoy having a job to do, even if it‘s just fetching the newspaper or carrying a backpack on hikes. Many excel in canine sports like agility, flyball, and tracking.

This breed has a playful, fun-loving side and gets along well with older children. Toddlers should be closely supervised though, as the Sharmatian‘s strength and enthusiasm could lead to accidental knock-downs. Interactions with other dogs are usually good-natured, especially if the Sharmatian was socialized from a young age.

Potential behavioral challenges can include stubbornness, willfulness, possessiveness of food and toys, and a tendency to bark or howl. Patient, consistent positive reinforcement training is a must to instill good manners and overcomehardheadedness. Sharmatians respond best to upbeat coaching and confidence-building, not heavy-handed corrections.

With their people-oriented personality, Sharmatians don‘t like to be left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety. They thrive when fully included in family life and given lots of attention. Keeping them busy with interactive puzzle toys and a rotating selection of chews can help them stay content when you‘re away.

Ideal Environment for a Sharmatian

Sharmatians are moderately adaptable but do best with active owners who can give them plenty of exercise and enrichment. A home with a securely fenced yard for playtime is ideal. Their barking may make them poorly suited for apartment life unless you commit to abundant walks and visits to the dog park.

At minimum, expect to give your Sharmatian at least an hour of exercise per day, preferably split between a couple sessions. Brisk walks, jogging, swimming, and games of fetch are all good options. Hiking and camping are great activities to enjoy with this robust, adventurous breed.

Having a job, even an unofficial one, can help keep Sharmatians content. Consider getting your pup involved in a canine sport, teaching them to wear a backpack on walks, or playing hide-the-treat games to put their keen nose to work. Training for tricks and complex obedience commands also provides valuable mental exercise.

While typically good with kids, a Sharmatian‘s size, strength, and rowdy play style may overwhelm youngsters under six years old. Careful supervision and training the dog to play gently are musts in homes with small children. Sharmatians can get along well with other animals, but care should be taken with introductions, especially to smaller pets.

Grooming a Sharmatian

Sharmatians have low to moderate grooming needs, but some upkeep is required to keep their coat and skin healthy. The frequency of brushing depends on whether your pup inherits more of the Dalmatian‘s sleek, short coat or the Shar Pei‘s bristly fur.

For smooth-coated Sharmatians, weekly brushing and a monthly bath is usually sufficient. Those with longer, rougher coats will shed more and need brushing every few days. A rubber curry brush, bristle brush, or hound glove works well to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.

Special attention must be paid to keeping the Sharmatian‘s wrinkles clean and dry, especially in dogs that inherit the Shar Pei‘s very loose skin. Wipe out the skin folds daily with a soft, damp cloth, then dry thoroughly. Applying corn starch or a veterinary-approved skin fold ointment can help prevent moisture build-up and bacterial growth.

Examining your Sharmatian‘s ears weekly for wax, debris, and signs of infection is also important, particularly in dogs with folded or drop ears. Clean the ear flap and exterior ear canal gently as needed with a cotton ball. Avoid pushing debris further into the ear or using alcohol or peroxide, which can damage the delicate skin.

Dental hygiene is often overlooked but is just as essential for Sharmatians as it is for humans. Aim to brush your pup‘s teeth at least a few times a week, ideally using a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste, to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Providing hard chews and dental treats can also help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.

Sharmatian Health and Lifespan

As with all dog breeds, Sharmatians may inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds. Responsible breeders screen for genetic issues, so don‘t be tempted to get a bargain-priced Sharmatian puppy from a pet store or online ad. Mixed breed dogs from unknown backgrounds tend to have more health and behavioral problems.

Some potential health concerns seen in Sharmatians include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye problems like entropion and cataracts, allergies and skin infections, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Choosing a breeder who performs health testing on their dogs and provides a written guarantee can stack the odds in favor of getting a hardy pup.

With good care and a little luck, a Sharmatian‘s lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 13 years. You can maximize your pup‘s healthspan by keeping them at a lean weight, providing age-appropriate exercise, feeding a high-quality diet, and scheduling annual wellness check-ups and recommended preventative care with your vet.

Fun Facts About the Sharmatian

• Sharmatians may exhibit the spotted tongue that is a unique trait of the Shar Pei breed.
• The Shar Pei‘s wrinkles served as natural armor in dogfighting bouts, something many Sharmatians retain.
• When a Dalmatian played a starring role in Disney‘s 1961 movie 101 Dalmatians, it ignited a huge boom in the breed‘s popularity.
• The Sharmatian‘s affinity for horses reflects its Dalmatian forefathers‘ history as coach dogs bred to trot alongside carriages.
• In their native China, Shar Pei were sometimes referred to as "sandy skin" dogs in reference to their rough coat texture.
• Fully grown Sharmatians typically weigh 35 to 65 pounds, but rare individuals can tip the scales at 85 pounds or more!
• Playful Sharmatians may engage in "kidney beaning," a wrestling move used by Shar Pei in which they ram their muscular hindquarters into their opponent.

Choosing a Sharmatian

If you‘re interested in adding a Sharmatian to your family, prepare for a challenge in your puppy search. This is still quite a rare cross breed without a large number of dedicated breeders. Depending on where you live, you may need to join a waiting list or even travel out of state to find available pups.

Seek out reputable Sharmatian breeders who health test their breeding dogs, raise pups in an enriching environment, and provide a written health guarantee. Expect to pay $800 to $2500 for a purebred Sharmatian pup, depending on their parent dogs‘ pedigree and the rarity of that particular mix.

An alternative to buying a Sharmatian puppy is adopting a young adult or grown rescue dog. While this mixed breed is uncommon, they do sometimes end up in shelters and foster homes. Try performing a breed search on Petfinder.com or asking local shelters and all-breed rescue groups to notify you if a Shar Pei-Dalmatian mix comes into their care.

Final Thoughts

The Sharmatian is a charismatic, eye-catching dog that turns heads and steals hearts with its unique blend of physical traits from the Shar Pei and the Dalmatian. But this cross breed is so much more than just a pretty face!

Loyal, active, and keenly intelligent, Sharmatians form strong bonds with their people and have a deep desire to be part of the family action. They thrive with training, excel at canine sports, and make exceptional hiking and camping buddies. With early socialization and good leadership, many also get along well with kids and other pets.

On the flip side, Sharmatians need abundant exercise, mental stimulation, and human interaction to be content. Their independent nature and potential stubbornness demand a firm but encouraging training approach. And their grooming and health needs may be more involved than those of the average dog.

Sharmatians are still quite rare, so you may need to search far and wide for a puppy or adopt an older rescue dog. If you have the time, experience, and commitment to meet this unique mixed breed‘s needs though, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving, one-of-a-kind companion for many years to come.