Bull-Pei is a mixed breed dog–a hybrid of the Chinese Shar-Pei and English Bulldog. They are medium in size, loving, and loyal. These pups inherit some of the best traits from both of their parents. The Bull Pei, also called the Shar-Pei Bulldog Mix, is a go-to dog breed for anyone looking for a loyal pup that is good with children and simple to maintain. Bull-Peis make lovely companions and guard dogs without being too large or requiring much exercise. These dogs are well built and athletic. They don’t need much training like other athletic dogs, and they are generally okay with 40 to 60 minutes a day of exercise.
Crossbreeding these dogs may somewhat soften the Shar-Pei’s aggressiveness and will lengthen the snout of the Bulldog. Either way, it is apparent that Bull Peis were utilized by farmers to control, guard, and bait bulls in the nineteenth century.
Table of Contents
Bull Pei Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fairly Intelligent | Can be stubborn |
| Great watchdogs | Prone to obesity |
| Adapts well to apartment life | Not good for hot climates |
Bull Pei Basic Information
- Name: Bull Pei
- Height: 12 – 20 inches
- Weight: 35 – 65 pounds
- Size: Medium to large
- Coat: Single coat, either flat and smooth or rough and pricky
- Color: Fawn, cream, black, red, brown, blue, white, piebald, red, chocolate, gold, lilac, white and black, red and white
- Energy: Medium
- Activities: Guarding dogs, watchdogs.
- Group: Fighting dogs
- Barking Level: High
- Shedding Level: Medium
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Litter Size: 5 – 7 puppies
- Life Span: 8 – 12 years
- Breed Recognition: American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
English Bulldog vs. Chinese Shar Pei: A Comparison
| Features | English Bulldog | Chinese Shar Pei |
| Image |  |  |
| Name | English Bulldog | Chinese Shar Pei |
| Origin | England, USA | Guangdong Province, southern China |
| Height | 16 – 20 inches | 18 – 20 inches |
| Weight | 50 – 80 pounds | 45 – 60 pounds |
| Size | Large | Medium to large |
| Group | Companion | Non – Sporting |
| Children Compatibility | High | Low to medium |
| Family Compatibility | High | Low |
| Pets Compatibility | Medium to high | Medium to high |
| Barking Level | Low | Low |
| Shedding Level | Medium | Low |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Grooming Needs | Medium to high | Low |
| Overall Health | Medium to high | Low |
| Energy | Low to medium | Low to medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Activities | Guard dogs | Watch dogs and Guard dogs |
| Complication in Breeding | Medium to high | Medium to high |
| Litter Size | 3 – 4 puppies | 4 – 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 9 – 14 years | 9 – 11 years |
| Other Names | Bulldog, Old English Bulldog | Chinese fighting dog |
Bull Pei Personality
Bull Peis are described as a dog with a head too big-sized, with wrinkled faces from their Shar-Pei genes. This dog inherits traits from the English Bulldog and the Chinese Shar-Pei. As the Bull-Pei is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards for size. Having said that, as a combination of Shar-Pei and English Bulldog parents, Bull-Peis are medium in size. Most Bull Peis weigh 35 to 65 pounds, and height ranges from 16 to 18 inches at the shoulder. However, some can be larger or smaller. There is no distinction between the male and female Bull Peis in size.
Bull Peis bear a square-body structure, are muscular, have a thick neck, and have strong jaws. Their heads are more oversized for their body size with a muscle that can combine the flat, broad snout of the Bulldog and the medium-length muscle of the Shar-Pei breed. They have small eyes placed low on the face, triangular ears placed high on the head and folded down, either to the front of the face or the sides. Both the Bulldog and the Shar-Pei sport wrinkles, but the Shar-Pei’s wrinkles are somewhat more luxuriant, and the Bull-Pei is likely to inherit this trait as well. They have a short, straight, single-layer coat. Although depending on the dominant gene, Bull Peis may have a flat, fine texture against the body or maybe straight with an exceptionally coarse texture. Their tails are short, curled up, or straight.
Friendliness Overview
| Affectionate with family | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Low to medium |
| Dog-Friendly | Low to medium |
| Friendly Towards Strangers | Low to medium |
Adaptability Overview
| Adapts well to Apartment Living | Medium to high |
| Good to New Owners | Low to medium |
| Sensitivity Level | Medium |
| Tolerates Being Alone | Medium |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | Low |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | Low |
Bull Pei Temperament
Bull-Peis are affectionate, loyal, and even-tempered. They are comfortable with their family. Bull Peis are excellent watchdogs and guard dogs due to their protective and territorial nature. Though the Chinese Shar-Pei tends to be more active than the English Bulldog, their Bull-Pei puppies don’t need much exercise. Their temperament is affected by some factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies are excited and ready to approach people and wish to be held. They can get along well with other pets if they are raised together.
Bull Pei Training
Generally, hybrid dogs are more uncomplicated to train than their purebred parents. So, a Bull Pei shouldn’t be difficult. In addition, Bull Peis are sharp and work hard with rewards and praises. However, these dogs like to be independent, which makes them stubborn. Most Bull Peis respond well to training, though a few may be persistent and temperamental when forced to learn tasks or commands. You can prevent training struggles by socializing and training your Bull Peis early. Being consistent, patient, and avoiding punishments can make the training fruitful. Any harsh treatment or repeated scolding will cause a Bull Pei to shut down and become impossible to train. The Bull-Pei needs complete socialization, from puppyhood until well into adolescence. Being intelligent, the Bull-Pei will eventually be a hardworking dog that doesn’t need to be shown or told twice what is required.
Trainability Overview
| Easy to Train | Medium |
| Intelligence | Low to medium |
| Potential For Mouthiness | Medium to high |
| Tendency to play bite, nip or chew | Medium |
| Attention/Social Needs | Low |
| Prey Drive | Low to medium |
| Tendency to Bark or Howl | Low to medium |
| Wanderlust Potential | Low |
Bull Pei Exercise Needs
Daily, an average level of exercise and at least an hour is necessary for the Bull-Pei. A well-built Bull Pei is predisposed to quick weight gain and become obese if left to a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, Bull-Pei’s exercise needs are less generally 40 to 60 minutes of exercise per day.
Bull Pei is not an active indoor dog and will do with a small living area, but just like any other dog, it needs to be taken out for a regular walk as part of its fitness routine and letting it go by its instinct of walking and exploring. So, your Bull Pei would love a short exercise session daily. In addition, this dog also has no issues staying alone for long. However, please don’t leave it on its own for more extended periods to prevent boredom and separation anxiety.
Neither the Chinese Shar-Pei nor the English Bulldog has special exercise requirements, and the Bull-Pei will also be happy with several short exercise sessions throughout the day. Bull-Pei may also be more vulnerable to climatic conditions. Hence, precautions should be taken when exercising in very hot or very cold climatic conditions. They seldomly bark, but it is noticeable when they do and tend to sound snoring. These dogs do tend to choose a yard to sniff around in, but they can be pretty happy in an apartment environment as well, just as long as they stay close to their family.
Exercise Needs Overview
| Energy Level | Low to medium |
| Intensity | Low to medium |
| Exercise Needs | Low to medium |
| Potential For Playfulness | Low to medium |
Bull Pei Grooming
Bull Peis have a distinct look because of their wrinkles. It is better to give some time for your pups to clean and dry, as they are prone to skin infections between the creases. This carrier for traveling is recommended for your small Bull-Pei. You may also choose a dog brush and massager for your short-haired Bull Pei. They are usually not considered allergy-friendly. Fortunately, their coats are effortless to groom. A good brushing per week will be good to go. Daily brushing with a curry comb or soft bristle brush to control the shedding and distribute body oils, monthly baths are adequate for Bull Peis. Brushing every day when it’s the shedding season, and 2-3 times a week when it’s shedding moderately will help deal with their hair.
Bull-Pei’s coats are often a mix of their Shar-Pei and English Bulldog parents. The list of prominent coat colors of Bull-Peis follow black, grey, brown, fawn, and white. Seldom do their coats have a blend of two or more colors. Once they are done bathing, you have to dry them thoroughly between the wrinkles to keep them away from getting yeast infections. Bull Peis have shorter coats and aren’t particularly suited for extreme weather. They need a coat in the winter, and it is best to use dog sunscreen lotions to the nose, ears, and sensitive areas where there is less skin in the summer months.
Ensure your dog is clean between the folds of their skin to keep them from getting infections. Check their ears for debris, clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they grow too long – once or twice per month. They must not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Maintaining Bull Pei’s oral health is the most challenging job. It would be best to brush their teeth daily, as many Bull Peis are prone to dental issues. Follow vet’s guidelines on how to brush your dog’s teeth correctly. If you find your pet with an unusual gait or “scooting,” they may be needing to express their anal glands. You may do this yourself or have a vet or groomer do it.
When grooming, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, odor, swelling on the skin, nose, mouth, ears, eyes, and feet. Ears must smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful examination will help you spot potential health problems at their initial stages.
You will have to vacuum regularly since these breeds shed moderately throughout the year and increase during the shedding season. Ensure there are no creases of the skin, as it may irritate their skin and cause a foul odor.
Grooming Overview
| Amount of Shedding | Medium to high |
| Drooling Potential | Medium |
| Easy to Groom | Medium to high |
Bull Pei Health
Since Bull-Pei is a hybrid dog, it will inherit susceptibilities to certain conditions and diseases. Like most mixed breeds, a Bull-Pei may bear the same types of illness that English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei parents face. Average lifespan of Bull Pei is 9 to 11 years. The potential medical conditions include:
- Patellar luxation
- Demodectic mange
- Hypothyroidism
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
- Reverse sneezing
Other conditions include oral health issues, ear and eye infections.
Glaucoma: A condition that involves an excessive amount of pressure on the eyes, causing the eyes to stretch out due to aqueous humor that fails to drain out normally. When it is left unnoticed, it can cause blindness in Bull Peis. Symptoms include uneven pupil size, frequent squinting of eyes, bulgy eyes, and cloudy cornea. With special eye treatment, you can resolve glaucoma in your pet with medication or an invasive solution would be surgery.
Canine Cataracts: The cloudy-like spots on the eye lens are a symptom of cataracts. Dogs might suffer from vision impairment.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: An eye illness that causes blindness from the loss of photoreceptors at the back of the eyes. It can be detected earlier. A very later stage is blindness. Dogs with this condition can survive for several years since they have other senses to compensate.
Patellar Luxation: It is also known as “Slip Stifles,” generally common in small dogs. When the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), and tibia (calf) are not aligned, an abnormal gait, skip, or hop. Rubbing the patella can cause arthritis. The severity of the condition leads to surgical procedures.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: In this painful condition, there is insufficient production of tears by the tear glands. This leads to the affected eye appearing dry or having a blue haze. You can treat dry eyes with eye drops.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: In the case of this syndrome, the nostrils of that particular dog breed will be narrowed to the extent that it blocks the nasal airways. This would create a difficulty in breathing to even total obstruction in breathing. Brachycephalic syndrome is prevalent mainly in dogs with short muzzles.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit in the hip joints. X-rays for hip dysplasia can be done in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. However, it is challenging to breed dogs with hip dysplasia.
Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland fails to produce thyroxine hormones responsible for efficient cellular metabolism. You may identify signs like lethargy, temperature fluctuations, weight gain, low appetite, and fur loss.
Bloat: Bloating is caused by a sudden gas influx in the stomach. If not treated promptly, this causes the stomach to twist and can cost the dog’s life. The twist is generally removed surgically.
Demodectic Mange: Demodectic or red mange is an inflammatory condition caused by the microscopic parasites known as Demodex mite.
Deafness: The lack of hearing ability is more common in pigmented dogs.
Periodontal Disease: An inflammation in a few or all of a tooth’s deep supporting structures. When food particles and bacteria are built up along the gums and form plaque, they are mixed with saliva and minerals transforming into tartar. Periodontal disease is prevalent in dogs. Whatever their size, it is better if their teeth are brushed several times a week to help remove tartar and bacteria and maintain their oral health.
Hemangiosarcoma: A dangerous type of blood cancer that occurs in the blood and spleen.
Malassezia Dermatitis: This type of infection causes hair loss, itchiness, and a foul smell. Do not squeeze any bumps. It is better to approach the vet immediately.
Bull Pei Specific Health Conditions
Reverse Sneezing: Bull Peis can inherit this condition from their English Bulldog parent. Reverse sneezing occurs in Bull Peis with brachycephalic skulls, where the back of the head appears flattened.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Pyoderma is an inflammatory skin disorder that develops in skin folds such as facial folds, lip folds, armpits, and groins. Pyoderma is commonly linked with acute moist dermatitis. To avoid this type of condition, it is better to thoroughly dry your Bull Peis with meticulous care after a bath or wash.
Annual or half-yearly tests: Eye, Hip, Blood Test, Thyroid Tests, Skin Scraping, X-Rays, Respiratory Tests
It is best to rely on your vet. Take your furry friend for a good, thorough check-up session weekly or monthly. With constant check-ups, the diagnosis process will become simplified. After a health examination, follow whatever instructions the vet suggests. Your little buddy will be back to normal.
Health Overview
| General Health | Medium |
| Potential For Weight Gain | Medium to high |
| Size | Medium |
Bull Pei Diet and Nutrition
Bull Pies are heavy eaters. Hence, it is better not to feed your dog too much. They need a nutritious, balanced diet designed for medium-sized dogs. Make sure you stick on to a regular feeding schedule and not leave its food out throughout the day. Hence, it would be best to split the food into two to three meals a day instead of one main meal. A natural quality, raw food diet will be the best option you can do for your dog’s health. You can prepare your DIY recipes at home or choose one of Pro Dog’s Pure 80:10:10 or Complete Raw Dog Food. Occasional treats are great fun, but keeping your pet’s weight in check is one of the best things you can do for them. Carrots or celery slices make the treat way healthier. Therefore, it would be better to ask your vet for recommendations about your Bull Pei diet since there can be variations, including weight, energy, and health.
Bull Peis require up to 2½ to 3 cups of high-quality dry food every day. Hence, it would be best to split the food into two to three meals a day instead of one main meal.
Bull Pei Living Condition
Bull Peis can live in apartments. They are exceptionally adaptable for first-time owners and families. If you’re looking for a lovely dog who is quite distinct, the Bull-Pei may be perfect for you. Bull Peis are suitable for owners living in houses with limited spaces like apartments, homes with older kids, who need a dog that does not require too much exercise. Bull Peis prefer yards to play around. Still, they are content in apartments with their pet parents pampering them.
You would not have to worry about space or a yard as Bull Pei dogs thrive in tiny areas. They rarely bark but are noticeable when they do and tend to snore loudly. Bull Peis do tend to prefer a yard to sniff around in, but they can be pretty content in an apartment environment as well, just as long as they are close to their family. It would be best to accord it the proper care and provide everything it needs.
Adding a Bull Pei to Your Family
Things to Remember Before Breeding
So, have you decided to get a Bull-Pei? Before you bring your new puppy home, we want to let you know what you should expect from your new four-legged friend. First, they are noisy. So, training to bark on commands is a must. Second, they can’t tolerate extreme weather conditions, that is, neither too hot nor too cold.
The cost of taking care of dogs does not end in buying one after you purchase or adopt a dog. You must provide their basic needs, like visits to the vet annually and vaccinations, foods, and vitamins as their maintenance. However, the most vital point is spending your time playing and cuddling, giving attention to them, proper care, and lots of love which would not be an expensive affair.
Cost of a Bull Pei Puppy
The average price of a Bull Pei puppy ranges between $500 and $2,000. It may vary depending on the breeder’s location, dog size and coat color.
Bull Pei Videos
Your Complete Guide to the Bull Pei
Bull Pei – Everything You Need to Know
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Other English Bulldog Mixes
- English Bullamute
- Old Anglican Bulldogge
- English Bull Staffy
- Bull-Aussie
- Bully Basset
- Beabull
- Mountain Bulldog
- Bull-Boxer
- English Boston-Bulldog
- English Bulldog Terrier
- Bullhuahua
- Bull-Pei
- Cockerbull
- Miniature English Bulldach
- Bullmatian
- Doberman Bulldog
- English Bull Springer
- Free-Lance Bulldog
- Golden Bulldog
- English Bull Dane
- Bull Jack
- Bullador
- English Lhasa Bull
- Catahoula English Bulldog
- Masti-Bull
- Bulldog Schnauzer
- English Neo Bull
- Olde Double Bully
- English Bulltyme
- English Boodle
- English Presa Bulldog
- Miniature Bulldog
- English Bullweiler
- Bully-Tzu
- Smooth Foxybull Terrier
- Bully Wheaten
- English Bully Staffy Bull Terrier
- Toy Foxybull Terrier
- English Bull-Walker
- Bullwhip
- Wire Foxybull Terrier
Other Chinese Shar Pei Mixes
- Cocker Spaniel Shar Pei Mix
- Shar Pei Bulldog Mix
- Shar Pei Lab Mix
- Shar Pei Pitbull Mix
- Shar Pei Pug Mix
- Shar Pei Chow Mix
- Shar Pei Husky Mix
- Shar Pei German Shepherd Mix
- Shar Pei Rottweiler Mix
- Shar Pei Poodle Mix
- Shar Pei Akita Mix
- Shar Pei Golden Retriever Mix
- Shar Pei Beagle Mix
- Shar Pei Boxer Mix
- Shar Pei Basset Hound Mix
