Last Updated on November 20, 2021 by Marco
Known by some as the Sharberian Husky, the Shar-Pei Husky mix combines the energy of the Husky with the spirit of the Shar-Pei.
Despite outward differences in appearance, both of these dog breeds are spitz-type dogs that descend from the same line of ancient canines.
The Shar-Pei Husky mix is a medium-sized strong dog that can be quite vocal. Overall, they seem to have the head of the Husky and the body of the Shar-Pei. But each one is different, like all hybrid dogs.
Before we dive any further into this Husky mix, we had best examine the purebred Shar-Pei, so that we can better understand this hybrid dog.
The Purebred Shar Pei
This dog breed originates from Southern China. Here it was used as a fighting dog, a guard dog, and a watchdog. They have very distinctive wrinkles; the variety of Shar Pei that is maintained in Hong Kong does not have this distinctive feature.
The Shar-Pei, like the Siberian Husky, is one of the recognized basal breeds.
History
This breed became known to the Western world in the 19th century. The following century saw this breed almost become extinct due to the political turmoil in China. By 1973, there were only 60 left.
Breeders in Hong Kong quickly cashed in on the American demand for these rare dogs after they appeared in the Guinness Book of Records. They mixed them with pugs, bull terriers, and bulldogs. These dogs became known as “meat-mouth” Shar Peis, and the original Shar Peis were called “bone mouth”.
Appearance
These dogs weigh 35 to 64 pounds and measure 17 to 20 inches tall. The coat is short and bristly and comes in all solid colors except white. They live for around 11 to 12 years.
Despite looking like a mastiff-type breed, the Shar-Pei is, like the Siberian Husky, a spitz-type dog. They are loyal dogs who are attached to their families, intelligent, and quick to learn. They need extensive training from an early age to avoid behavioral problems. They require moderate amounts of exercise.
They have a large head covered in wrinkles with a wide muzzle, clam-shell ears, deep-set eyes, and a straight and strong body with muscular legs. The tail curls over their backs, like the other spitz dogs. Their tongues are blue-black.
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Health Issues
Health problems that can affect the Shar-Pei include entropion (where the eyelashes grow inward), allergy-induced skin infections, yeast infections of the ears, and kidney problems.
The Full Grown Husky Shar-Pei Mix – Looks
The Husky Shar-Pei mix is full-grown, will weigh 35 to 60 pounds, and stands 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder.
Most dogs of this mix tend to have the erect and upright ears of the husky, which is great because it means that they won’t get the ear infections that the Shar Peis do with their clam-shell ears. They don’t have the skin folds that the Shar-Pei does. They have a tail that curls over their backs.
The coat is medium length and thick and can be a combination of pretty much any color and pattern. They will need plenty of brushing.
In terms of physique, this is a dog of medium height with a strong and muscular build.
Sharberian Husky Personality
Both parent breeds are known to be independent and stubborn, so it is safe to say that this mix will be too.
Shar Peis still retain some of the aggressive streak of their fighting past and Siberian Huskies love to chase small animals, which means that early obedience training and socialization with other animals is crucial for this dog.
Both parent breeds are quite vocal, so this is a hybrid dog that will make itself heard in one way or another. Shar Peis are known for making snuffling noises too, so this may also be the case with this mix.
Sharberian Husky Health and Care
This dog will need you to keep a close eye on their skin, due to both parent breeds being prone to allergic skin conditions.
Similarly, both breeds are prone to eye problems so get your vet to thoroughly and regularly examine this dog’s eyes. Shar Peis are an expensive dog to insure because of entropion (which can cause blindness); the eyelids need to be operated on to stitch them back and away from the eye. So prospective owners of this mix should be aware of this.
A long daily walk is a good idea for this energetic dog, to keep boredom at bay and to use up some of its energy.
They may need a special food diet to help combat their skin allergies. A vet can advise you more on this.
Sharberian Husky Puppies
Owners of these puppies describe them as being “playful”, “intelligent”, “a bit of a handful”, “playful”, “quirky”, and “vocal”. They love water and they love being outdoors.
Some owners of Sharberian Husky pups actually found them in an animal shelter. So you never know, you might find one of these dogs at a dog rescue before you explore the option of buying a dog from a breeder.
The Shar-Pei and Husky Mix Lifespan
The lifespan of the Shar-Pei and Husky mix is anywhere from 9 to 15 years. Unfortunately, due to the rushed breeding of the “meat mouth” Shar-Pei, it has resulted in a dog with a shorter lifespan. Thankfully, Siberian Huskies are quite long-lived, so hopefully, your puppy will throw to the husky side in this regard.
The Takeaway on the Shar-Pei Husky Mix
Like all hybrid dogs, this mix is relatively new, and therefore there is not much information out there about them.
The best anyone can do is to examine both parent breeds and get to know them both.
Like any mixed breed, it is hard to predict how puppies will turn out as adults in terms of looks and personality. Therefore, regular obedience training to shape their behavior and regular vet check-ups to keep an eye on potential health issues is your best friend if you decide on this or any hybrid dog.
