Golden Pei (Shar-Pei & Golden Retriever Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits

The Golden Pei is a hybrid mix of the Golden Retriever and Chinese Shar-Pei. This mix of breeds can lead to many outcomes regarding the dog’s temperament and personality.

Golden Peis can grow to be large dogs but may also only be medium-sized, depending on the parents’ size. If the dog inherits more genetics from its Shar-Pei heritage, they will need a lot of work in training to behave well around other people and pets.

Golden Peis that favor the Golden Retriever side are more laidback, devoted, and loving dogs. Either way, the dog is beautiful, with potential coat colors of deep cream, white, golden red, and sometimes black or brown.

Golden Pei Puppies

When you’re looking for a Golden Pei, look for reputable dog breeders who can provide you with a healthy puppy. Quality breeders will be able to screen puppies for health conditions and should be ready to introduce the puppy’s parents or siblings to you so you can have an idea of the puppy’s temperament. They might be hard to find in a dog shelter, but you can always ask for dog mixes that resemble the Golden Pei.

This unique mix results in a high-energy dog that will require plenty of exercise and activities to burn their energy off. Be ready to provide them with regular training sessions and mental stimulation activities to avoid boredom.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Golden Pei

1.  Shar-Peis Have a Blue-Black Tongue.

The Shar-Pei inherited the trait for an oddly colored blue-black tongue. Many believe that this means they are a descendant of the Chow from the Han Dynasty. In America, the American Kennel Club has set standards stating that an adult Shar-Pei with a pink tongue that is only spotted is a significant fault.

If they have an entirely pink tongue, this disqualifies them from even being recognized as a Shar-Pei by the prestigious club. Don’t panic if you have a young Shar-Pei puppy with a pink tongue. The pups are born with pink tongues and darken while they age. The tongue should be completely black by the time they reach 2 ½ months old.

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2.  The Golden Pei Is Never an Aggressive Breed.

The Shar-Pei gets a bad rap for being aggressive because they were used as fighting dogs in ancient China. This belief is a myth when it comes to the modern dogs, especially those crossed with the relaxed Golden Retriever.

Even if your Golden Pei inherits more genes from the Shar-Pei parent, you don’t have to worry about aggression. They might be wary of strangers and new animals, but they don’t have any in-bred tendencies toward attacking or aggression. They are more likely to leave the situation instead of aggressively approach it.

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3.  The breed is part Victorian elegance and part Chinese fighter.

In the modern age of globalization, it is always interesting to see the mixed nature of new hybrids between dogs who never would have previously encountered each other. With the Golden Pei, the cross is between a Golden Retriever, initially bred in Scotland, and the Shar-Pei, a part of ancient Chinese culture.

The Golden Retriever was bred as a waterfowl dog, which became even more critical upon the invention of guns during the Victorian Era. They have a gentle yet powerful mouth meant to retrieve waterfowl effectively.

The Shar-Pei is thought to be an ancient breed used in the Han Dynasty as a guardian, hunter, and herder. They get their aggressive reputation from their fighting past, but it is long behind them.

These dogs were almost entirely wiped out at one point before a businessman from Hong Kong, Matgo Law, stepped in to help save the breed. They were brought to America, and the entire line was renewed.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Golden Pei 🧠

The Golden-Pei will often inherit more of the Retriever personality. They care for their owners with affectionate intelligence that quickly incorporates them into any living situation. Although they are not aggressive, they can have strong wills and, in a few cases, can even be considered stubborn. They need direct, patient trainers who are consistent in the frequency of sessions and commands.

Golden Peis are not energetic dogs, but they are still full of life and need the appropriate amount of physical activity. Preferably, their physical output should be paired with mental challenges to stimulate their body and mind.

These dogs are exceptionally social with people and animals they trust. They are snugglers and love being around their family. Bonding time is important with this breed to keep them emotionally healthy.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Golden Pei is an excellent dog for families without kids or with older children who can fully grasp their needs and potential provocations. They won’t act out against kids, but they have a shorter fuse than other similarly-sized dogs.

They are protective of their family members and can make good watchdogs if needed. Golden Peis are adaptable dogs, especially from a young age, and will do what they can do quickly to make their adopted family their own.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Due to the excellent nature of the Golden Pei, they usually do well around other pets. They might not accept them immediately, but this manifests in avoidance more than it does in any aggression.

The best thing to do for your Golden Pei is to socialize them frequently and as early as possible. Make socialization a part of training sessions so the pup can quickly learn appropriate reactions around new people and animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Golden Pei

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since the Golden Pei is typically a medium-sized dog, they need an average amount of food. Feeding the dog about 3 cups daily is enough to fuel their daily activity and health requirements.

However, you should avoid free-feeding. They are prone to binge eating and can gain unhealthy amounts of weight or feel sick afterward. Instead, feed them several smaller portions throughout the day to suit your schedule.

The Golden Peis can have a wide range of sizes, so it is best to speak with your vet about the serving portion recommended to keep your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible.

Exercise 🐕

Golden Peis are not particularly high-energy dogs. They need about 75 minutes of consistent daily activity, and walking about 11 miles a week can keep them healthy.

Be careful of overexertion during hot seasons of the year. The Golden Pei doesn’t regulate their body temperature well in heat and should be exercised in the coolest part of hot days.

Just as they are adaptable to the kind of family they live with, the pups are always adaptable to the living space they find themselves in. Therefore, they can live in apartments if they get enough exercise during the day.

Training 🦮

The earlier training can begin with these dogs, the better they will behave as they grow older. Golden Peis can be strong-willed, so patience is required when trying to work through something they don’t want to do.

Since they are intelligent, they respond quickly to new commands and, with consistent training, will have them down pat in no time. They love a challenge, so giving them games or doggy puzzles is an excellent way to engage them.

Grooming ✂️

The amount of grooming Golden Peis require depends on which coat their genetics favor. A Shar-Pei has short, stiff fur that does not require much maintenance. On the other hand, a Golden Retriever is renowned for their beautiful long-haired coat of golden or red colors.

Typically, they must be brushed once a day to prevent tangles in their coat and remove dead hairs that will be shed. Use items like a pin brush, a slicker brush, and a de-shedder to do the job efficiently.

Golden Peis can experience dental issues if not correctly cared for, so brush their teeth at least once a week, preferably twice. Check their nails frequently to ensure they don’t grow out too long.

• Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews & Top Picks

Health and Conditions ❤️

Hybrid dogs are susceptible to diseases common in either of the parental lines. It is essential to check with the breeder you are using to verify the parents’ health certificates and histories.

Male vs. Female

There is no noticeable difference between the personalities of males and females. The males are slightly larger than the females, topping out at 75 pounds. The females can weigh up to 60 pounds.

Final Thoughts

The Golden Pei is a vibrant mix of two breeds from different continents. They are surprisingly adaptable, ready to take on and love any family. They can live on vast expanses of land or be happy in an apartment if they can exercise outside.

However, the Golden Pei might not be the best pet for families with young children. They otherwise make great additions to families with older children, singles, or seniors because they only have an average amount of energy. They make a reliable companion for snuggles or running trips and will protect you and your family from harm.

See also:

• Golden Chow (Golden Retriever & Chow Chow Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts
• Aussie-Flat (Australian Shepherd & Flat-Coated Retriever Mix)

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Featured image Credit: seeshooteatrepeat, Shutterstock