Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
By Ed Malaker
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A Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix, often referred to as a Ridge-Pei or Rhodesian Shar-Pei, is a crossbreed dog that combines the characteristics of both the Shar Pei and the Rhodesian Ridgeback. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their friendly nature and unique appearance. If you are considering purchasing one of these dogs but would like to know more about them first, keep reading while we look into their size, temperament, grooming needs, and health issues, so you can determine if they are right for your family.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 18–27 inches |
| Weight: | 40–80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–12 years |
| Colors: | Cream, fawn, red, black, sable |
| Suitable for: | Active individuals and families looking for a good watchdog |
| Temperament: | Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, gets along with other pets |
The Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix combines the loyalty and protective instincts of the Rhodesian Ridgeback with the independent yet devoted nature of the Shar Pei. The result is a striking dog with a unique appearance: They often have the wrinkled skin characteristic of the Shar Pei and a ridge of hair along their back, as inherited from the Ridgeback.
This mixed breed can be a loving and protective companion for active families, offering a combination of qualities like intelligence, alertness, and loyalty that many dog enthusiasts find appealing. They can also be good with children and other pets with proper training and socialization.
Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Characteristics
Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix Puppies
As puppies, Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes can be adorable, endearing, playful, and energetic, but they do require dedicated attention and training. They are often quick learners but can be a bit stubborn at times, so early training and socialization are essential. Finding a Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix puppy may not be as easy as locating one of the parent breeds because they are not as popular. You might need to thoroughly research your area to find a reputable breeder. Transporting them from another area is possible but can increase the cost significantly.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes are loyal, protective, and often independent dogs. The Rhodesian Ridgeback parent contributes a strong sense of loyalty and a protective nature that can sometimes lead to wariness or aloofness around strangers if you don’t socialize them with other people as puppies.
The Shar Pei parent adds a touch of independence and a strong bond with their owner. Their sometimes stubborn or strong-willed nature requires a firm but gentle hand in training. Both parent breeds are intelligent, and the Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix inherits this trait. They can quickly learn commands and thrive on mental stimulation.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes can benefit families with the right training, socialization, and understanding of their needs. They are loyal, affectionate, and playful but tend to be wary of strangers and have a great deal of energy, so they require plenty of exercise. They can also be stubborn and more difficult to train than other breeds, so they are best suited to someone with experience or a significant amount of time to spend with them.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
The compatibility of a Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix with other pets, including other dogs and animals, can vary depending on several factors, including the individual dog’s personality, socialization, and the specific pets that you introduce them to while they are still puppies. The more time they spend with other animals when they are still small, the more comfortable they will be around them as adults.
Things to Know When Owning a Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Providing a well-balanced and appropriate diet is crucial for this breed’s health and well-being. Choose a commercial brand of dog food that lists real meat like chicken, turkey, or beef as the first ingredient. Other healthy ingredients to look for are real fruits and vegetables, omega fats, and prebiotics. Avoid brands with other ingredients listed first or that use artificial preservatives or colors.
Exercise 🐕
Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is an energetic dog that will need daily walks to help them burn off energy and stimulate their minds. A brisk 30- to 60-minute walk can be an excellent way to meet their exercise needs, as is going for a swim if they like the water. Other options include games of tug of war, fetch, and agility training. If you can access a secure, fenced area, allow your Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix to run and play off leash.
Training 🎾
Training a Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. These dogs are intelligent but can also be independent and strong willed, so effective training is essential. Start as early as you can, as puppies are more open to learning new things than adults. Keep your training sessions short and consistent to help get your pet into a routine that they look forward to. If they struggle to stay focused, hold your sessions after playtime.
Grooming ✂️
If your Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix inherits the wrinkled skin characteristic of the Shar Pei, pay special attention to the folds. Regularly clean and dry between the wrinkles to prevent skin infections.
Brush your pet’s coat regularly to remove loose hair and keep their coat in good condition. Use a soft brush for the short coat of a Ridge-Pei and trim the nails when needed, especially if you hear them clicking on the floor. It’s also important to manually brush their teeth as often as possible with a dog-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease.
Health and Conditions 🏥
- Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, often occurring in deep-chested breeds like Ridgebacks, so it is possible in the Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix. Feeding small meals to your dog frequently can help prevent it.
- Due to their short muzzle, the Shar Pei parent often experiences brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause breathing difficulties, and if your mixed pet takes after them, they can experience the same problem.
- Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint of your pet and causes it to form incorrectly, then wear down faster as the dog ages, and it is especially prevalent in large and active dogs like the Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix. Clinical signs can include difficulty getting up from a resting position and avoiding stairs.
- Entropion is an eye condition in which the eyelids roll inward, potentially causing discomfort and eye damage. Signs can include teary eyes, red eyes, and constantly keeping the affected eye closed.
- An underactive thyroid gland can cause various health issues, including weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, and dull fur. While it isn’t curable, your pet can live a healthy life with the help of medication.
Male vs. Female
Due to being a mixed breed, your Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix will be more affected by their parents when it comes to their overall appearance, size, and temperament, rather than their sex.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix
1. Unique Appearance
The Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix often inherits a distinctive combination of physical traits from their parent breeds. They can have the wrinkled skin characteristic of the Shar Pei and a pronounced ridge of hair along their back, inherited from the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
2. Ancient Heritage
Both the Shar Pei and Rhodesian Ridgeback have ancient origins. The Shar Pei is a Chinese breed with a history of over 2,000 years. The Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from southern Africa and was originally a hunting dog.
3. Moderate Shedding
The Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix typically has a short coat that is easy to maintain, and they are a moderate shedder, meaning that while they do shed, it’s generally not as excessive as breeds with longer or denser coats.
Final Thoughts
The Shar Pei Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is a wonderful pet that can vary significantly in size and appearance, with some individuals being twice as large as others. They are friendly and affectionate dogs but need plenty of socialization with people, places, and pets as puppies to help them feel more comfortable around these things as adults, as they can be extremely protective and wary of strangers. They are high-energy dogs that love to play but require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, so they are best suited to a family with time to spend training and playing.
See Also:
- Australian Shepherd Shar-Pei Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
- Sharbo (Shar Pei Boston Terrier Mix): Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Image Credit: (L) Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock | (R) Ilona Frey, Unsplash
