Shar Pei Lab

The Shar Pei Lab, also known as Lab Shar Pei or Lab Pei, is a mixed breed of Labrador Retriever and Shar Pei. The breed was primarily made for companionship. The breed was created in the United States and is thought to have been created as early as the year 2000.

History
The Shar Pei Lab was intentionally created in the early 21st century, with most estimates having placed the first born of this breed in 2000. The Shar Pei Lab breed is a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Chinese Shar Pei. Currently, only the Dog Registry of America recognizes the existence of the breed.

Popularity
Because the Shar Pei Lab is a more recent breed of dog, its popularity is fairly low. This breed of dog is not well known nor is it common; however, this may change in the future.

Name
The name of this breed is a combination of the names Labrador and Shar Pei, the two dogs that the breed is a mix of. The original name of the breed was Shar Pei Lab, and the nickname 'Lab Pei' is a shortened version of the original name that started being used as the breed became more known about.

Appearance
The appearance of this breed consists of a large neck, small floppy triangular ears, a long tail that curves, a medium muzzle, webbed paws, and some wrinkling on its forehead. The fur of this breed is short and straight, is moderately dense, and can come in a color of black, red, cream, isabelline, brown, or sable. The nose can come in black, brown, or isabelline. The eyes can come in blue, hazel, or brown.

Temperament
The Shar Pei Lab is strong, social, and often very energetic. They are known for being guard dogs, and they can be loyal, stubborn, and protective; however, they rarely bark. Due to their webbed paws, this dog breed is good at swimming. This dog is a medium energy breed and can be playful. After using up its energy, the dog will be relaxed and calm. This dog can harm small animals. The dog tends to be friendly to people; however, it is not advised to have this dog near small children.

Health
This breed will have varying care needs depending on which parent breed the dog shares more traits with, and the breed is more likely to inherent health problems from the closer parent breed as well. If the dog resembles more of a Shar Pei, extra care should be used to ensure that the dog doesn't overheat due to their slightly shorter muzzles and extra wrinkles. Health risks include eye and ear infections and respiratory problems. If the dog resembles more of a Labrador, health risks include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart defects, muscular dystrophy, progressive vision loss, obesity, ear infections, and skin allergies.

Care
On average a Shar Pei Lab will need around an hour of physical activity each day to be satisfied. This breed does not need much exercise or running to fulfill their energy needs. Shar Pei Labs should be groomed and brushed weekly during their shedding seasons.