You’re walking down the street and see a dog that looks like a literal velvet brick. It has the heavy, low-slung chassis of a Bulldog but the face of a melting candle—deep, ancient wrinkles and maybe those tiny "horse ears" that look a bit like little triangles pinned to its head. This is the English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix, often called the Bull-Pei. It’s a designer breed that shouldn't really work on paper, but somehow, it does.
People buy them because they look cool. They look like living pieces of furniture. But honestly? Owning one is a wild ride of skincare routines and personality quirks that most owners aren't ready for. These aren't just "lazy lap dogs." They are complex, stubborn, and occasionally very expensive creatures.
The Weird History of This Mashup
The English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix didn't just appear out of nowhere. While both parent breeds have deep histories, the mix itself is a product of the late 20th-century designer dog boom. To understand the mix, you have to look at the parents, and they couldn't be more different if they tried.
On one side, you have the English Bulldog. Once a ferocious bull-baiter, it’s now the poster child for being a lovable, wheezing couch potato. They are famously docile. On the other side, you have the Chinese Shar Pei. This is an ancient breed, once used for guarding and hunting in southern China. Unlike the "everyone is my friend" vibe of the Bulldog, the Shar Pei is naturally aloof, suspicious of strangers, and fiercely independent.
When you cross them, you get a genetic lottery. Sometimes you get the Bulldog's goofy sweetness. Sometimes you get the Shar Pei's "I will decide if I like you in three to five business days" attitude. Most of the time, you get a dog that is incredibly loyal to its inner circle but takes a while to warm up to the neighbor.
Those Wrinkles Aren't Just for Show
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the folds in the room. The English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix is defined by its skin. It’s loose. It’s heavy. It’s prone to issues.
While those rolls are adorable, they are basically moisture traps. If you don't clean them, they get "funky." And by funky, I mean a yeast infection that smells like old corn chips and wet socks. Owners have to be diligent. You're looking at daily or at least tri-weekly wiping with antiseptic wipes.
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Common Health Hurdles
Because both parents are "brachycephalic" (flat-faced), the Bull-Pei often struggles with breathing. Heat is their mortal enemy. If it’s 80 degrees Fahrenheit out, your Bull-Pei should probably be inside with the AC cranked up. They can overheat in minutes.
Then there's the eyes. Shar Peis often suffer from entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward and the lashes scratch the eyeball. Bulldogs get "cherry eye," where the third eyelid gland pops out like a red pea. If your mix inherits both? You’re looking at a pricey visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist. Dr. Marty Greer, a well-known veterinarian and author, often points out that these structural breeds require a level of "maintenance" that most first-time owners underestimate. It's not just about food and walks; it's about medical management.
Training the Untrainable?
If you want a dog that fetches a ball 50 times in a row, do not get an English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix. You'll throw the ball once. The dog will look at the ball. Then it will look at you. Then it will go back to sleep.
They are smart, but it's a "What's in it for me?" kind of smart. They aren't eager to please like a Golden Retriever. They are negotiators.
Socialization is non-negotiable. Because of the Shar Pei genes, these dogs can be wary of other dogs. They can be "same-sex aggressive." You have to get them out into the world early. Take them to the hardware store. Take them to the park. Let them see that the world isn't out to get them. If you skip this, you might end up with a 60-pound tank that is terrified of the mailman and reacts with its teeth.
Living with a Bull-Pei
What’s it actually like inside the house?
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Quiet. Mostly.
The English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix isn't much of a barker. They are more likely to huff or "talk" to you with various grunts and groans. They are masters of the side-eye. You'll feel judged. Frequently.
They don't need a five-mile hike. A twenty-minute stroll around the block is usually plenty to tuck them out. This makes them surprisingly good for apartment living, provided you have an elevator—those heavy bodies aren't built for three flights of stairs every day.
- Shedding: It’s more than you think. The Shar Pei coat is often prickly and "sheds" like little needles that get stuck in your fabric sofa.
- Drool: Moderate to heavy. If they have the Bulldog jowls, expect "slime trails" on your khakis.
- Diet: They get fat easily. A fat Bull-Pei is a dog with joint problems and heart failure waiting to happen. Watch the treats.
The Cost of Ownership
Let's be real: these dogs are a financial commitment.
The initial price of a puppy can range from $800 to $2,500 depending on the breeder. But that's the cheap part. Between the specialized diet many need for skin allergies and the potential for surgeries (hips, eyes, skin folds), you should probably have a "dog fund" or a very good pet insurance policy.
According to data from various pet insurance providers like Trupanion, Bulldogs and Shar Peis consistently rank in the top tiers for claim frequency. This mix sits right in that crosshair.
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Is This the Right Dog for You?
The English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix is perfect for a specific type of person. You need to be someone who values a loyal, stoic companion and doesn't mind a dog that has its own opinions.
You also need to be okay with the "maintenance." If the idea of wiping a dog's face folds every morning makes you squeamish, look elsewhere.
But if you want a dog that will sit by your feet while you work, protect your home with its mere presence, and look like a prehistoric creature while doing it? This might be your soulmate in dog form.
Moving Forward with Your Bull-Pei
If you’re serious about bringing an English Bulldog and Shar Pei mix into your life, your first step isn't looking for a breeder. It's looking for a vet who understands "bully" and "oriental" breeds. You need a partner in health from day one.
Next, check rescues. Because these dogs can be "difficult" for the average person, they often end up in shelters. Look for Shar Pei-specific or Bulldog-specific rescues; they often take in mixes. Organizations like the Mid-Atlantic Bulldog Rescue or the North American Shar-Pei Rescue are great places to start your search.
Finally, invest in high-quality grooming tools immediately. A good rubber curry brush and a stash of fragrance-free, pH-balanced grooming wipes will be your most used items. Start the "handling" process the day you get them. Touch their paws. Clean their ears. Open their mouth. Make these rituals normal, so when they weigh 65 pounds and actually need medical attention, they don't fight you. This proactive approach is the difference between a stressed owner and a happy, healthy Bull-Pei household.