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Rott Pei (Rottweiler & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Rott Pei (Rottweiler & Shar-Pei Mix)

Height: 18 – 24 inches
Weight: 55 – 95 pounds
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Colors: Tan, black and tan, beige, black
Suitable for: Active individuals, rural/homestead living, experienced dog owners
Temperament: Independent, alert, sensitive, affectionate, confident, watchful

There are many hybrids and designer dog breeds with strange mixes, but few are more surprising than RottweilerShar Pei mixes. Also known as Rott Peis and Sharweilers, these hybrids are relatively new to the crossbreed scene. With both parent breeds having a natural talent for guardianship, it’s no surprise that Rott Peis are strongly devoted to their owners. They’re also fairly large in size and imposing expressions, which will make an intruder think twice. Let’s take a closer look at the Rott Pei and see what takes to own one.

divider 10Rott Pei Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Rott Pei puppies are not purebred dogs, but their status as designer dog breeds may increase the price. We recommend purchasing only from a reputable breeder that has papers on both parent breeds, but it may not be possible with the rarity of this mix. When you find a breeder, make sure they let you visit the breeding facilities and ask to learn about the puppy’s health.

Adoption is a great alternative to purchasing, but it will be difficult to find this exact mix at a shelter or rescue. We recommend contacting any Rottweiler or Shar Pei rescues to see if they have any, or if there’s a waiting list to be notified of any new potential mixes. You’ll end up saving up a lot when you adopt and you can change a puppy’s life at the same time.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Rott Pei

1. Rott Peis usually inherit the classic Shar Pei wrinkles.

While most mixed-breed dogs are variable and hard to predict, Rott Peis almost always inherit the loose, wrinkly skin of the Shar Pei. Many Rott Peis will also inherit the coat coloration and markings of the Rottweiler, inheriting both trademarks of the parent breeds.

2. Rott Peis are first-generation hybrids.

Unlike popular designer dog breeds like Labradoodles, Rott Peis are first-generation hybrids. This means they come from two purebred parent dogs and have no established generations, though this may change if Rott Peis become more popular.

3. Rott Peis are fairly low energy compared to other breeds.

Rott Peis are mixed with Rottweilers, which have a lot of energy. However, that high energy is lowered with the Shar Pei’s influence. Shar Peis are notorious for being somewhat lazy, especially when it’s time to exercise. That being said, Rott Peis will still be more active than purebred Shar Peis.

Parent Breeds of the Rott Pei
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Rott Pei 🧠

Rott Pei temperaments can vary a lot, so it can be difficult to tell what your puppy’s personality will be. The best way to know is to look at the parent dogs’ temperaments, but that is not always a viable option. The next best option is to look at both parent breed’s temperaments, which can give you an idea of what to expect.

Rottweilers are high-energy working dogs that were bred for a variety of purposes, including guarding. They’re strong-willed dogs that have serious expressions, which is why they’re often the breed of choice for protection work. That being said, Rottweilers have a playful side that make them great for families. They’re obedient dogs that enjoy bonding with their owners and need a lot of human interaction on a daily basis.

Shar Peis are infamous for their feline-like, independent personalities, but they’re also known for their deep attachments to their owners. Prone to aggressive and protective tendencies towards strangers, Shar Peis are not an ideal breed for new dog owners. They’re not easily motivated to train and can even be somewhat lazy, but Shar Peis will not hesitate to protect their property. Although they’re a handful, diehard Shar Pei fans swear by this adorably wrinkly breed.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes and no; it depends on the individual Rott Pei. Rott Peis can be tolerant of children, but these dogs do better in homes without children. If you have quieter, older children that understand how to play safely with dogs, a Rott Pei will be fine. However, they’re not as playful as other breeds and can become overprotective around strangers.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Rott Peis can tolerate other dogs that they’ve been raised with, but most will be aloof or even aggressive to strange dogs. Shar Peis were once bred for dog fighting and have natural guarding instincts, so they’re best suited for homes with no other dogs.

As for cats and small animals, it depends on the individual Rott Pei. Some will tolerate cats and small animals, while others will be too tempted and try to chase. It’s best to raise any other pets alongside your Rott Pei to establish a “sibling” bond.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Rott Pei:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Rott Peis are medium-large dogs and will need a diet based on their size and energy level, especially due to the Rott Pei’s tendency to gain weight and develop obesity. We recommend a dry dog kibble with at least 20% crude animal protein, fortified with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet. Always check the label of any dog food brand to ensure the diet is complete and free of unnecessary fillers, as well as to check the caloric amount per meal. For a more specialized diet, consult with your veterinarian for recommendations.

Exercise 🐕

Exercising your Rott Pei is important for a variety of reasons, including burning off energy and preventing obesity. The amount of exercise needed will depend on your Rott Pei’s energy level, especially with calmer ones that have more of the Shar Pei’s temperament. A few walks a day with some playtime is a good start, but more active Rott Peis will need more. Rott Peis do best on a schedule, so we recommend sticking to a food and exercise schedule.

If your Rott Pei is energetic and needs to burn off steam, agility is a possibility even with stubborn dogs. Shar Pei are surprisingly more athletic than they seem, and Rottweilers are known powerhouses, so agility can be a great way to challenge your Rott Pei. Contact your local dog competition facility to see if it’s a good fit for you and your dog.

Training 🦮

Training your Rott Pei will be somewhat of a challenge, mostly due to the Shar Pei’s tendency to be stubborn. Not all Rott Peis will be praise or food-motivated, so persistence is key to successfully training them. Yelling, pulling, and other harsh training methods will only cause your Rott Pei to shut down. Calm and confident training is needed, which is why a professional dog trainer may be needed.

Early socialization is very important for your Rott Pei, as Rottweilers and Shar Peis are both prone to overprotective tendencies. Rott Peis bond with their owners and will have natural protective instincts, so establishing boundaries with friends and strangers is important. Same-sex dogs also can be a trigger for aggressive behavior, which is why socialization with dogs is equally as important.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming your Rott Pei will be relatively easy because both parent breeds have shorthaired coats. A weekly brushing will help reduce shedding while massaging the coat, encouraging normal oil production. Bathing once in a while is fine, but be careful not to bathe your Rott Pei too often and cause skin irritation. Along with coat care, the Rott Pei’s nails will need to be trimmed once a month or on an as-needed basis.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Rott Pei’s come from two breeds with quite a few health conditions, both minor and serious in nature. It can be difficult to tell what you may have to deal with in the future, so looking at both parent breeds can give you an idea. Here are the most common health conditions of the Rottweiler and the Shar Pei:

Most Common Health Conditions of the Rottweiler
  • Canine hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Obesity
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Intervertebral disk disease
Most Common Health Conditions of the Shar Pei
  • Skin fold infections
  • Familial Shar Pei fever
  • Ear infections
  • Pyoderma
  • Pododermatitis
  • Hypothyroidism

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Final Thoughts

Rott Peis are quite a sight to see, from their wrinkly skin to their Rottweiler-esque markings. While they’re not suitable for the average household, Rott Peis can be great pets in the right environment. They’re natural watchdogs that can add a little extra security to your house or homestead, while also providing some companionship. Although they’re somewhat independent and aren’t very cuddly, Rott Peis become very attached to their owners. With patience and persistence, this designer dog breed can be a great pet.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

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