Lab Pei

45-60 lbs
18-22"
United States
Labrador Retriever
Shar Pei
Shar-Pei Lab

An independent, loyal companion, the Lab Pei is a medium to large breed dog that's a hybrid of the Labrador Retriever and the Chinese Shar-Pei. The history of these hybrids remains a little mysterious as the sudden rise and popularity in creating designer breeders only arose within the last 20 years. Nevertheless, it can be speculated that the hybrid may have originated around the 2000s, likely in North America. The Lab Pei is considered a low maintenance dog, requiring very little grooming. These dogs are often described as nippy, naughty breeds and so they are aren't recommended for homes with younger children. The Lab-Pei is a strong breed that often has a very muscular, compact physique. They are moderately active dogs that very rarely bark. They can be quite well suited to an apartment or urban lifestyle.

purpose Purpose
Watchdog, companionship
history Date of Origin
2000s
ancestry Ancestry
Labrador Retriever and Shar-Pei

Lab Pei Health

Average Size
Male Lab Pei size stats
Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 45-75 lbs
Female Lab Pei size stats
Height: 18-22 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Demodicosis
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
  • Atopy Dermatitis
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Seborrhea
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Obesity
  • Selective IG A Deficiency
  • Diabetes
Occasional Tests
  • Skin Scraping
  • X-ray imaging
  • Optical Examination
  • Blood And Urine Analysis
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian

Lab Pei Breed History

Lab-Pei’s seem to be a relatively new designer dog breed that may have only recently emerged during the 21st century. We can speculate that they are indigenous to the United States as they are currently only recognized by the Dog Registry of America. The Lab-Pei gets its proud, protective nature from the Chinese Shar-Pei which is an ancient medium sized dog that was believed to have first been spotted around Southern China over 2000 years ago. During the Han Dynasty, the Shar-Pei mainly served as a versatile breed that worked on fields, farms and in palaces often partaking in activities such as hunting, herding and guarding. Unfortunately, these dogs were hunted and killed to near extinction when the People’s Republic of China was first established; this was because communist parties believed that the ownership of dogs was considered an influence of the western world. The Labrador Retriever is a famous Canadian breed that originated from St. John's, Newfoundland during the 1800s. Labradors are notorious for their water-retrieving and swimming skills. These breeds originally served as a fishing net retrieving dog for the fishermen that owned them. When the Labrador was introduced to the United Kingdom their main purpose changed to hunting, flushing and retrieving wild game. Today, the Labrador ranks as America's most popular breed. These multi-talented dogs now serve a more noble purpose working as service, guide, and police dogs.

Lab Pei Breed Appearance

The Lab Pei is a strong built, compact breed. They may be medium in size but don't let their smaller size fool you, as they are designed for strength. The Lab Pei typically has a very short and dense coat that may be water resistant; this is a trait they inherit from their Labrador lineage. These hybrids don't tend to be heavily wrinkled like their parent breed the Shar-Pei, but they will have very mild folds and wrinkles around their forehead. The Lab-Pei will have small, dark almond shaped eyes that appear alert. Ears are set high on the head and are semi-flopped down, with a pointed tip. Skulls are wide and broad, while their muzzle tends to be medium in length. These breeds have very broad shoulders, heavy, deep chests, and strong limbs. Tails are set high, are strong and semi-curved. 

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Lab Pei eyes
Blue
hazel Lab Pei eyes
Hazel
brown Lab Pei eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Lab Pei nose
Black
brown Lab Pei nose
Brown
isabella Lab Pei nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
cream Lab Pei coat
Cream
sable Lab Pei coat
Sable
isabella Lab Pei coat
Isabella
black Lab Pei coat
Black
brown Lab Pei coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Lab Pei straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Lab Pei Breed Maintenance

The Lab Pei is considered an average to low maintenance breed as they don't require extensive grooming. This hybrid is not hypoallergenic and can be a high drooler. You may need to keep a couple of drool cloths within your reach. The Lab-Pei requires brushing monthly in order to remove debris and loose fur and to distribute natural oils. Should your hybrid tend to have more wrinkles and folds on their skin, it is essential that these folds be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent bacteria and yeast buildup. Bathing should be done as needed, however, it is highly recommended that owners properly wipe down their hybrid with a damp wet cloth, paying special attention to folds in the skin, foot pads, anal region and eye region. As with all dogs, regular teeth brushing is essential in order to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental disease. Ears shoult be cleaned and checked on a regular basis for signs of infection and nails should be trimmed if not worn down.

Brushes for Lab Pei
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Flea Comb
Flea Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Lab Pei requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Lab Pei Temperament

The Lab Pei makes a great family companion for owners looking for an independent yet playful dog. This hybrid tends to have a very loyal and protective nature, making it an excellent watch and guard-dog. However, due to this protective nature, they may not take well to other dogs and strangers. The Lab-Pei will also not tolerate rough or grubby hands. They are not recommended for homes with young children and will be better off with older kids. If you plan on getting a Lab Pei, expect to devote a lot of time to obedience training. These dogs can get quite possessive and dominant, so they are better suited to an experienced owner. Though these hybrids may not do well with children and other pets, it is important to remember that socialization at their puppy stage will help them become more friendly and tolerant of others. This is why it is important to enrol your young hybrids in puppy school.

Lab Pei Activity Requirements

If you're an owner looking for an apartment-friendly hybrid, the Lab Pei is a perfect match.  Lab Pei's are a medium energy breed which means they don't require a lot of exercise and running in order to fulfil their energy needs. On average, they will be quite satisfied with  60 minutes of physical activity per day.  These are canines that may enjoy activities such as playing fetch, swimming, going for short runs or long walks, hiking and play time with their owners or other dogs. After a couple of walks and play-time, you can expect your Lab-Pei to simply relax and lay by your feet.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
10 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Lab Pei Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.80 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$40.00 - $50.00
food bag monthly cost

Lab Pei Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Lab Pei size stats at six months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Lab Pei size stats at six months
Height: 17.0 inches Weight: 22.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Lab Pei size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 50.0 lbs
Female Lab Pei size stats at 12 months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Lab Pei size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs
Female Lab Pei size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 60.0 lbs

Lab Pei Owner Experiences

Mooshi
11 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with toys
Running around
Pets and scratches
Fetch
My girl is so sweet, although she is kind of picky with new people. Some people she wont need to meet to like, and some people she will need to meet and be around for a bit before she likes them. She is very protective, but she is very loveable. She is good at alerting us when someone pulls up our driveway, is at our door, or if they have a loud truck, the neighborhood/street. She likes most people. The whole 10 years we have had her she has only disliked 3 people and we bring those people around and warm her up through the years but seems to never budge. She sheds everyday and it gets worse around the winter times. Her front 2 paws are sensitive. Her nails don’t grow fast at all. Honestly clipping them 2-3 times a year is all she needs. She is very nosey, she follows everyone around but that did not start until around the age of 10. She is also very spoiled and loves food. Anytime anyone in the house opens a bag that sounds like her treats she looks at you and most times comes over. I share most my meals with her. She loves treats and peanut butter and meats. She is also very vocal when it comes to playing. She always growls but will never bite while playing. She is semi-active but can enjoy a day of just laying around. Her training is great. She can sit, lay, give 5 (which is one paw up) and 10 (which is 2 paws up). We have her on a shock collar and it took her about 2-3 weeks to learn and we have had her on one for like 6+ years now and she does great. But we also have a big front and back yard so she gets most of her running around and energy out in our yard rather than public or neighborhood walks. I love her! I highly recommend this breed for an protective and guarding household dog.
10 months, 1 week ago
Hela
7 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She has more of a lab personality than a Shar Pei, loves to play, good with kids and other dogs. She does like to destroy anything she can, is getting better as she gets older. Very loving and affectionate as well. We are so glad we got her.
1 year ago
Crissy
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Had her for 3 months and she has became a great part of our family
5 years, 1 month ago
Tragic
3 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Good experiences I love my dog he’s great and good with everyone he’s just sometimes ruff.
6 years, 8 months ago
Cinnabon
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Napping
Running
Sleeping
Walking
She’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever had. She learns quickly but is very protective she doesn’t like strangers but I can get her used to new people but it takes time. She gets along with most of my neighbors dogs.
6 years, 9 months ago
Ruby
11 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
sit
Swim
Tug-of-war
Chasing,
Good dog, 19/10. Very affectionate and friendly. Noisy at times, but cute nonetheless.
6 years, 9 months ago
Bella
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's so fun, very smart but also stubborn, sweet and cuddly. She is very naughty regarding getting people food (so crafty!) and getting on forbidden furniture (so sneaky!). She lets our kids pet, hug, wrestle, and lie on her. She loves other people and dogs.
6 years, 9 months ago
Tickle
3 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Play
She's so lovely. She look sad when resting, but while playing she's so happy..
6 years, 8 months ago
Charlotte
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Wrestle
Play
Fetch
Snuggle
We rescued our girl Charlotte from a high-kill shelter. Drove 3 hours for her, going slowly on the highway as to not freak her out. She spent the first night inside our apartment by the front door. We left our bedroom door open and gave her blankets in. In the morning I took her out, fed her, and afterwards, unwarranted, she ran onto our bed and snuggled up to my boyfriend. She's been doing that ever since. She's the sweetest pup I've ever met, always wanting to play, but can instantly switch to snuggling. She will protect her parents and play wrestle at the same time. She's the best thing to ever happen to me.
6 years, 8 months ago
Luna
8 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
snuggling
wrestling
Speak
Luna is hilarious! She plays with toys and attacks her own feet and tail. She will play hard with our older 2 kids but with our youngest she is so gentle and patient. We’ve had her about 2 months and she is a great dog. She is dopey and playful and stubborn. We love her.
6 years, 7 months ago
Captain
6 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Frisbee
Play
Chase
Eating Snacks
My husband and I got Captain back in February at three months old. We enrolled him in puppy training a few weeks ago and he’s doing well. He’s very high energy and loves to be outside. He does have a few skin issues though. He bites, licks, and scratches at his skin a lot, causing a few bald spots all over his body. The vet prescribed him medication that he has since finished, but I see little improvement. I sometimes have to give him Benadryl because it can get really bad. Even though he has some issue with biting and jumping, he’s still a puppy and new to training. My husband and I both love him and are hoping he’ll be good with our future children.
6 years, 6 months ago
Oscar
21 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Tug-of-war
Swim
Walk
Got him at 3 months and he's been my baby since.
6 years, 6 months ago
Oscar
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Taking a walk
gardening
Tug-of-war
dog park
He is super trainable and high on self care. He is extremely intelligent, often communicating to us with his eyes and movements. Very fastidious about his surroundings, how he eats, and where he does his business. Rarely barks. Very friendly with everyone, yet territorial at night, sounding the alarm if he hears something. Obsessed with monitoring-tracks (stalking) his people and the wild critters on our property. Very emotional about change in routine, such as when our adult children come and go for visits - he will go into visible depression as well as stop eating for a day or two when they leave. He is very aware of what it means when he sees luggage come up from the basement and will become clingy and struggle with OCD behaviors and depression until his people return.
6 years, 5 months ago
Paisley
8 Weeks
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
This is my first lab painting. She is very enjoyable
6 years, 4 months ago
Caesar
6 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going on drives
going on walks
My Lab Pei is a very cuddley companion who loves to snuggle and play. He is a great best friend for life. Although, he is not very good with new people getting to close to his face and being all up in his personal space. To counter act this, we introduce him get him to be familiar and everything is all good. He also loves attention.
6 years, 4 months ago
Bronson
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Running
Bronson was abused when he was a puppy. We recused him. He is a lovely dog but intends to pull on the lead. He doesnt like postman, cats and men. he loves his wag dry biscuits and bakers treats like bacon and we give him dental sticks instead of brushing his teeth. He is full of energy. Just a lovely funny dog. We live in England.
6 years, 1 month ago
Daisy
8 Weeks
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Amazing dog I reallylove her
5 years, 10 months ago
Buster
7 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Catch treats
retreiving a ball
This is the first Lab Pei that I have ever owned.
5 years, 8 months ago
Nick
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We got him from the shelter. He was found as a stray and they told us he was between 1-2 years old. I am sure he was abused as a puppy, but after he got used to us, his separation anxiety disappeared and he became a very loving dog. He only loves one dog so far. He needs to get more social but that is a slow process. But we love him so much!!!
5 years, 6 months ago
Maisie
8 Days
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We just adopted Maisie. She is blind. She is doing great with us and the other dogs. In a few weeks she has mastered thebstairs and the doggie door. She is very sweet.
5 years, 2 months ago
Zeke
1 Year
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Zeke is a fantastic Dog!!! We rescued him at 6 months, and he has shown us how grateful he is ever since! I run a childcare and he is super sweet with all of the children!!
4 years, 9 months ago
Mel
12 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play with ball
Very Nice dog. Very sweet and calma.
4 years, 10 months ago
Jerry-lee
19 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Got Jerry-Lee at 3 months old. He's so intelligent a quick learner on commands loves walking and running playing with other dogs. Very protective of me
4 years, 5 months ago
Kimber
5 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
showers
Herding cattle
Car rides
lounging
She had been the easiest puppy to train. Doesn't jump on people when they come but waits her turn to be greeted. Only aggressive in defense when being actively attacked by another dog (there was an incident with the neighbors dog and local coyotes) she insists on sleeping in bed with me after making her rounds to check on kids. Respects other dogs homes and space and does not fight back when provoked in their home (several incidents with mt mil one small breed) She was picked out of 3 litter mates by my great pyrenee (he refused to leave without her and she accepted his love instantly) they have always shared food bones treats. Did take upto 2 weeks for the cat (same age also female) to adjust to Kimber joining our family but now where one goes the other follows and all 3 sleep together for group naps. Excellent on long car trips, enjoys dirt racing, loud cars, gun shots, impact noises and basically anything else most other dogs are afraid of. Enjoys chasing butterflies outside and its one of the purest things I have ever witnessed.
4 years, 3 months ago
Bentley
10 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is the best dog I have ever had, he loves the kids so much, he is incredibly gentle and loving, has 0 control over his tongue, if you lay on the floor, expect a bath. he was so easy to train, will do just about anything I ask.
4 years, 2 months ago
Tyson
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing Ball
taking naps
Everything
Not sure if he adopted me or I adopted him or we adopted each other. Either way, I wouldn't trade him for a farm out west. He is the best thing to happen to me in a long time. He makes me laugh so hard my ribs hurt and I cry and he just fills my heart with warmth and love.
4 years, 2 months ago
Kush
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Incredibly gentle good with guarding the house very friendly and settled continously wants to play fetch and loves our other dog candie
4 years, 1 month ago
Ghilly
1 Year
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great dog, comical but very destructive. Loves to chew everything.
4 years ago
Riley
5 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
petting
Tug-of-war
Running
wrestling
A loving dog that is loyal to our family, she is always looking to play. She questions new people in our home and will always position herself in a manner to protect us if necessary.
3 years, 10 months ago
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Sketch of smiling australian shepherd