The Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier is a hybrid mix of the Chinese Shar-Pei and the American Pitbull Terrier. While some information is available about the temperament and appearance of this hybrid, there really isn't much information available about where and when the hybrid was developed. Though we can't be absolutely certain, we can likely assume that it originated in the United States possibly between the late 1900's and early 2000's when interest in mixing pure breeds for a variety of reasons became more popular. We'll get some background from a brief look at the parent breeds. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a very old canine breed, originating from southern China, but the documented records for Chinese dogs, which includes this breed, are quite scarce. Statues depicting dogs resembling the Shar-Pei have been found which date back to 200 B.C., though of particular note, the canines depicted in these pieces of art also resemble the Chow Chow and the Pug. While they were initially owned by peasants, being bred for hunting, herding, guarding and watchdogs, eventually the upper class became interested in the breed and used them in the dog and pit fighting rings for entertainment. This practice of dog-fighting eventually became outlawed and, when the Peoples Republic of China was created, dogs in China virtually disappeared. A few Shar-Pei survived in Taiwan, with a man named Matgo Law being credited with saving the breed from extinction. The Chinese Shar-Pei came to the United States in 1973 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992, being the 61st most popular breed in their registry. The American Pitbull Terrier, known by many other variations of this name, is a descendant of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, believed to be the result of crossing the old English Bulldog with a variety of terriers, emerged in the 1700's and were utilized by butchers of the time to manage bulls, also being utilized by hunters to hold bear and other wild game animals. As time went on, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was used in the blood sports of bull and bear baiting, a practice which has been outlawed. The Staffordshire came to America in the 1800's where it became the American Pitbull Terrier, a.k.a. American Bull Terrier, Pit Bull and later known as the Yankee Terrier. The American Pitbull Terrier is considered an amazingly strong breed for it's medium size, has evolved into quite an awesome family and farm dog, often referred to as "nanny dogs", being very gentle around children. Today, in addition to being great family pets, the American Pitbull Terrier is also utilized in competitive weight pulling, agility and even obedience. The American Pitbull Terrier was officially recognized as the American Staffordshire Terrier (name changed to get away from the stigma of blood sports) by the American Kennel Club in 1936 and is the 81st most popular breed in their registry. The Shar-Pei Pitbull Terrier is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
