Sharmatian

35-55 lbs
17-23"
United States
Chinese Shar-Pei
Dalmatian

The Sharmatian is a medium to large dog with a 10 to 12 year lifespan. They are friendly and affectionate dogs who make great family pets. They are good with children and other pets provided socialization and training take place early on. Small children should always be supervised around dogs, including the Sharmatian. These dogs are energetic and will love going on outings with the family. They will cope with moderate amounts of time on their own but prefer being around the family. They are also intelligent and will learn quickly what is expected of them and are suitable for first time dog owners. Common colors may include white, black, red, fawn and cream. Their short coat is quite easy to maintain.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
2007
ancestry Ancestry
Chinese Shar-Pei, Dalmatian

Sharmatian Health

Average Size
Male Sharmatian size stats
Height: 18-24 inches Weight: 40-60 lbs
Female Sharmatian size stats
Height: 17-23 inches Weight: 35-55 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Urolithiasis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Kidney Problems
  • Chinese Shar-Pei Fever
  • Mast Cell Tumors
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Cataracts
  • Dalmatian Bronzing Syndrome
  • Microphthalmia
  • Laryngeal Paralysis
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Heat Stroke
  • Skin Infections
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Hearing
  • Skin Scraping
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Throat
  • Blood and Urine Protein Screens

Sharmatian Breed History

The Sharmatian is a hybrid breed that is the offspring of a Chinese Shar-Pei and a Dalmatian. The Chinese Shar-Pei is known for its distinctive deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue. The name translates as “sand skin” referring to the breed’s short, bristly coat. They were bred as guard dogs in China and are thought by some to be an ancient breed. They were later used in fighting where the loose folds of their skin was said to give them an advantage because they were able to twist in their skin to bite an assailant back. The breed was nearly wiped out when China became a communist country and a massive tax was levied on dog owners. It was only thanks to Hong Kong breeder Matgo Law, owner of Down-Home Kennels, that they survived. He wrote a letter pleading with breeders in other countries to take some of the dogs. Many responded, including breeders in the United States and the Chinese Shar-Pei has since become very popular there. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992. The Dalmatian is also known as the English Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog and the Spotted Dick but not much is known about their origins. Similar types of spotted dogs were found painted on the walls of Egyptian tombs running behind carriages. They also travelled with the Romanies. In the late 18th century, a spotted dog called the Talbot Hound ran alongside horse-drawn carriages in England to guard the passengers. They were later referred to as a Dalmatian in 1791 by Thomas Bewick. Some say the breed got its name while in Dalmatia, now known as Croatia where they were used as guard dogs. In the United States the dogs are best known as firehouse dogs. They would run behind the fire trucks, and even rescue people from burning buildings. The Disney movie 101 Dalmatians made the breed instantly recognizable but ultimately resulted in many dogs being dumped in shelters. People rushed out to buy one and then realized they were actually quite a bit of work so discarded them. The Dalmatian was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Sharmatian Breed Appearance

The Sharmatian is a medium to large dog weighing up to 60 pounds and with a height of up to 24 inches. Common colors may include white, black, red, fawn and cream. They have a short coat which can be soft or coarse. Both parent breeds are probably among the most recognized in the world. The Dalmatian’s unique spots, which only appear after three to four weeks of being born, and the Chinese Shar-Pei’s deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue are unmistakable. The Sharmatian is likely to have a combination of these traits. The Dalmatian has very soft fur and velvety ears with a long tail while the Shar-Pei has a coat that is prickly to the touch, a broad head and small, triangular ears that lie flat against the head. They also have a hippopotamus like muzzle and a high set tail.

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Sharmatian eyes
Hazel
brown Sharmatian eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Sharmatian nose
Black
brown Sharmatian nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Sharmatian coat
Black
white Sharmatian coat
White
fawn Sharmatian coat
Fawn
cream Sharmatian coat
Cream
red Sharmatian coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Sharmatian straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Sharmatian Breed Maintenance

The Sharmatian’s short coat is fairly easy to groom and they are not known to shed excessively. Weekly brushing should be enough to keep your pet in good shape and to get rid of any loose hairs. These dogs are prone to skin problems so make sure so only used veterinary shampoos when they have a bath. They don’t need regular bathing as it can irritate the skin. If your pet has the deep wrinkles of the Chinese Shar-Pei, make sure these are kept clean and dry. Also check the ears for any dirt and wipe gently if needed. Try to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental problems and bad breath and clip the nails if they don’t wear down by themselves.

Brushes for Sharmatian
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Sharmatian requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Sharmatian Temperament

With his affectionate, friendly and playful personality, the Sharmatian makes an excellent family pet. With early socialization and training they are great with older children and other pets. They can be left alone for short periods but will do better in a household where there is someone at home for much of the day. There are not known to bark a lot but will bark if a stranger approaches and are known to be good guard dogs. Their looks can also be quite imposing but they seldom show aggression. They are relatively easy to train because of their intelligence but won’t respond well to harsh words. Plenty of praise and treats will be the way to do with these dogs to get the best results. They will also do best with a firm, confident and consistent handler. These dogs have high energy levels and will love mental and physical stimulation to prevent them getting bored.

Sharmatian Activity Requirements

The Sharmatian is an energetic dog that will love to be outside. They make great running or hiking companions and will also enjoy a trip to the beach or dog park. If your pet has the shorter nose of the Shar-Pei take care exercising him in the heat as they can suffer from heatstroke. The Sharmatian will also enjoy playing with other dogs so is best suited for families with an enclosed garden. They are too big for apartment living as they need space to run around. Your pet will be best behaved if they get enough exercise - these dogs can develop bad habits if they don’t get out enough.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Sharmatian Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Sharmatian Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Sharmatian size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 37.5 lbs
Female Sharmatian size stats at six months
Height: 14.5 inches Weight: 33.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Sharmatian size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 50.0 lbs
Female Sharmatian size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Sharmatian size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 50.0 lbs
Female Sharmatian size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs

Sharmatian Owner Experiences

Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd