Bullpei
A medium, stocky Bulldog and Shar Pei cross that is devoted but often reserved and headstrong. Wrinkles and a flat-ish face can bring skin and breathing issues, and it tends to be wary with other dogs.
Bullpei scorecard
Overview
The Bullpei is a medium-sized crossbreed produced by mating a Bulldog with a Chinese Shar Pei. It is a stocky, powerful dog typically standing around 38–51 cm and weighing roughly 16–29 kg, often with a broad head, wrinkled skin and a short, harsh or smooth coat. Bred as a loyal companion and watchful family dog, it combines the Bulldog’s devoted, easy-going nature with the Shar Pei’s reserved, independent character.
As with all designer crosses, the Bullpei is not a recognised breed: there is no breed standard, no registry and no guarantee of how any individual will turn out. Wrinkles, coat and build vary, and the popular wrinkled look comes with real health implications. Because both parents carry conformation-related issues — skin folds in both and a shorter face in the Bulldog — prospective owners should research the cross’s skin, eye and breathing risks carefully before committing.
Good to know — a Bullpei is best with a garden and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Save the Bullpei guide
Thinking about a Bullpei? Pop your email in and we’ll send this guide so you can come back to it any time — handy while you compare breeds.
Popular searches for the Bullpei
History & origins
The Bullpei is a modern crossbreed with no formal documented history, and its character is best understood through its parents. The Bulldog is a nineteenth-century British breed developed after bull-baiting was banned, bred down into a thickset, affectionate companion that is nonetheless affected by brachycephalic and joint problems. The Chinese Shar Pei is an ancient Chinese breed, historically used as a guard and all-purpose farm dog, instantly recognisable for its loose, wrinkled skin and “hippopotamus” muzzle.
Crossing the two brings together two heavily wrinkled, strong-willed dogs. The intention is usually to produce a robust, loyal guardian-companion, but the combination concentrates skin-fold and eye issues from both sides, so the cross should be approached with a clear understanding of those parent-breed traits.
Temperament & family fit
Bullpeis are typically devoted, calm and loyal to their family, often forming a strong bond with their owners. They tend to be lower-energy and steady indoors, inheriting the Bulldog’s laid-back streak, but the Shar Pei influence can make them reserved, independent and wary of strangers, which can give them a natural watchdog instinct.
This reserve means early, thorough socialisation is essential. The Shar Pei parent can be aloof or assertive with unfamiliar dogs, so a Bullpei may be dog-selective and is not always the most outgoing cross. With its own family it is usually affectionate and gentle, but its strong-willed nature and guarding tendencies mean it suits owners who can provide calm, confident leadership.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
Both parent breeds are intelligent but headstrong, so Bullpeis can be stubborn and need patient, consistent, reward-based training from an early age. Firm but kind boundaries, established early, help prevent the independent Shar Pei streak from turning into wilfulness. Harsh methods tend to make these dogs shut down or dig in.
Socialisation is the single most important training priority, given the Shar Pei’s natural wariness. Positive early exposure to people, dogs and situations helps produce a confident, well-mannered adult. As with any shorter-faced dog, keep training sessions calm and avoid overexertion in the heat.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Bullpei typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The short coat itself is low-maintenance and needs only weekly brushing, but the skin folds are the priority. Wrinkles inherited from both parents must be cleaned and thoroughly dried regularly to prevent skin-fold dermatitis and infection, which both breeds are prone to. Pay attention also to the ears, which can be narrow and prone to problems, and keep teeth, nails and eyes checked and clean.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to a medium dog, split into two measured meals a day. Bullpeis put on weight easily and excess weight worsens joint and breathing strain, so monitor body condition and avoid overfeeding or excessive treats. Some Shar Pei lines have food sensitivities, so introduce any diet changes gradually and consult a vet if skin or digestive issues appear, as these can be diet-related.
Bullpei health & costs
Before bringing a Bullpei home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
A Bullpei can inherit the health problems of both parents. From the Shar Pei it may inherit skin-fold dermatitis, entropion (eyelids rolling inward, which is common and may need surgery), ear problems and a breed-specific inflammatory condition known as Shar Pei (Familial) Fever, which can lead to amyloidosis affecting the kidneys. The Shar Pei’s tight, wrinkled conformation is itself a recognised welfare concern.
From the Bulldog side it may inherit brachycephalic breathing problems, more skin folds, eye conditions such as cherry eye, and hip and joint disease. The combination means skin and eye issues are particularly likely. Responsible breeders should health-test parents, including for hips and eyes, and be open about the Shar Pei’s health history; buyers should ask specifically about entropion, skin problems and any history of Shar Pei Fever in the line.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Skin-fold dermatitis — high risk from both wrinkled parents; folds need regular cleaning and drying
- Entropion — inward-rolling eyelids common in the Shar Pei, often requiring corrective surgery
- Shar Pei (Familial) Fever / amyloidosis — an inherited inflammatory condition from the Shar Pei side that can affect the kidneys
- Brachycephalic breathing problems — possible from the Bulldog side if a shorter muzzle is inherited
- Ear infections — narrow ear canals from the Shar Pei make ear problems common
- Hip dysplasia — a joint condition seen in both parent breeds
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Bullpei; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Bullpei puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Bullpei
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Loyal, calm and low-grooming
- Devoted family guardian
Things to consider
- Can be stubborn and dog-aloof
- Prone to skin-fold and breathing problems
Compare the Bullpei
See how the Bullpei measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Bullpei
Same breed group
Cockapoo
A hugely popular Cocker × Poodle crossbreed — friendly, lower-shedding and great with families.
Labradoodle
A friendly Labrador × Poodle crossbreed — sociable, often lower-shedding, and a popular family choice.
Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Cavapoochon
A small triple-cross (Cavalier × Bichon × Poodle) — friendly, low-shedding and well suited to family and flat life.
Similar temperament
Shiba Inu
A fox-like, dignified Japanese breed — clean, compact and cat-like, but independent with a strong will of its own.
Rottweiler
A powerful, confident guardian that’s calm and devoted in the right hands — but needs an experienced owner.
Campeiro Bulldog
A robust Brazilian working bulldog historically used to handle cattle in slaughteryards. Brave, loyal and tenacious, with strong guarding instincts and a need for firm handling.
Kai Ken
A rare brindle-coated Japanese spitz-type hunting dog, devoted to one person and a natural climber and swimmer. Intelligent and loyal, but reserved with strangers and independent-minded.
Similar size, different type
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
Is the Bullpei your breed?
Create your pet profile and get personalised food, toy, insurance and health recommendations — tailored to your dog.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Bullpei?
The Bullpei is a medium-sized crossbreed produced by mating a Bulldog with a Chinese Shar Pei. It is stocky and powerful, often with a broad head, wrinkled skin and a short coat, and was bred as a loyal companion and watchful family dog. As a designer cross it is not a recognised breed and has no standard or registry, so individuals vary considerably.
How big is a Bullpei?
A Bullpei typically stands around 38–51 cm and weighs roughly 16–29 kg, making it a solid, medium-sized dog. Build varies with which parent dominates, but most are stocky and muscular. They put on weight easily, so monitoring body condition matters to avoid extra strain on joints and breathing.
What is a Bullpei's temperament like?
Bullpeis are typically devoted, calm and loyal, forming a strong bond with their family. They inherit the Bulldog's laid-back streak but the Shar Pei influence can make them reserved, independent and wary of strangers, giving a natural watchdog instinct. They can be dog-selective and are not always outgoing, so early, thorough socialisation is essential.
Are Bullpeis easy to train?
Both parent breeds are intelligent but headstrong, so Bullpeis can be stubborn and need patient, consistent, reward-based training from an early age. Firm but kind boundaries set early prevent the independent Shar Pei streak becoming wilfulness, and harsh methods make these dogs shut down. Socialisation is the single most important priority given the Shar Pei's wariness.
How much grooming and exercise does a Bullpei need?
The short coat is low-maintenance and needs only weekly brushing, but skin folds are the priority and must be cleaned and thoroughly dried to prevent dermatitis. Exercise needs are moderate, usually 45 minutes to an hour of walking a day. It is not high-energy, so watch its weight, and avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather if it has a shorter muzzle.
What health problems are Bullpeis prone to?
A Bullpei can inherit issues from both parents. From the Shar Pei: skin-fold dermatitis, entropion (in-rolling eyelids that may need surgery), ear problems and a breed-specific condition known as Shar Pei Fever, which can affect the kidneys. From the Bulldog: brachycephalic breathing problems, more skin folds, cherry eye and joint disease. Choose a breeder who health-tests parents and ask about entropion and skin issues.
Are Bullpeis good family dogs?
The Bullpei suits experienced, confident owners who can provide early socialisation, calm leadership and diligent skin care. It is a steady, devoted home companion, but its reserved nature means it is not ideal for busy households with constant visitors or homes with multiple unfamiliar dogs. It can live happily with sensible older children when raised with them.
How long do Bullpeis live?
A Bullpei typically lives around 9–12 years. As with any crossbreed, lifespan and quality of life depend on the conformation it inherits, particularly the skin, eye and breathing risks from both parents. Diligent skin care, a healthy weight and good preventive veterinary care all help. Owners should budget for ongoing care and consider lifetime insurance.
Are Bullpeis good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Bullpeis tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Bullpei need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Bullpei needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Bullpeis shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Bullpeis easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Bullpeis are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Bullpeis bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Bullpeis good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Bullpeis suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Bullpei is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog / crossbreeds and health: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- RVC VetCompass programme — companion animal health data: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
- PDSA — Dog breed and health information: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog care and breed advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- British Veterinary Association — Brachycephalic dogs / responsible breeding: https://www.bva.co.uk/
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.