Quick Take
- The ori-pei was bred specifically to fix the shar-pei's notorious health problems, yet owning one still comes with a hidden medical risk that most new owners overlook. See the inherited health risks →
- That signature wrinkly face is the ori-pei's most lovable feature, but it also presents the most demanding maintenance challenge. Learn the skin fold care →
- The ori-pei's laid-back personality sounds like a dream, but there's one daily routine you can't skip. The timing of it actually matters, too. Check the daily walk timing →
- Training an ori-pei is surprisingly easy, right up until one particular trait kicks in and derails the whole process. Understand the stubborn streak →
The ori-pei is a hybrid mixed-breed dog of purebred parents, namely the Chinese shar-pei and pug. The ori-pei originated in North America in the year 1970. A Chinese shar-pei breeder, Aaron Silver, grew very fond of the shar-pei breed but disapproved of their health issues. At that time, he decided to create a hybrid breed by making it smaller and solving some health issues. So, he bred the shar-pei and pug and created the ori-pei breed we know today.
Ori-Pei Dog Amazing Facts
- The ori-pei has a variety of names, such as the pug-pei, sharpug, and the American ori-pei.
- They are born with short noses, which causes them to grunt and make a lot of noise when they breathe.
- The ori-pei is known for its wrinkly facial skin, which gives it a unique appearance.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Ori-Pei Dog
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Non-hypoallergenic: Ori-pei’s grooming needs are low maintenance because their fur consists of short, fine hair strands, which keeps them from shedding too much. | They are brachycephalic: This condition means that they have short noses, making it difficult for them to breathe correctly. In addition, their nostrils are narrow, preventing sufficient airflow through their nasal passages. |
| Easily trained: They are exceptionally intelligent and respond well to commands, thus allowing training techniques to be taught easily. | They have wrinkly skin: Their wrinkly folds can cause sweat and dirt to accumulate, which can cause bacteria to form, causing skin disorders. |
| Laid-back nature: They love to relax and prefer to catch a siesta over any exercise or outdoor activity. | Must live indoors: Because they have breathing issues, they can easily overheat. They should stay in cool areas to regulate their body temperature and prevent panting. |
Weight and Size
Both males and females weigh a maximum of 15 to 30 pounds, and their heights range from 12 to 15 inches.
Health Issues
Although initially bred to reduce the health concerns of the shar-pei and pug, there is no guarantee that newborn puppies won’t inherit health issues from the purebred parents.
If you are considering owning an ori-pei, make sure you find a reputable breeder who can provide a genetic history. This breed is susceptible to health issues, such as:
- Breathing issues
- Allergies and skin conditions
- Eye disease
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Patella luxation
- Nerve degeneration
Temperament
The Ori-pei possesses a playful, loving, and charming nature. They like to act silly and are very in tune with their owners. In fact, they will listen to your conversations and might add a few barking opinions of their own. They are intelligent and respond well to commands but can sometimes be stubborn.
Regarding outdoor activities, the ori-pei is not too concerned about catching the summer rays or investigating what nature has to offer. They prefer being cool indoors and resting in a comfortable area where they can relax and nap.
How to Take Care of an Ori-Pei Dog
It is necessary to do proper research when adopting your canine, as this will give you a clear understanding of how to take care of your dog. You should:
- Provide a clean and comfortable living environment
- Always keep your dog’s water bowl filled with fresh water
- Give your dog a well-balanced and healthy diet
- Make sure your dog gets enough exercise
- Ensure that your dog goes for regular check-ups at the vet
Diet
There are many food options out there, but not all of their ingredients will suit your dog’s needs. When choosing either wet canned food or dry kibble, ensure the food is formulated with high-quality ingredients containing nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for a balanced and healthy diet.
If you decide to use kibble, look for smaller bite-sized pellets, as these will be easier for your ori-pei to chew and digest.
Grooming
The ori-pei’s coat is short and soft, resulting in low-maintenance grooming. Brushing once a week is recommended to remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin, even though their short fur does not tangle easily.
However, this breed displays wrinkles around its face, so it is imperative to dry between the folds of the skin after bathing. If the folds of the skin are not kept dry, bacteria can form, causing unnecessary skin conditions.
They typically require a bath every 4 to 6 weeks, or as needed if they become dirty or develop a noticeable odor. Keep their nails trimmed and brush their teeth to prevent dental decay.
Training
This breed responds well to training, especially when proper techniques are used. They are very intelligent and like to please their owners, but at times can be stubborn.
When training your ori-pei, you will need a lot of patience. Make sure to praise them and reward them with tasty treats.
Exercise
Even though ori-pei enjoy lounging around, they certainly appreciate a daily walk. Exercise is an excellent way for them to stretch their little legs and keep their joints and body in good shape. Take walks later in the day when temperatures cool down, as this breed is known to overheat when exposed to warm weather.
They prefer a relaxed walk, as their short muzzles do not get enough airflow due to narrowed air passages.
Puppies
This small breed can become pregnant twice a year and typically produces about three to four puppies per litter. Female puppies can reach sexual maturity around six to nine months of age, but it is best to wait for them to mature and grow before exposing them to mating.
Male puppies tend to be a bit bigger and have a more dominant personality, whereas females are more outgoing, but can be irritable when in heat.
Ori-Pei Dog and Children
Ori-peis express a well-balanced nature that is great for children. It is vital that both canine and child respect each other’s space, as this will instill necessary boundaries.
Dogs Similar to the Ori-Pei
The Chinese Chongqing is a unique medium-sized breed featuring a similar wrinkly face and a short muzzle. They also share similar intelligence and have a gentle nature.
However, the Chinese Chongqing has a stocky and muscular build, while the ori-pei has a smaller body shape. The Chinese Chongqing also displays a more confident and dominant personality.
Ori-Pei Pictures
View all of our Ori-Pei pictures in the gallery.
Sources
- Dog Breed Information / Accessed October 28, 2022
- Wag Walking / Accessed October 28, 2022
- Hepper / Accessed October 28, 2022
