The Ori Pei is one of the most well known crossbreeds belonging to the Shar Pei mix. It is now a registered breed with the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) and has been bred at least for six generations. It is originally a creation of an American, named Aaron Silver, a breeder who loved the Chinese Shar Pei breed. Unfortunately this breed had various health problems like eye tacking, skin problems and hip dysphasia. So Aaron Silver decided to cross breed the Shar Pei with the Pug so that one could not only have a smaller version of the original dog, but also do away with the inherent health problems. This is how the Ori Pei came into existence. The Ori Pei pups are popular family pets and are really small in size. They look very similar to the Shar Pei pups in every way.

The cross breeding with the Basset Hound is also a common Shar Pei mix. The new designer or hybrid dog is called the Ba-Shar (Sharp Asset). When there is cross breeding it is difficult to judge the temperament of the crossbreed. Of course it has a combination of the characteristics found in each breed, hence it is important to get to know the characteristics in order to understand the new breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club has recognized the Ba-Shar breed. There is sometimes a multi-generation cross breeding, as some of the dogs are not pure bred, or even barely fifty percent pure bred.

The Shar Pei mix could actually be a mix with other dogs like the Black Labrador or another Shepherd Mix. Generally the features of the Shar Pei are overpowering and Shar Pei mixed breeds have more of the Shar Pei look with their extra skin and wrinkles. Shar Pei is also crossed with the Staffordshire bull terrier. The hybrid dog is generally shy, but also very loving and gentle, once he gets to know you.

It is possible to breed a healthy population of dogs only if the gene pool is large so that there is an abundance of genetic variation. This allows for competition of the genes under complete randomness, and hence maintains conservation of gene frequencies. It is already seen that the Shar Pei is becoming problematic in structure and temperament because it is bred within a small gene pool. What is required here is a new flow of genes from the original type at the place of origin.

When you buy a Shar Pei mix, make sure that you go to a responsible and reliable dog breeder. A good breeder has the knowledge to select two breeds in order to cross breed. His aim is hybrid vigor. When he crossbreeds he looks at the genetic diversity of the parent dogs. If there are health problems in one of the dogs or in both the dogs, they can be bred out. He will also ensure that the breeding makes the next generation of dogs better, healthier, more intelligent and live longer.

Of course the kennel club rules regarding breeding and cross breeding of dogs are quite strict. For purebreds as well as for cross breeds, there are exact combinations according to their specifications, and only then the cross breeds are recognized by them.

Purebred dogs like the Chinese Shar Pei can receive accident coverage from insurance companies. But now even mixed breeds, especially those that have been recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club are eligible for such coverage.