The Sharp Eagle, sometimes spelled Sharpeagle, is one of the newest designer dogs in the dog community. It is a fascinating combination of two breeds that have diverse backgrounds and contrasting temperaments.
The Shar-Pei Beagle mix mostly displays the dominant behavior of either one of its parent breeds instead of balancing them out. It is also a great apartment dog but also loves the outdoors. This makes them fit well with active families.
If you are interested in adding this unique hybrid to your family, this article will help you determine if the Sharp Eagle is a good fit for you. Let us learn more about its origin, looks, temperament, maintenance, and health concerns.
What Is a Shar-Pei Beagle Mix?
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A Shar-Pei Beagle mix, more commonly known as a Sharp Eagle, is a cross between a Shar-Pei and a Beagle. This results in a medium-built dog with facial and shoulder folds, a stocky body, and a short coat. Sharp Eagles are independent, powerful, and have a strong prey drive.
Like other designer breeds, the physical and behavioral traits of the Shar-Pei Beagle mix would depend on the parent breed with the more dominant gene.
Physically, the Shar-Pei and the Beagle have many similarities, giving a more predictable look to their mix. The behavior of both breeds has a huge disparity, though, making the temperament of their cross unique and interesting.
Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Sharp Eagle Come From?
Since the Sharp Eagle is a new entry in the designer dog community, there are no existing records yet about its actual origin.
Let us go through the brief history of each of its parent breeds, the Chinese Shar-Pei and Beagle, so that you can understand the roots of the Sharp Eagle better.
The Chinese Shar-Pei is believed to have a very ancient history. Its early life dates back to 200 BC in Southern China.
It was originally bred as a farm dog, then was developed as a fighting dog due to its natural strength, stamina, and aggression.
As fighting dogs, its numbers rapidly decreased, and the Guinness World Records declared it the rarest breed in 1978. The breed was rescued by businessman Matgo Law by promoting it to the international community.
On the other hand, the modern version of the Beagle originated in the United Kingdom in the 1830s. They were categorized as scent hounds and were bred for detecting small animals like rabbits and hares.
They were accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and then quickly gained popularity worldwide. It was even consistently ranked as AKC’s top registered breed from 1953 to 1959.
The Sharp Eagle is now also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Appearance: What Does a Sharp Eagle Look Like?
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Most physical features of Sharp Eagles come from its Chinese Shar-Pei parents. These small to medium-sized pets have a wider stance than the Beagle and stocky bodies, similar to the Chinese Shar-Pei.
The Sharp Eagle dogs’ facial and shoulder folds, broad and square-cut muzzles, medium-sized floppy ears that fold forward, and loose skin are also inherited from the Chinese Shar-Pei.
Their large almond-shaped eyes are a combination of both parent breeds’ features and may either be brown or hazel.
Many color varieties of this dog may still exist based on the diverse colors of the Shar-Pei and the Beagle. It may even adopt hints of color from the unique lemon Beagle.
Possible coat colors may be brown, tan, cream, black, black & tan, red, fawn, sable, blue, and isabella.
Similar to other designer breeds, Shar-Pei Beagle mix dogs do not have any standard appearance. Sharp Eagle puppies from the same litter may even have differences in terms of their looks.
Watch this video of a Sharp Eagle puppy being introduced by its owner. Take note of the physical features of the Sharp Eagle described in this part of the article:
Shar Pei Beagle | Sharp Eagle Puppy<a href="https://youtu.be/IGWFnvX3BkQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FIGWFnvX3BkQ%2F0.jpg" alt="Shar Pei Beagle | Sharp Eagle Puppy" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Sharp Eagles Get?
A Sharp Eagle is a small to medium-sized dog. A fully grown Shar-Pei Beagle mix stands anywhere between 15 and 18 inches from the shoulder. Its adult weight ranges between 30 and 45 pounds.
Small to medium breeds such as the Sharp Eagle usually reach adulthood at around 13 to 14 months old. Their maximum size and weight are also influenced by the parent breed that has the stronger inheritance.
True to all other dogs, the height and weight potential of the Shar-Pei Beagle mix are also dictated by their nutrition, environment, and genetics.
The Sharp Eagle does not require a great deal of exercise for its size. Though it is a fairly athletic animal, it can adjust easily to apartment life due to its homebody disposition.
Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Temperament: Are Sharp Eagles Good Family Dogs?
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Shar-Pei Beagle mixes tend to be excellent family dogs, despite the huge behavioral difference between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Beagle. The Sharp Eagle can either take after one breed or the other more strongly.
Whether the Sharp Eagle inherits the dominant and aggressive trait of the Shar-Pei or the friendly and outgoing behavior of the Beagle, it is commonly loyal, independent, and enjoys companionship. It is also very stubborn.
The Shar-Pei Beagle mix requires early socialization training to avoid the dominant and territorial behavior of the Shar-Pei.
It also needs early obedience training and patience from the owner to address the stubborn nature of the Beagle.
Due to the strong prey drive of this hybrid, it would be best to have them within a fenced yard. This will prevent them from running after other animals. This should also be a good way to take care of their daily exercise needs.
The independent nature of the Sharp Eagle makes them less prone to separation anxiety. However, similar to other pets, it is not okay to leave them for long hours as they also enjoy spending time with their owners.
When properly socialized, the Sharp Eagle’s temperament makes for a wonderful companion and a great dog for families that enjoy an active lifestyle and even for those who love spending time at home.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Beagle: Which Is Better?
Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Sharp Eagles Healthy Dogs?
Shar-Pei Beagle mixes are generally healthy pets with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, the overall health of the Sharp Eagle puppies would also be highly dependent on the health of their parents.
Some of the most common health issues for Sharp Eagles are listed below:
Demodectic Mange: This is a non-contagious skin condition caused by the rapid increase of Demodex mites caused by the dog’s lowered immune system. This results in possible infection, hair loss, and red and inflamed skin in the Sharp Eagle.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat): Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach is twisted, obstructing the blood flow to the nearby organs. This may happen when the stomach gets filled with gas, food, or fluids. Both the Chinese Shar-Pei and Beagle are at risk for bloat, making the Sharp Eagle vulnerable to this condition.
Mitral Valve Dysplasia (MVD): This disease is caused by the wearing out or leaking of the mitral valve. This valve prevents the backflow of blood from one of the chambers of the heart. Heart murmurs would be a usual sign of MVD in the Shar-Pei Beagle mix.
The best way to prevent these health-related issues is early detection. A regular visit to your local veterinarian is a good way to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Another sign that you are looking at a healthy puppy is if the breeder can provide DNA results. This should assure you that the puppy you are interested in is free from any hereditary conditions.
How to Take Care of Your Beagle Shar-Pei Mix
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Maintaining the needs of your Sharp Eagle is achievable with the right knowledge of feeding, grooming, and training. Below is a definitive guide on how you can take care of your Sharp Eagle.
Food and Diet
Medium-sized dogs like the Sharp Eagle should be given two cups of a protein-rich diet of good quality dog food to meet their dietary requirements.
Since the Shar-Pei Beagle mix is prone to hip or elbow dysplasia and bloating, it would be best to divide their meals into two to three well-proportioned meals per day. This should prevent them from overeating.
To strengthen their bones and promote joint formation, you can also consider giving fish oil, glucosamine, and chondroitin supplements.
It would still be best, though, to consult first with your veterinarian before using any supplements.
Make sure to provide your Sharp Eagle with fresh, clean water to drink as well throughout the day, especially after their daily exercise.
Keeping them hydrated is important for their overall health and helps them function effectively.
Cleaning and Grooming
One of the best features of owning a Sharp Eagle is the minimal requirement for grooming. The coats of this mixed breed are generally short. They also have minimal to moderate shedding, at worst.
The Sharp Eagle is also not for frequent bathing. Once or twice a month should be enough. That said, always keep their facial and shoulder folds, loose skin, and floppy ears dry with a clean towel.
These areas, when damp, are prone to bacteria, mold, mildew growth, and even infections. Given the playful and curious nature of the Beagle, they tend to get muddy and dirty during their playtime.
If your Shar-Pei Beagle mix inherits this trait, you may give them a bath as often necessary to keep them clean.
Also, other parts of their overall hygiene should be regular cleaning of the ears, trimming of nails, and brushing of teeth. These practices would ensure a healthier disposition for your Sharp Eagle.
Training and Exercise
The Shar-Pei Beagle mix is born stubborn and aggressive. Though they are intelligent, they can be quite challenging to train and may require a lot of patience.
To best address this, early obedience training is crucial for this breed. This should include early socialization with humans and other pets. Crate training and housebreaking are also essential to be introduced as early as puppyhood.
The intelligent nature of the Sharp Eagle makes them fond of challenges. Use this effectively, along with positive reinforcement. This will make them respond to training more effectively.
The Sharp Eagle has moderate exercise requirements. An hour of walking, playing in dog parks, or letting them run around in fenced yards should be enough to meet their daily needs.
How Much Does a Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
Since the Sharp Eagle is a relatively new entry to the designer dog community, it can be pretty challenging to find. If you are successful in scouting for one, expect the price range to be anywhere between $600 and $1,100.
Another way to estimate the price of the Shar-Pei Beagle mix is by looking at the price range of their parent breeds.
The table below should guide you with the initial expenses of owning a Shar-Pei Beagle mix:
Once you have prepared the initial costs mentioned above, it would be good if you could also set aside some budget for medical emergencies. This would come in handy when your Sharp Eagle gets sick.
Places to Find Shar-Pei Beagle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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It is very challenging to find a reputable breeder that focuses on breeding the Shar-Pei Beagle mix. Due to this, puppy mills and irresponsible breeders might take advantage of selling puppies with health issues.
To avoid being scammed when searching for a puppy online, check out our ultimate puppy buying guide. This guide will help you with your entire experience in getting a puppy and preparing your home for it.
Below are some of the recommended puppy selling sites online where you can find Shar-Pei Beagle mixes for sale:
Buckeye Puppies – This user-friendly database supports both purebred and mixed-breed dogs and puppies, including Beagle mixes. You can filter your search by breed, registration, size, gender, and price. Each puppy also comes with a brief description that will help you decide if it is the right one for you.
Greenfield Puppies – Established in the year 2000, this platform is filled with photos and information meant to educate the buyer on the different breeds. They have a specific category for Beagle mixes which can include Sharp Eagles. All their puppies come with a 30-day health guarantee.
Lancaster Puppies – This database has thousands of dogs and puppies posted online. You can search for a Shar-Pei Beagle mix based on price, location, breed, registration, size, and gender. They support mixed breeds and have a specific category for Beagle mixes.
If you are not able to find a Sharp Eagle from the sites mentioned above, you may want to consider adoption through rescue organizations or rescue shelters.
Check out these rescue organizations to find Shar-Pei Beagle mixes for adoption:
Beagles and Buddies – Established in 1992, this California-based organization is the official breed rescue for Beagles and their mixes. On top of their rehoming efforts, they ensure vaccination, health care, spaying, and neutering of all their rescues. They have regular weekend adoption events for pet lovers to meet their rescue dogs.
Pei People Shar-Pei Rescue – This rescue group operates in 8 states, namely California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. It was created in 2007 and is dedicated to the Shar-Pei breed and its mixes. All meetings for prospective adopters are on an appointment basis.
Southeast Beagle Rescue – This organization’s main purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find new homes for unwanted, abandoned, and abused Beagles and their mixes. This Florida-based rescue was established in January 2011. They first require you to fill out an online adoption survey form for approval before meeting the dogs through an adoption event or a private meet-up.
For more options, you can check our top Beagle rescue picks. Some Beagle breeders on the list may also be raising and selling Sharp Eagle puppies.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Beagle Shar-Pei Mix
A good practice when deciding whether a particular breed would be a good fit for you is to list down the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.
I have noted down the pros and cons of having a Sharp Eagle mix for your guidance.
First, let’s look into the advantages of owning a Shar-Pei Beagle mix:
Unique looks: Lovers of both the Shar-Pei and the Beagle would definitely appreciate the looks of the Sharp Eagle. The cute facial and shoulder folds in a compact body, along with their large almond-shaped eyes, are very admirable features of this hybrid.
Low maintenance: This is one of the best features of this mixed breed. Shar-Pei Beagle mixes require very minimal grooming due to their coat type. They also don’t require frequent bathing. Keeping their folds clean and dry plus weekly brushing with a slicker brush would be enough to keep their coats shiny and healthy.
Good for busy families: Once initial training is done, these very independent dogs are not prone to separation anxiety. They require moderate exercise and are very good apartment dwellers.
Now, let’s study the possible drawbacks of owning a Sharp Eagle:
Prone to several health issues: The Sharp Eagle may inherit the diseases that are common to their Beagle and Chinese Shar-pei parents. These include IVDD, demodectic mange, pulmonary stenosis, GDV or bloat, and mitral valve dysplasia, amongst others. It is always best to secure a puppy from a reliable breeder that offers health screenings.
Difficult to train: Despite being intelligent, the Sharp Eagle can be very stubborn and challenging to train. However, early socialization and obedience training should be able to fix this. This would transform them into loyal, adaptable, and loving companions at home.
Difficult to find: A common problem with new designer breeds is the difficulty in sourcing them. There is also a lack of reputable breeders focusing on these new hybrids. Patience and following our guides in this article should help you search for your puppy.
Weighing out all these factors should help you in assessing whether the Sharp Eagle fits your personality and lifestyle and the environment you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @lincoln_the_sharpeagle (IG)
Do Shar-Pei Beagle Mixes Bark a Lot?
The Shar-Pei Beagle mix is a naturally stubborn and aggressive dog that has high prey drive. If not given proper training as a puppy or without enough exercise, they may resort to barking to release this aggression as an adult.
It is highly recommended that Sharp Eagles be trained for early socialization and obedience to avoid not just barking but destructive behavior in general.
Do Shar-Pei Beagle Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, Shar-Pei Beagle mixes only exhibit minimal to moderate shedding. This would depend on the more dominant gene they inherit. Shar-Peis have none to minimal shedding, while Beagles have minimal to moderate shedding.
Regular weekly brushing or grooming should be effective in controlling the shedding of this mixed breed.
Are Shar-Pei Beagle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Beagle are non-hypoallergenic breeds. This makes Shar-Pei Beagle mixes non-hypoallergenic as well.
Therefore, the Shar-Pei Beagle mix may not be a good fit for households with members suffering from allergies.
Final Thoughts: Is a Sharp Eagle the Right Dog for You?
The Shar-Pei Beagle mix is a new designer dog that is highly admired by lovers of both the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Beagle breed.
Their beautiful looks, easy maintenance coat, and independent nature make this an effective breed for busy families and even those who just enjoy spending time at home.
With proper training and socialization, Sharp Eagles make the most loyal and reliable companion dogs. They show strong love for their owners and a willingness to please.
If the Sharp Eagle interests you, we would love to hear your comments below about this wonderful breed!
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