Rott Pei

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Breed Details

General

The Rott Pei is a cross between the Rottweiler and the Chinese Shar Pei. Both originally working dogs bred for farm work, the Rottweiler and the Shar Pei have common points in personality, such as a general aloofness and a strong instinct to protect the family.

The Shar Pei is believed to be one of the most ancient dog breeds and is considered a relatively rare pure breed today. Three coat types known: horse, brush and the more uncommon bear. In the upheaval of the Chinese Cultural revolution, the bourgeois classes which favored the longer-coated bear type as companions and pets were forced to flee and escape persecution. Most of their dogs, left behind, were considered of no relevance to the socialist principle and were destroyed. Fortunately, the shorter-coated types were used by peasants and farmers in their daily work, and so were spared.

The Rottweiler was an all-around dog on German farms, relied on to herd livestock and pull meat-laden carts to market. The current breed is a mix of Roman mastiff, molosser-type dogs and native German breeds. The Rottweiler has an instinctive and distinct herding style. In larger livestock, it seeks out the dominant animal and challenges it, then bulls the herd, sometimes using its powerful body against stubborn animals. On smaller livestock, such as sheep, it uses its bark to intimidate and direct. The Rottweiler has been known to form bonds with the stocks it herds, showing affection at times as long as its directives are followed.

Color

The Rott Pei can come in largely solid colors, with tan marking possible from the Rottweiler parent. Common coat colors will be black, fawn, apricot, red, brown, and blue. Shar Peis can have black masks, this can show in Rott Peis as well.

Coat

The Rott Pei's coat is short to medium in length. It can be smooth but hard, or rough and prickly to the touch. The Shar Pei horse-coated type is especially known for its sand-papery coat; people have been known to acquire come away with slight redness and irritation after petting or being in contact with this coat type. The brush-coat type is longer and smoother. An undercoat will be from the Rottweiler, although it has been to known to lose the undercoat in warmer climes. A blue-black tongue similar to the Chow Chow's may appear.

Personality

The Rott Pei is a hardy working dog that stands guard over all that it thinks is part of its territory or family. It can be trained for tasks around the house and it will willingly do these day in and day out. It could be a one-man dog, attached to and warmly affectionate with its owner. Because of its guard dog personality, however, it will be wary and aloof with strangers. It is confident of its abilities and has a steady enough temperament to patiently play with children. Considering itself responsible for its "herd', it will sometimes insistently nudge its owner into doing something it thinks has been neglected or forgotten. Relaxed and self-possessed, it is a calm companion dog that will be content lolling around the house if not called on for work, play or exercise.

Care

Care for the coat involves daily brushing with a stiff bristle and an occasional bath. Wrinkles, if present, always be wiped with a clean, damp cloth and checked for infections. Some Rotta Pei can have the wrinkles only on parts of the face, such as the forehead, while others can have more.

Training

The Rott Pei is an intelligent dog that can also show stubbornness at times. So while it is trainable, early obedience classes will help smooth away bullheadedness and problem behaviors. Socialization is also a must, especially if the Rott Pei is to live with other pets and dogs. Dominance could be a problem with other dogs, even ones it has grown up with. Constant socialization menas the Rott Pei is more tolerant and accepting of others in its territory.

Activity

Activity should be well thought out for this medium-to-big dog that has incredible strength, yet can be vulnerable to ailments such as bloat. Meals should be spread out in smaller-sized servings throughout the day, rather than served all at once. Vigourous activity such as play or running should be an hour before or after meals. Walks or runs are best leashed, as an excited, full-grown Rott Pei can be a handful. Good-sized as the Rott Pei is, it will appreciate wide open spaces. Aparment-living is not a problem, as long the Rottaf is taken out daily for at least half an hour to an hour.