Sharp Eagle

Purpose
Companion
Watchdog
Breed Type : Crossbreeds
Breed Size: Medium

The Sharp Eagle is a hybrid dog breed that results from the crossbreeding of the Chinese Shar-Pei, recognized for its loose skin and its historical role as a hunter and protector on farms, and the Beagle, a driven hound originally bred for tracking small game like rabbits. This unique blend yields a robust and intelligent canine with a strong sense of independence and a notable prey drive. Although their temperament can help mitigate certain behavioral issues, such as separation anxiety, it may also present challenges during training. These medium-sized dogs, characterized by their short coats, are well-suited for apartment living, requiring only a moderate level of daily exercise and minimal grooming.

Breed Origin

Breed Origin

The Sharp Eagle is a purposeful hybrid, commonly known as a designer dog, created by crossing the Chinese Shar-Pei with the Beagle. The Shar-Pei, which originated as a farm dog in Southern China, was employed by farmers around 2000 years ago for hunting wild boar and protecting their homes and livestock. This breed was intentionally bred to exhibit a certain level of aggression and to possess unique loose, wrinkled skin, making it difficult for adversaries to grip during fights. While these traits made the Shar-Pei a formidable protector, they also drew the interest of dog fighters, resulting in its frequent involvement in such activities. However, as Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, and Bulldogs became popular in China, the Shar-Pei's status began to decline. This downturn, combined with famines, fears of biological warfare, and negative governmental attitudes towards dogs, nearly led to the breed's extinction, along with several others. A significant article in the May 1971 edition of DOGS magazine referred to a Shar-Pei as “possibly the last surviving specimen of the breed.” This spurred a dedicated group of Shar-Pei enthusiasts in Hong Kong to initiate a rescue effort in 1973, focusing on responsible breeding and exporting well-bred dogs to the United States. The Beagle's lineage dates back to the 1400s, existing in various forms and sizes, including a small variant that measured no more than eight inches tall. The breed began to take shape in the late 1800s when breed standards were established, coinciding with the founding of the National Beagle Club in America and the Beagle Club of England. The American Kennel Club recognized the Beagle in 1855 as part of the Hound group. Although it ranks just outside the top 20 breeds registered with the United Kennel Club in England, the Beagle has consistently been one of the top five most popular breeds in the United States for several years.

Breed Appearance

The Sharp Eagle is a crossbreed that typically ranges from small to medium size, with a shoulder height not exceeding 18 inches. It features a sturdy build and a slightly broader stance than average. This breed may inherit a skull shape that varies from the somewhat compressed form of the Shar-Pei to the elongated structure characteristic of the Beagle, or something in between, showcasing a wide, square muzzle. Dogs that resemble the Shar-Pei usually have broader muzzles, looser skin, and more prominent wrinkles compared to those that take after the Beagle. Additionally, the breed often displays larger almond-shaped eyes, which are a mix of the Shar-Pei's small almond eyes and the Beagle's larger round ones. However, those with a stronger Shar-Pei influence may have their eyes obscured by heavy wrinkling. While some may exhibit the Shar-Pei's very short ears or the Beagle's longer, drooping ears, most have medium-length, triangular ears that are set high and fold forward, nicely framing their face.

Breed Appearance
Care Routine

Care Routine

Whether your Sharp Eagle inherits the rough, single-layer coat of the Chinese Shar-Pei or the soft, double-layer coat of the Beagle, grooming this hybrid is typically less labor-intensive than for many other dog breeds. Generally, neither parent breed requires frequent baths; however, those that take after the Beagle's curious disposition may need more regular washing due to their love for exploring muddy environments. After bathing, it’s essential to carefully check the wrinkled skin to ensure that no dirt, soap, or moisture is left behind, as trapped debris can lead to mildew, mold, and infections. While the Beagle's double coat tends to shed more than the Shar-Pei's single layer, a weekly brushing with a slicker brush or grooming glove is usually adequate to control shedding and keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.

Behavior & Temperament

This hybrid breed emerges from the union of two distinct dog breeds, each possessing unique temperaments, which can lead to considerable differences among individuals, even those from the same litter. Ideally, the Beagle's friendly and sociable nature would complement the Chinese Shar-Pei's more reserved and sometimes aggressive traits. Furthermore, the Shar-Pei's deep bond with home life could help mitigate the Beagle's tendency to roam. However, this ideal dynamic doesn't always manifest. While Beagles generally get along well with other dogs, the Chinese Shar-Pei may display dominant and territorial behaviors, which could be passed down to the Sharp Eagle. To effectively manage the Sharp Eagle's independent spirit, it is crucial to engage in early and thorough positive socialization, along with consistent training. Housetraining can also pose a challenge; the Shar-Pei is typically easier to housebreak and may even do so independently, while Beagles often struggle in this area. Both parent breeds possess a strong prey drive, making it essential to keep this crossbreed in a securely fenced yard and under constant supervision or on a leash outdoors to prevent them from pursuing anything they might view as prey.

Behavior & Temperament
Play & Exercise

Play & Exercise

The Sharp Eagle is an energetic breed, but the inherent home-loving disposition of Shar-Pei dogs means they don’t require a lot of exercise relative to their size. Typically, they are content with around an hour of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Besides enjoyable walks and games of fetch, these dogs can engage in a variety of activities such as scent work, tracking, flyball, and coursing trials, which help to enhance both their physical fitness and sensory skills. While this hybrid may flourish in a larger home with a yard, they can generally adjust well to apartment living, provided they receive some extra daily exercise.

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

2.0 Cups

Daily Activity

60 Minutes

Average Lifespan

14 Years

Origin

Unknown

Type

Crossbreeds

Size

Medium

Origin Country

Unknown

Brush Frequency

Weekly

Coat Texture

Straight

Ancestors

Beagle
Beagle

The Beagle is frequently seen as one of the most laid-back and cheerful dog breeds. With a lively and amusing demeanor, this breed spreads happiness to those around it. Originating in England in the early 1800s, Beagles were originally developed for tracking and hunting rabbits. They flourish when allowed to explore their environment, utilizing their exceptional sense of smell, which can sometimes lead them into playful trouble. As scent hounds, Beagles have ancestry that includes the Talbot Hound, North Country Beagle, and Southern Hound. Their compact and muscular build makes them an ideal companion. Beagles are easily identifiable by their droopy ears and endearing expressions. Their short, smooth coats require little maintenance; a simple weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush is enough to keep them looking their finest.

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Chinese Shar-Pei
Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a large dog breed distinguished by its unique wrinkled head and face. Typically, these dogs weigh around fifty pounds and stand about eighteen inches tall. There is a belief that the Chinese Shar-Pei shares a lineage with the Chow-Chow, as both breeds feature a blue-black tongue, which often causes confusion between them. Traditionally, the Chinese Shar-Pei was a multifunctional farm dog in China, employed for various tasks such as hunting, tracking, herding, and protecting livestock. Unfortunately, some people misused the breed for dogfighting, as its distinctive wrinkled skin and coarse fur were thought to hinder opponents' grip. The breed came perilously close to extinction during the Communist Revolution, but a businessman from Hong Kong played a vital role in reviving interest in the Shar-Pei among American dog lovers. In 1992, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Chinese Shar-Pei, and it has since gained popularity as one of the favored dog breeds in the United States.

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Height & Weight

Weight

38 lbs (17 kg)

Male: 38 lbs (17 kg) , Female: 38 lbs (17 kg)

Height

17 inches (43 sm)

Male: 17 inches (43 sm) , Female: 17 inches (43 sm)

6 Months

27 lbs
14 inches

27 lbs ( m 27 lbs, f 27 lbs )

14 inches ( m 14 inches, f 14 inches )

12 Months

37 lbs
16 inches

37 lbs ( m 37 lbs, f 37 lbs )

16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )

18 Months

37 lbs
16 inches

37 lbs ( m 37 lbs, f 37 lbs )

16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )

Eye Colors

Hazel

Brown

Nose Colors

Blue

Black

Brown

Isabella

Coat Colors

Black

Sable

Blue

Brown

Cream

Fawn

Red

Isabella

White