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Sharp Eagle -- Shar Pei X Beagle

Sharp Eagle

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.
Origin
 China <> Great Britain -> U.S.A.
Translation
 Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Sharp Eagle
The Sharp Eagle is a type of designer dog, the result of a deliberate hybridization between the Shar Pei, a soft-skinned hunter and farm guard originally from China, and the Beagle, an intensely behaved hunting dog originally developed to track rabbits and other small game. The result is a powerful, lively animal with an independent nature and a strong hunting drive. While their temperament makes them less prone to certain behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, it can also make training them more difficult. These short-coated, medium-sized dogs adapt easily to life in an apartment, and require only moderate daily exercise and minimal grooming.

History of the Sharp Eagle
The Sharp Eagle is an intentional hybrid known as a designer dog, in this case a combination of the Shar Pei, a farm dog turned fighting dog originating in China, and the Beagle, a rabbit-hunting dog developed in England.

 

        

A little of the Shar Pei

         
Records indicate that the Shar Pei was originally employed by farmers some 2000 years ago in southern China, where it helped to hunt wild boar and guard farm property and livestock. To provide adequate protection, the Shar Pei was developed with a high level of aggression and a loose, wrinkled skin that made it difficult for opponents to grasp. The characteristics that made this dog a formidable farm guard also attracted the attention of people who made dog fighting their vocation, and these canines were frequently seen in the fighting arena until dogs like Bull Terriers, Mastiffs and Bulldogs were imported to China and became more popular than the Shar Pei. This decline in popularity, combined with periods of famine, fears of biological warfare and negative government policies towards dogs in China, almost led to the extinction of the Shar Pei, along with several other breeds. An article in the May 1971 issue of DOGS magazine featured a Shar Pei it considered “perhaps the last surviving specimen of the breed”, prompting Hong Kong's few Shar Pei owners and enthusiasts to launch a mission to save the breed in 1973, involving careful breeding and the export of as many well-bred dogs as possible to the U.S.A.
Standard of the Shar Pei

 

        

A little of the Beagle
Written records of the Beagle date back to the 1400s, when it was a much more variable dog than the Beagle we know today, and was bred in a number of different sizes, including a small pocket Beagle no bigger than 20 centimetres. The breed finally stabilized when breed standards were established in the late 1800s, around the time the American National Beagle Club and the English Beagle Club were created. The Beagle was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1855 in the hound class and, while barely among the top 20 dogs registered with the United Kennel Club in England, it is the 5th most popular breed in the United States and has held this position for many years.
Standard of the Beagle

Appearance of the Sharp Eagle
The Sharp Eagle is a small-to-medium-sized cross-breed, usually no more than 46 centimeters high at the shoulder, with a sturdy build and a slightly broader-than-average stance. The Sharp Eagle can inherit either the slightly shortened cranial structure of the Shar Pei, the longer-than-average cranial structure of the Beagle, or something in between, and its muzzle is broad and square. Dogs that prefer the Shar Pei will generally have a broader muzzle than those that prefer the Beagle, as well as looser, more wrinkled skin. The small almond eyes of the Shar Pei and the large round eyes of the Beagle often seem to give way to larger almond eyes, although significant wrinkles can partially mask the eyes of dogs that lean strongly towards Shar Pei heritage, and while a few may have the very short ears of the Shar Pei or the longer floppy ears of the Beagle, most have medium-length, high-set triangular ears that fold forward to frame the face.

Temperament of the Sharp Eagle
This cross is the product of two very different dogs in terms of temperament, and there is likely to be great diversity between individuals, even within the same litter. Ideally, the Beagle's friendly, outgoing nature will offset the Shar Pei's aloof and sometimes aggressive nature, while the Shar Pei's love of home will counterbalance the Beagle's need to roam, but this is not always the case. While the Beagle is generally friendly with other dogs, the Shar Pei can develop dominant, territorial attitudes, which it can pass on to the Sharp Eagle. Intensive positive socialization from an early age and consistent, persistent training will help to correctly guide your Sharp Eagle's independent attitude. Home training can be another matter altogether. The Shar Pei is reputed to be easy to train, sometimes even to train itself, whereas the Beagle is reputed to be difficult to train. This crossbreed therefore needs to be kept in a fenced yard under constant supervision, or on a leash at all times when outdoors, to prevent it from running off after what it considers prey.

Needs and activities of the Sharp Eagle
The Sharp Eagle is a fairly athletic animal, but due to the homely nature of most Shar Pei dogs, it doesn't need much exercise for a dog of its size, and is generally content with around an hour of moderate to vigorous activity a day. In addition to brisk walks and ball games, these dogs can engage in activities such as scent work and tracking exercises, flyball and running events to engage their bodies and senses. Although this hybrid may prefer a larger home with a garden, it can generally adapt easily to apartment living with a little extra exercise every day.

Maintenance of the Sharp Eagle
Whether your Sharp Eagle inherits the Shar Pei's single-layered spiky coat or the Beagle's short, soft, two-layered coat, grooming should be a much easier task with this hybrid than with other dogs. Neither of the two related breeds requires frequent bathing under normal circumstances, although those that have inherited the Beagle's curiosity may need to be washed a little more frequently due to their penchant for dirt and mud. It's important to note that wrinkled skin needs special attention after a bath to ensure that no dirt, soap or water gets trapped there, as moisture and debris can lead to the development of mold and even infection. Although the Beagle's double coat sheds more than the Shar Pei's single coat, weekly brushing with a long-haired brush or grooming glove is all that's needed to control shedding and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Details
Written by: Francis Vandersteen
Also available: Français (France) Deutsch (Deutschland) Español (España) Nederlands (nl-NL)
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