[cbrunsti]

Hey everyone!! I am new to these forums and I have just gotten my first dog! I have had other dogs growing up with my parents, but this time this guy is all mine. I got him from an adoption agency a little over a week ago. He is just under a year old. The adoption agency people told me that they "think" he is a Shar Pei/Lab mix. However, all the Vet paperwork that came along with him says that he is Pitbull. I was just curious if I could get some input on what type of dog this guy is so I can do some more homework about the breed. He is super people friendly, easily trainable, doesn't bark (unless he's sleeping!!), etc. He's a great dog so far. I think he might be a little dog aggressive towards other male dogs but I am not sure. He was with other dogs at the rescue and he interacted fine with them... at the one time I have taken him to the dog park he seemed pretty interested in a male golden retriever, not sure if he wanted to play or wanted to be an alpha.... let me know! Any feedback would be great! Thanks a lot! by the way, his name is Scout.

 

[melundie]

Beautiful boy! I'm going with your vet and saying he's a Pit.

 

[UF Girl]

Wow you have a very gorgeous guy there! I see some Pit in him, but some shots I can see why they are saying Shar Pei Those wrinkles are so cute!

If you are worried he may be DA I would avoid the dog park just until you have a better idea. Try introducing him to dogs one on one and in a neutral area and see how he reacts. Others with more experience will be able to help you more I am sure.

 

[vegfem89]

He's beautiful whatever he is!

 

[PatchworkRobot]

That gorgeous boy looks like a pit to me and I also agree that if you are worried about dog aggression I would NOT be taking him to the dog park.

 

[cbrunsti]

Thanks for the responses so far. And I'm not so much worried about dog aggression yet. Whenever he sees another dog he typically just looks at it, tugs his leash a little, then completely ignores it and continues with walking along. I guess I'm more curious on how to handle the first few interactions with other dogs since he is a new dog. And how to tell if he is going to be aggressive towards another dog. I think he is still learning to interact with other dogs. He's still a pup and definitely hasn't developed all his coordination skills or social skills yet.

 

[Amaryllis]

That looks like a beautiful pit to me, maybe with some mastiff or shar pei in the mix somewhere.

The best way to deal with a dog you don't know yet when it comes to other dogs is to either enroll in a puppy kindergarten class, where he can meet other puppies in a controlled environment with a trainer available, or to introduce him to a dog you know is good with other dogs owned by someone who understands that it might not go so well. I've made my dog available for people with puppies or new rescues because I know he's great with other dogs (assuming they aren't unneutered males, it turns out.)

 

[Abbylynn]

What a beautiful pup! I say Pit also.

 

[momtolabs]

While he looks like a pit her could be a Shar-pei mix,also. There are a lot of mixes out there that look like pit bulls but are not. I could see how the rescue got Shar-pei/lab mix though. He is a cutie!

 

[gspcrazy]

Yeah the adoption agency foisted a pit bull off on you. If you're going to take him to the dog park and introduce him to other dogs insurance might be a good idea. Not really a problem in most states though because dogs are considered property and you can't be sued and held liable for emotional damages to the owners. You should check the laws in your state. May be no worries

 

[Shell]

That looks like a beautiful pit to me, maybe with some mastiff or shar pei in the mix somewhere.

The best way to deal with a dog you don't know yet when it comes to other dogs is to either enroll in a puppy kindergarten class, where he can meet other puppies in a controlled environment with a trainer available, or to introduce him to a dog you know is good with other dogs owned by someone who understands that it might not go so well. I've made my dog available for people with puppies or new rescues because I know he's great with other dogs (assuming they aren't unneutered males, it turns out.)

Agreed on both counts. I definitely see Pit Bull/Bully breed but Shar Pei wouldn't be an unlikely mix for those forehead wrinkles and extra neck skin; esp. in the 3rd and 6th photos. A good looking dog with a sweet face.

If he's new to you and still young, particularly if you aren't confident on reading dog body language, then I suggest a structured class first to get some solid obedience training (look for a Canine Good Citizen class for a nice basic class) and do your socializing in more controlled settings- 1-3 other dogs, maybe a small play group. Get to know him and give him time to settle in and show his full personality (it takes about 3 months for the typical shelter dog to get to feel at home).

Some cities and rescue groups run FREE (or highly discounted) Canine Good Citizen classes for bully breeds. It can also be worth asking around among bully breed people to find a trainer/class that is pit bull positive. Some trainers just aren't unfortunately. Where I live, we have a big and active bully community and there are tons of people to do dog meetups with, fun events to do and other controlled socializing opportunities.