The Peekapoo is a charming designer dog breed that results from crossing a Pekingese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. This small, affectionate companion dog combines the best traits of both parent breeds, offering a loving and loyal temperament in a compact package. Peekapoos are known for their intelligence, adaptability, and adorable teddy bear-like appearance, making them popular pets for individuals and families alike.
Key Facts
- Size: Small (typically 9-11 inches tall)
- Weight: 8-20 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat: Soft, fluffy, and often hypoallergenic
- Colors: Various, including white, cream, black, brown, and apricot
- Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, and intelligent
- Good with: Families, seniors, apartment living
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- Grooming: Regular brushing and professional grooming recommended
Character Traits
Peekapoos are known for their loving and affectionate nature, making them excellent companion dogs. They inherit the Pekingese’s loyalty and the Poodle’s intelligence, resulting in a smart and devoted pet. These dogs are typically friendly and sociable, getting along well with family members and other pets when properly socialized. Peekapoos can be playful and energetic, but they also enjoy cuddling and lounging with their owners.
Despite their small size, Peekapoos often have a confident and sometimes stubborn personality. They may exhibit a protective streak, alerting their owners to potential intruders or unfamiliar sounds. This trait, combined with their occasional barking, makes them good watchdogs. Peekapoos are generally good with children, but due to their small size, interactions should be supervised to prevent accidental injury.
These dogs are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. They are sensitive to their owners’ emotions and can make excellent therapy or emotional support animals. Peekapoos may inherit the Pekingese’s tendency to be wary of strangers, so early socialization is important to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.
History & Origins
The Peekapoo is a relatively recent designer dog breed, believed to have been first developed in the 1950s or 1960s in the United States. The exact origin of the breed is not well-documented, but it is thought to have been created to combine the loving nature of the Pekingese with the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. The goal was to produce a small, affectionate companion dog with reduced shedding for allergy sufferers.
As with many designer dog breeds, the Peekapoo gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. Breeders aimed to create a dog that possessed the best qualities of both parent breeds while minimizing some of the health issues associated with purebreds. The Pekingese, an ancient breed originating in China, contributed its loyal and affectionate nature, while the Poodle, known for its intelligence and low-shedding coat, added its hypoallergenic qualities and trainability.
Although not recognized as an official breed by major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC), the Peekapoo has gained a dedicated following among dog enthusiasts. Some hybrid breed organizations, such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), do recognize the Peekapoo. As interest in designer dogs continues to grow, the Peekapoo remains a popular choice for those seeking a small, loving, and potentially hypoallergenic companion.
Health Concerns
Peekapoos, like many hybrid breeds, can inherit health issues from both parent breeds. Common health concerns include:
- Eye problems: Such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and corneal ulcers
- Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap dislocates
- Respiratory issues: Due to the Pekingese’s brachycephalic (flat-faced) features
- Skin allergies: Can lead to itching, rashes, and hot spots
- Dental problems: Due to their small mouths and overcrowded teeth
Regular veterinary check-ups, proper dental care, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for preventing and managing these issues. It’s also important to source Peekapoos from reputable breeders who conduct health screenings on parent dogs.
Exercise Needs
Peekapoos have moderate exercise needs, typically requiring about 30-45 minutes of activity per day. This can be split into two or more sessions and should include:
- Daily walks (15-20 minutes)
- Playtime in a secure, fenced area
- Interactive games like fetch or tug-of-war
- Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training sessions
While they enjoy exercise, Peekapoos are not high-energy dogs and are content with moderate activity levels. It’s important to monitor their breathing during exercise, especially in hot weather, due to potential respiratory issues inherited from the Pekingese parent. Adjust exercise intensity and duration based on the individual dog’s age, health, and energy level.
Space Requirements
Peekapoos are adaptable dogs that can thrive in various living situations, making them suitable for both apartments and houses. Their space requirements include:
- A comfortable indoor living area with enough room to move around
- A small, secure outdoor space for playtime and bathroom breaks
- A dedicated sleeping area, such as a crate or dog bed
- Space for food and water bowls, away from high-traffic areas
While they don’t need a large yard, Peekapoos benefit from having some outdoor access. If living in an apartment, regular walks and visits to dog parks can compensate for limited outdoor space. It’s important to provide a safe, temperature-controlled environment, as these dogs can be sensitive to extreme temperatures due to their small size and potential respiratory issues.
Nutrition & Feeding
Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of Peekapoos. Consider the following guidelines:
- Food type: High-quality, small-breed dog food appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, senior)
- Portion control: Follow feeding guidelines based on weight, age, and activity level
- Feeding schedule: 2-3 small meals per day for adults; 3-4 for puppies
- Treats: Limit to 10% of daily calorie intake to prevent obesity
- Fresh water: Always available and changed daily
Monitor your Peekapoo’s weight closely, as obesity can exacerbate health issues like patellar luxation and respiratory problems. Adjust food portions as needed to maintain a healthy weight. Consult with your veterinarian to create a tailored nutrition plan, especially if your dog has specific health concerns or dietary requirements.
Grooming Tips
The Peekapoo’s grooming needs are moderate to high, depending on the coat type inherited from its parent breeds. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their soft, fluffy coat. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks is recommended to maintain coat health and appearance. Bathing should be done as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo to avoid skin irritation.
Pay special attention to the following areas:
- Eyes: Clean around the eyes daily to prevent tear staining, especially common in light-colored Peekapoos.
- Ears: Check and clean weekly to prevent infections, as their floppy ears can trap moisture and debris.
- Teeth: Brush 2-3 times a week to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues.
- Nails: Trim every 2-3 weeks or as needed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.
During shedding seasons, which may be minimal due to the Poodle influence, increase brushing frequency to help remove loose fur. Some Peekapoos may require regular haircuts to maintain a manageable coat length, especially if they inherit more of the Poodle’s coat characteristics.
Training Approach
Training a Peekapoo requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. These intelligent dogs can be quick learners but may also inherit a stubborn streak from their Pekingese lineage. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into well-rounded adults and prevent small dog syndrome.
Key training considerations include:
- Positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, and play as rewards for good behavior.
- Short training sessions: Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain their interest and prevent boredom.
- Consistency: Establish clear rules and boundaries, ensuring all family members follow the same training approach.
- Socialization: Expose them to various people, animals, and environments from a young age to build confidence.
Focus on basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and leash training. Peekapoos can excel in agility and trick training, which can provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Potty training may require extra patience, as small breeds can be challenging to house train. Establish a consistent routine and use positive reinforcement to encourage proper elimination habits.
Address any signs of separation anxiety early on by gradually accustoming your Peekapoo to being alone for short periods. This breed tends to form strong bonds with their owners and may become overly dependent if not properly trained to handle some alone time.
