Do you want to add a Peekaboo to your family? Or perhaps you’ve seen a picture of this cute, little dog and want to learn more about him.
No matter what you’re looking for, use this post as your guide to the adorable Peekapoo dog.
The Peekapoo is becoming more and more popular in the canine world, and for good reason.
So what makes the Peekapoo so special? And will this small dog suit your needs and lifestyle?
For all the answers to these questions and many more, keep reading.
This article will take a closer look at the Peekapoo and what you should expect from this mix if you do decide to get one.
Table of Contents
What is a Peekapoo?
The Peekapoo dog is a cross between Pekingese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle.
Like his Pekingese parent, the Peekapoo can be loving and affectionate, and like the Poodle, he can be an intelligent and low-shedding dog.
This crossbreed was developed with the aim of producing a loyal and hypoallergenic dog.
The Peekapoo has several other names, including the Pekingese Poodle Mix, Pekepoo, Pekapoo, Peke a Poo, and Peke-A-Poo, among others.
Peekapoo Breed Overview
Being a mixed breed dog, the Pekingese Poodle Mix will have varying physical characteristics and temperaments. For us to better understand this crossbreed, we have to study both the Pekingese and the Poodle parent breeds.
The Pekingese is a kind of lap dog who also acts as a good watchdog. This dog enjoys cuddling on his master’s lap in the evenings, but he will also alert you immediately he senses danger.
Poodles typically come in three different sizes: the Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle and the Standard Poodle.
? Peekapoo puppies are usually bred from either the Toy Poodle or the Miniature Poodle.
Poodles are loyal and affectionate dogs with lots of energy. They’re also known to be intelligent and somewhat reserved around humans. They love their owners unconditionally, but are laid-back around strangers.
Poodles are ideal for active individuals and families who enjoy being out and about at all times.
While the Pekapoo dogs love their families unconditionally, they don’t like being manhandled. This means that they are not a good choice for families with small kids. So, choose this mix if you have older children who know how to interact with smaller dogs without teasing or hurting them.
The Pekingese Poodle Mix also has some health issues that potential owners should be aware of before adding this dog to their families. We’ll discuss those health concerns later on in this article.
For now, let’s talk about the history of the Pekingese Poodle Mix breed.
The Origin of the Peekapoo Breed
The Pekingese Poodle Mix has actually been with us much longer than most other crossbreeds. This mix was first bred in the United States in the 1950’s and became very popular in the 1960’s.
Peekapoo dogs were originally used as companion dogs thanks to their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, which they inherit from their Poodle parents.
To learn more about the origins of this mixed breed dog, let’s take a closer look at the histories of his parents: the Pekingese and the Poodle.
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Affectionately known as Pekes, Pekingese dogs were originally developed for the ancient royal families in China, along with other flat-faced breeds of dogs that were highly regarded at the time, including the Shih Tzu and the Pug.
The Pekingese was totally unknown in the western world until the 1860’s when British forces who occupied the then Chinese palaces during the Opium Wars found the breed and took him with them to the west.
By the 1890s, the breed had made its way to America and rapidly gained popularity thanks to this dog’s cute looks and charming personalities.
[thrive_leads id=’12402′]The Origin of the Poodle
Poodles were initially developed to be water dogs. The breed was responsible for retrieving ducks from water during hunting missions. With their curly coat protecting them against harsh weather conditions along with their natural swimming skills, these dogs excelled at this role.
Over the years, these dogs have also been used as companion dogs. Their gentle nature endeared them to European noblemen.
These days, poodles can he found as family pets and are known to be funny and intelligent.
Although the Poodle is now considered to be the national dog of France, the breed traces its origins to Germany.
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Like all other mixed breed dogs, it can be difficult to predict the results of a cross.
The Pekingese poodle mix could resemble either parent dog or land anywhere between when it comes to aspects such as size, height and weight.
Nevertheless, learning more about each parent breed can give you a good idea of what you can expect from your new mixed breed dog.
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Peekapoo Size, Height and Weight
As a toy breed, the Pekingese dogs are very small. They only stand anywhere between 6 and 9 inches in height and weigh no more than 14 pounds.
On the other hand, poodles come in three different sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard. The standard Poodle is the biggest of the three, reaching heights of around 15 inches.
Therefore, the Pekingese Poodle Mix comes in three distinct sizes. From the smallest to the largest, Peekapoos can be classified as a Teacup Peekapoo, Toy Peekapoo and Miniature Peekapoo. The size of a Peekapoo is actually unpredictable and usually depends on the size of his Poodle parent.
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A Peekapoo will stand up to 12 inches and weigh anywhere between 4 and 20 pounds. For a closer prediction, be sure to inquire about the size, height and weight of each parent dog. A Peekapoo will usually fall within the height and weight ranges shown by the two parent dogs.
[thrive_leads id=’7777′]The Appearance of a Full Grown Peekapoo Dog
Peekapoo puppies are very cute and small in size, but what does a mature Peekapoo look like?
Let’s take a closer look at the general appearance of a full grown Peekapoo dog.
The physical characteristics of a Pekingese Poodle Mix will actually vary based on which parent breed he takes after most.
A unique aspect of his Pekingese parent is his elegant and luxurious coat. Their coat is typically straight and slightly longer around the head region, giving him the look of a lion’s mane.
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The Pekingese also has a cute, flat face, which endears this dog to many people. Unfortunately, the flat face can lead to some serious health problems. We’ll take a look at these health concerns later on, so keep reading.
Apart from the flat face, the Pekingese has a strong, muscular body and bulging eyes that are typical of flat-faced dog breeds.
The Poodle, on the other hand, is also known for his extravagant coat. Dense and curly, their coat can either be cut short or kept long. Poodles also have a long muzzle, alert eyes and floppy ears.
? Depending on which parent breed your Pekingese Poodle Mix puppy takes after, he will inherit either a curly coat or straight coat. He may also acquire the lion’s mane from his Pekingese parent.
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When it comes to coat color, the Pekingese Poodle Mix could display several variations. This is the case for almost all designer dogs.
A Peekapoo puppy may be white in color with brown or brindle patches, white with black markings, silver, gray, chocolate brown, fawn or even a combination of these colors.
If you’re interested in a particular coat color like a black Peekapoo or white Peekapoo, you’ll need to do your homework first.
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The Pekingese may be small in size, but he has a huge personality. This dog is known for his alert and brave outlook.
A leader and not a follower, a Pekingese loves being independent. You might think that this pooch is pleased with himself almost all the time.
Like the Pekingese, the Poodle is brave and confident – all good qualities that make him a wonderful companion dog.
Poodles enjoy being around their families and make excellent family pets, but do not like being left alone for extended periods of time.
Furthermore, the Poodle is known for his intelligence, which makes him one of the smartest dogs around.
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So what personality traits can we expect from a Pekingese and Poodle Mix?
Generally speaking, the Pekingese cross Poodle inherits a good temperament along with the Poodle parent’s intelligence and need for company. However, this mixed breed dog can be a bit stubborn, so early training is of great importance.
Is a Peekapoo a Good Family Pet?
Like Poodles, the Pekingese mix with Poodle gets along well with older children but can be a bit intolerant of small kids. However, supervision is of great importance if you have a young puppy.
Most Peekapoo dogs are also good with cats and other animals, but there’s no harm in supervising their interactions at the start of a relationship.
Most pet parents report that their Pekingese Poodle Mix dogs are laid-back around strangers and can be protective if they sense danger.
Peekapoos love to cuddle and will easily display their affectionate side with their owners.
? Due to their petite size, caution must be taken to ensure small kids are not too rough when playing with a Peekapoo. Similarly, it is advisable to supervise playtime with larger canines who might be tempted to play rough with this small dog. Of course, early socialization and training can help improve your dog’s behavior and personality.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]ALSO READ: All About The Corgipoo (Corgi Poodle Mix) [/thrive_text_block]Is a Peekapoo Hypoallergenic?
Peekapoos were developed with the aim of acquiring the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat, and many owners are happy with the outcome.
Therefore, the Pekingese Poodle is considered to be hypoallergenic just like his Poodle parent. Keep in mind that low shedding dogs like the Peekapoo are normally a good choice for allergy sufferers because they cause few or no allergic reactions.
? Nevertheless, no breed is completely hypoallergenic. Saliva, fur and dander are all allergens and different people will react to various allergens with different levels of sensitivity.
If you do decide that the hypoallergenic Peekapoo is a good match for you and your family, there are many other factors that you should consider before you bring your new puppy home.
Further Reading: Top 10 Best Bones to Clean Dogs Teeth
Pekingese Poodle Mix Care
If you think the Peekapoo is a good match for you and your family, here are some helpful tips to take care of him:
1. Training
Owing to his Pekingese parentage, a Peekapoo can be difficult to housetrain. However, it’s possible to potty train any pooch.
The Pekingese has a reputation of being a bit stubborn and a ‘diva’ pup, probably because of his history of being revered and pampered. In fact, some Pekingese owners report that their dogs are quite stubborn and slow to learn.
On the other hand, Pekes are naturally alert, which could be an advantage if you want a dog who will alert you to noises and strangers.
Surprisingly, other pet parents have reported that their Pekingese Poodle Mixes are quite reserved towards strangers. Others claim that their Peekapoos are always wary of strangers.
In either case, Peekapoos require almost the same training techniques as other canines if you want them to obey house rules and to develop into well-behaved dogs.
On the other hand, Poodles are considered to be highly trainable because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners.
All dogs require basic obedience commands such as Sit, Come, Down and Stay. These basic commands will help keep your dog under control, and in certain circumstances, safe.
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Use positive reinforcement training methods such as treats and praises when training your Peekapoo. Dogs, like young children, respond well in happy situations. Remember to be patient and consistent during training.
Don’t punish your dog when he gets it wrong. Doing so will only work to instill fear in your pup.
[thrive_text_block color=”red” headline=””]Recommended: For trusted solutions to your dog’s behavioral problems, I highly recommend you check out The Online Dog Trainer[/thrive_text_block]2. Exercise Requirements
Owing to his Poodle heritage, your Peekapoo will most likely be a high-energy dog. For this reason, you should ensure he gets enough exercises to keep him busy and physically fit. A 30 to 45-minutes walk every day is recommended to keep your pup happy and strong.
? The exercises must be of low to moderate intensity because this is a small dog who can get tired rather easily. Be careful to ascertain when your pooch has had enough.
Even if the weather doesn’t allow, make sure to play with your pooch indoors to help meet his exercise needs and to burn off any excess energy.
Since their Poodle parents are intelligent, you’ll also want to provide mental stimulation by getting him plenty of interactive dog toys.
Both physical activity and mental stimulation will help keep destructive habits and behavioral issues in check.
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3. Grooming Requirements
Grooming will help keep your Pekingese Poodle Mix clean and healthy. A properly groomed Peekapoo is a happy dog and one who is less vulnerable to health problems. So, how can you maintain the soft coat of your Peekapoo?
Brushing: a Peekapoo’s coat needs brushing at least once a day to keep it looking clean and shiny. Since this dog has a medium-length coat, be sure to get a slicker brush for this purpose.
Bathing: as you already know, the Pekingese Poodle Mix is a low shedding dog and requires bathing at least once a month. If your dog is very active, you may want to do it more frequently. However, avoid excessive washing since that would end up removing natural oils from his skin.
RELATED: 9 Tips To Clean A Dog Without A Bath
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Brush his teeth: you need to brush your Peekapoo’s teeth at least twice per day. Dogs are vulnerable to dental problems just like humans are. Proper dental hygiene will help prevent them from occurring.
Face: your dog’s face requires cleaning, too! Wipe around the folds on his face to prevent irritation.
Nail cutting: cut off your dog’s nails to keep them at a reasonable length. Avoid cutting into the pinkish area below the nail enamel as that would cause bleeding.
Ear cleaning: the Pekingese Poodle Mix has floppy ears, and small hairs might grow within. You should remove the wax inside them to prevent infection.
Eye cleaning: cleaning his eyes is important, as well! Peekapoos tend to develop tear stains due to their Pekingese and Poodle heritages.
4. Feeding Information
A Peekapoo requires dry dog foods, which can help keep his teeth tartar-free.
As a brachycephalic, this short-nosed canine is prone to periodontal disease. Dry dog food and kibble can help remove food particles and plaque from his otherwise crowded teeth.
Your Peekapoo requires fats and carbohydrates for energy as well. Fats also help to insulate and protect your dog’s vital organs while carbohydrates will also help reduce stomach upsets and diarrhea.
On the other hand, proteins help to maintain organs and to build muscle. Give your dog meat-based foods such as chicken, turkey, beef and fish.
Overall, a Peekapoo requires a balanced diet. Proper diet and nutrition will help save you costly vet visits. The nutrients present in high quality dog food are always beneficial.
Your dog also needs constant access to fresh water to help keep him hydrated.
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The Pekingese has an average lifespan of around 15 years. Miniature Poodles, on the other hand, have an average life expectancy of 14 years. So, you can expect their offspring to live around 14 to 15 years.
Nevertheless, studies have shown that mixed breed dogs generally live longer than their purebred counterparts. While there’s no evidence to prove that this is the case for a Pekingese Poodle Mix, you can expect your pup to live long enough to share great memories with every member of your family.
Peekapoo Health Problems
Like other mixed breed dogs, the Peekapoo is generally a healthy breed. Nevertheless, this dog may inherit certain conditions from both parent dogs. These include:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: a dog suffers from progressive retinal atrophy once the nerve cells in his eyes degenerate. This leads to vision loss, a condition that occurs over time. If left untreated, this problem can also result in blindness. Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetic disorder, so it is highly recommended to have your vet check your dog for this condition.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: this condition occurs when the platelets stop functioning properly and causes a pup to bleed profusely. In many cases, this condition is only diagnosed after sterilization.
Patella Luxation: this condition affects many dog breeds and occurs when the knee cap or the patella does not form properly. It causes a dog to limp on his rear legs. Vets normally use surgery to treat this condition.
Dental Problems: the small and delicate jaws of a Peekapoo are prone to dental problems like periodontal disease. Regular brushing can help keep your dog’s teeth in good condition.
Collapsed Trachea: a defect in a dog’s airway may lead to a collapsed trachea, which increases pressure whenever the dog breathes. This explains why many Peekapoos keep on panting. A Peekapoo dog might acquire this condition from his Pekingese parent.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: owing to his Pekingese parent, a Peekapoo is likely to be short-nosed. This makes a dog vulnerable to a disorder called brachycephalic syndrome. Flat-faced breeds such as the Boxer, French Terrier, Shih Tzu, and the Bulldog are all vulnerable to this condition. Brachycephalic syndrome refers to various anatomy defects that may lead to breathing problems.
Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health
[thrive_leads id=’10998′]Finding Healthy Peekapoo Puppies for Sale
When trying to find Peekapoo for sale, it is very important that you find reputable breeders. This will increase your chances of buying a quality and healthy puppy.
You will need to do your homework, and the internet is a good place to start.
Spend time finding online groups or organizations that are dedicated to this crossbreed and try to get in touch with several reputable Peekapoo breeders.
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How Much Does a Peekapoo Cost?
If you want to get a quality and healthy Peekapoo, you should expect to pay around $500 to $1500 for a puppy. Of course, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of food, medical care and other things that your dog needs to remain happy and healthy.
Alternatively, you can adopt a Peekapoo at a much lower cost than buying a puppy from a reputable breeder. So if you’re willing and able to rescue a dog, and give him a forever home, then you should consider Peekapoo adoption.
The cost of Peekapoo for adoption is around $300. In contrast, the price of Peekapoo puppies for sale can be very high.
You should also get the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to rule out any health risks and to ascertain the parentage of your new dog.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]ALSO READ: Boxerdoodle – Your Guide To The Adorable Boxer Poodle Mix [/thrive_text_block]Conclusion
A Peekapoo is a charming little dog and will be a joy to be around if you raise and train him well. Obviously, you should choose your puppy wisely. Proper breeding, diet, grooming and training will help make him a wonderful companion dog.
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