Peekapoo is a hybrid dog breed, resulting from the crossbreeding of a Pekingese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. These designer dogs, though relatively rare compared to other Poodle mixes like Cavapoos and Cockapoos, have become increasingly popular as companion-sized pets. Their size varies between 4 to 20 pounds, depending on whether their Poodle parent is a toy or miniature breed, and they can reach up to 11 inches tall. With a wide range of coat colors, Peekapoos are known for their distinctive and charming appearance.
As a mixed breed, Peekapoos inherit traits from both their Pekingese and Poodle parents, making them excellent companion dogs with a friendly, affectionate, and loyal temperament. Their intelligence and eager-to-please nature simplify the training process when compared to purebred Pekingese. With proper socialization, their adaptable nature makes them ideal pets for families, singles, and seniors alike. Although their lifespan and grooming needs are directly affected by their mixed heritage, owners should be aware of potential health concerns and be prepared for regular grooming to maintain these adorable dogs’ coat and overall health.
Key Takeaways
- Peekapoo is a small, companion-sized hybrid breed resulting from Pekingese and Toy or Miniature Poodle parents.
- They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and adaptable temperament, making them suitable for a variety of households.
- Regular grooming and awareness of potential health concerns are important factors in caring for a Peekapoo.
History and Origin
1950s and Designer Dogs
The Peekapoo is a crossbreed between the Pekingese and the Poodle, dating back to the 1950s in the United States. This mixed breed is considered one of the oldest designer dog breeds, even before the term “designer dogs” was officially coined. The 1950s marked the beginning of the era for breeding crossbreed dogs, with the aim of creating specific and desirable characteristics in offspring that inherited traits from both parent breeds.
Purpose of Breeding
The primary reason behind the development of the Peekapoo was to create a small dog with low-shedding and “hypoallergenic” coats. This was done to cater to the demand for pet owners with allergies, as the hypoallergenic Poodle coat was combined with the luxurious locks of the Pekingese. The resulting breed, Peekapoo, is an intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dog that also serves as an ideal lap dog for those who prefer smaller canine companions. The Peekapoo dog breed has remained popular through time and continues to be a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
Appearance and Physical Traits
The Peekapoo, a designer dog breed, is a cross between the Pekingese and the Poodle. This adorable companion has a unique appearance influenced by its parent breeds. In this section, we will discuss the size, weight, coat, and colors of the Peekapoo.
Size and Weight
Peekapoos are small in stature, typically standing less than 11 inches tall when fully grown. Their weight can vary greatly, ranging between 4 to 20 pounds. The size of a Peekapoo often depends on whether it is a result of breeding with a Miniature or Toy Poodle.
Coat and Colors
One of the primary reasons for breeding Peekapoos was to create a small, low-shedding dog with a hypoallergenic coat. The texture of a Peekapoo’s coat can vary, as it may have the curly, dense coat of the Poodle or the longer, straighter coat of the Pekingese.
In terms of color, Peekapoos come in a variety of shades, including:
- White: A popular color choice, a white Peekapoo may have a solid white coat or just white markings on its body.
- Black: Peekapoos with a black coat are quite common and may also have white or other colored markings.
- Silver: A silver Peekapoo has a light, grayish coat that may have hints of blue or beige.
- Brown/Chocolate: A deep, rich brown color may be seen on some Peekapoos, while others may have a lighter, milkier chocolate shade.
- Gray: Gray Peekapoos tend to have a bluish or silver tint to their coats.
- Apricot: A warm, reddish-orange hue characterizes an apricot Peekapoo.
- Cream: This light, beige color is fairly common among Peekapoos and is similar to white but with a slightly more yellowish hue.
- Fawn: Fawn Peekapoos have a soft, tan color that may range from a pale hue to a richer shade.
These coat colors can appear in a variety of combinations, resulting in a uniquely beautiful and distinctive look for each Peekapoo. Their charming appearance, combined with their loving, loyal personalities, make them an ideal pet for many households.
Temperament and Personality
Intelligence and Energy
The Peekapoo, a mix between a Pekingese and a Poodle, is known for its intelligence and active nature. These dogs have a high energy level, which can be attributed to the influence of their Poodle parent. Although they are small in size, typically weighing between 10-20 lbs., their energy and eagerness to learn make them a stimulating companion for various households.
Their intelligence also makes them relatively easy to train, but they can be independent and sometimes stubborn, which may pose a challenge for first-time dog owners. However, with consistent, positive reinforcement, these dogs can be taught various commands and tricks.
Affection and Loyalty
Peekapoos are known for their affectionate nature and strong loyalty towards their families. They are loving and gentle, making them suitable lapdogs and cuddle partners. They tend to be especially good with children, often showing tolerance and patience when interacting with young family members.
However, it’s essential to remember that Peekapoos can also be quite protective of their loved ones. This trait can be endearing, but it can also lead to unwanted guarding or territorial behaviors. It’s important to provide proper socialization and training to help your Peekapoo develop balanced behaviors and enjoy a harmonious relationship with everyone around them.
Health Concerns and Lifespan
Common Health Issues
Peekapoo dogs, like all breeds, can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems to look out for include:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): As a crossbreed of the Pekingese and Poodle, Peekapoos can inherit the brachycephalic facial structure, leading to respiratory problems. Owners should be cautious of overheating and excessive exercise, especially in warmer weather.
- Eye problems: Senior Peekapoos may experience age-related vision issues, such as cataracts or tissue degeneration in their eyes. Regular check-ups and early intervention can help maintain a healthy vision.
- Hearing loss: Age-related hearing loss can occur in Peekapoos during their senior years. Monitoring for changes in your dog’s behavior and responsiveness can help detect early signs of hearing problems.
Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Peekapoo typically ranges from 13 to 15 years, which is relatively long compared to some other dog breeds. To ensure a healthy and happy life for your Peekapoo, it’s important to:
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their overall health.
- Keep up-to-date with vaccines and preventative measures against common canine diseases.
- Provide a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their optimal weight and overall well-being.
- Engage in appropriate exercise and mental stimulation to keep them active and engaged in their daily life.
By taking these steps, you can support your Peekapoo’s health and wellbeing throughout their lifespan.
Grooming and Shedding
Brushing and Grooming Requirements
Peekapoos have a low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat, making them a suitable choice for people with allergies. Their curly or wavy soft coats come in various colors, including white, silver, chocolate, and apricot. To avoid matting and keep their coats clean, regular grooming is necessary.
If you choose to keep the Peekapoo’s coat naturally long, daily brushing is required to prevent tangles and matting. For a clipped Peekapoo, a couple of brushings a week should suffice. Regular grooming also helps to maintain a healthy coat by removing loose hair and spreading the dog’s natural oils throughout the fur.
Bathing and Clipping
Bathing your Peekapoo should be done as needed, depending on the dog’s activity level and overall cleanliness. It is essential to use a mild dog shampoo to prevent skin irritation. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residues, as any remaining residue can cause skin irritation and itching.
Clipping your Peekapoo’s coat is recommended, especially for those with longer hair. This helps maintain their appearance and reduces grooming time. The frequency of clipping usually depends on the dog’s hair growth rate and the desired style. Be sure to clip the hair around the ears, feet, and tail to avoid any hygiene issues.
When grooming a Peekapoo, remember that they can be skittish at the groomer. In-home grooming sessions may be more comfortable for the dog and create a less stressful environment. By consistently following these grooming and shedding guidelines, you can ensure your Peekapoo maintains a healthy and clean coat.
Socialization and Training
Early Socialization
Proper socialization is essential for the Peekapoo as it helps them become well-adjusted pets. Since these dogs are known to be great companions and lap dogs, it’s vital to introduce them to a variety of people, animals, and environments during their early puppyhood. This includes meeting other animals, children, and a wide range of individuals to help them develop comfort and confidence in various situations. Early socialization can help prevent potential behavioral problems and ensure a harmonious relationship with their family.
Training Techniques
While Peekapoos are generally eager to please and easy to train, they do require consistency and patience. Positive reinforcement is highly recommended, as it strengthens the bond between you and your dog while promoting desirable behavior. Techniques that work well for Peekapoo training include:
- Clicker training: Utilizing a clicker to mark correct behavior can help in reinforcing their actions more effectively.
- Lure/reward training: Guiding your Peekapoo into the correct behavior using a treat or toy helps them associate the action with a positive outcome.
- Short, regular sessions: Keep training sessions brief and consistent, aiming for about 10-15 minutes each. Multiple short sessions per day are more effective for retaining information and maintaining attention.
- Crate training: This can help with housetraining your Peekapoo, as well as providing them with a safe, comfortable space.
Peekapoos are known to be good with children, making them excellent family companions. However, it’s still important to teach children appropriate ways to interact with the dog and supervise their playtime together. With their affectionate nature and love for companionship, a well-socialized and trained Peekapoo can bring joy and happiness to any home.
Living Conditions and Adaptability
Apartment Living
The Peekapoo is a small dog breed, with a size range of 7-20 pounds and a height of 10-12 inches at the shoulder. Due to their small size and adaptable nature, they are well-suited to apartment living. These dogs have all-around friendliness, which makes them great family pets and good companions for various family members.
One potential challenge in apartment living is separation anxiety. As social animals, Peekapoos can sometimes struggle with being left alone for long periods. It’s essential to gradually acclimate your Peekapoo to short periods of alone time to help reduce separation anxiety.
To keep your Peekapoo happy and healthy in an apartment, make sure to:
- Provide regular mental stimulation through toys and interaction
- Offer daily exercise and physical activity, such as walks or indoor play
- Establish a consistent routine for feeding, playing, and sleeping
Outdoor Spaces
Peekapoos can adapt well to different environments, including those with outdoor spaces. Their small size makes them versatile for both indoor and outdoor activities. While they don’t require large yards, having access to an outdoor space allows for additional exercise and enrichment opportunities.
In outdoor spaces, be sure to:
- Offer a secure, fenced-in area to prevent your Peekapoo from wandering or escaping
- Provide shaded spots for rest and relaxation, especially during hot weather
- Supervise playtime in unfamiliar or unsecured areas to ensure their safety
By creating a suitable living environment and addressing their specific needs, Peekapoos can thrive in both apartment living and homes with outdoor spaces.
Finding a Peekapoo
When looking for a Peekapoo, a small hybrid dog combining a Pekingese and a Poodle, potential owners need to consider the best option in finding this particular companion dog. The two most common options for finding a Peekapoo are adoption and purchasing from breeders.
Adoption and Shelters
Adopting a Peekapoo is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. Often, mixed-breed dogs like Peekapoos end up in shelters due to various reasons. By choosing to adopt, you can potentially save a life and allow room for another dog in need at the shelter. When looking for a Peekapoo at shelters:
- Check local animal shelters and rescue organizations.
- Look for specialized Peekapoo or Poodle mixes rescue groups.
- Be patient, as finding the right Peekapoo might take time.
Keep in mind that adopted Peekapoos may require additional care and regular grooming, similar to their Poodle parent breed. It’s essential to research Peekapoo characteristics, including their average lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs before adopting.
Purchasing from Breeders
Another option for acquiring a Peekapoo is through reputable breeders who specialize in designer breeds, like the Peekapoo. When considering purchasing from a breeder:
- Ensure the breeder has a good reputation and follows ethical breeding practices.
- Visit the breeder’s facility to meet the parent dogs and puppies and observe their living conditions.
- Ask the breeder for health certifications and testing of the parent dogs.
- Prepare to establish a paper trail, including a contract and American Kennel Club (AKC) documentation if applicable.
Please note that while the Peekapoo is a hybrid dog breed, it is not officially recognized by the AKC as a purebred breed. Therefore, specific breed standards or registrations may not apply to the Peekapoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size and weight of a Peekapoo?
Peekapoos are small-sized dogs, with their height ranging up to 11 inches. Their weight can vary based on their specific lineage, but they typically weigh between 4 and 20 pounds.
Do Peekapoos shed?
One of the reasons Peekapoos became popular is because they are known to be low-shedding dogs. This characteristic makes them more suitable for people with allergies. However, it is important to remember that grooming is still necessary to maintain their coat’s health.
Are Peekapoos good pets?
Peekapoos can be delightful pets and are suitable for a wide range of households. They tend to be loyal and affectionate, attaching themselves to their family members. These dogs are also good companion animals and can adapt well to various living environments, making them excellent pets for many families.
Do Peekapoos bark a lot?
Peekapoos are known for their loyalty and protectiveness towards their family members. This can sometimes result in barking when they perceive a potential threat or when strangers approach their territory. However, it is important to remember that each dog is unique, and individual temperaments may vary.
Do Peekapoos suffer from separation anxiety?
Like many small breeds, Peekapoos can be prone to suffering from separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with their family and can become anxious when left alone for extended periods. It is essential to gradually help your Peekapoo feel comfortable and confident when they are alone to prevent any anxiety-related issues.
How long can Peekapoos be left alone?
Peekapoos, as social animals, prefer the company of their human companions. They can be left alone for short periods, but longer durations may lead to anxiety or stress. As a general guideline, four hours might be an appropriate duration for Peekapoos at most, though some may tolerate up to six hours if properly accustomed. Keep in mind that puppies should not be left alone for extended periods as they need frequent potty breaks and stimulation for their development.