The charming, devoted lapdog known as the Peekapoo is a mix between a miniature or toy poodle and a Pekingese. Despite being small, “designer” dogs are well-known for their loud barks.
In this ultimate guide to Peekapoo, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Peekapoo?
The Pekingese and Poodle breeds were crossed to create the hybrid dog breed known as the Peekapoo. A beautiful companion dog made from this combination will spend the day curled up on your lap or by your side.
Even though these dogs were originally created as a designer breed, you can still find them in shelters and with rescue organizations. Adopt! If you want to bring a puppy home, don’t go shopping!
These dogs are devoted and caring, yet they may also be fiercely protective of the people they cherish, which is usually amusing in a dog their size. These active and affectionate puppies get along well with everyone in the family.
They can even be wonderful companions for first-time pet owners. Peekapoos will settle in wherever you live, whether it’s a flat or a big house with a garden. As long as they can remain at your side, they will be content. Just be careful not to leave them alone at home for too long during the day since this could cause separation anxiety.
Origin and History of Peekapoo
One of the first hybrid or designer breeds is the Peekapoo. The Pekingese and Miniature or Toy Poodle were crossed to create him in the 1950s. The aim was to create a hypoallergenic dog that sheds very little or not at all. In the early 1960s, at about the same time as the Cockapoo, the Peekapoo started to become well-known.
Despite the Peekapoo’s widespread adoption, there is no breed club. The parents of the hybrid are mostly Pekingese and Poodles; it has largely remained a first-generation cross. Multigenerational breeding is not expected, but you can never be too sure.
The Peekapoo has remained popular because of his diminutive, lap-friendly size and very gentle nature.
Appearance and Size
They can be almost any colour and have curly or wavy hair. Small dog breeds include the Peekapoo, Pekingese, and miniature poodle. Depending on whether their poodle father was a toy or miniature breed, the puppies can grow to a height of 11 inches and weigh 4 to 20 pounds.
Breeders have nothing to adhere to because there is no breed standard. As a result, the Peekapoo comes in a variety of sizes. He can weigh between 4 and 20 pounds, and he can stand up to 11 inches tall on average.
Coat and Grooming Needs
Peekapoo’s coat typically has a silky, almost cottony feel to it. It should be medium to lengthy in length and wavy. No undercoat exists. The ideal coat is minimal-shedding, however a Peekapoo’s shedding can range from low to medium, depending on the genetic luck of the draw.
The variety of coat colours is enormous, ranging from buff and black through silver, grey, white, sable, red, cream, apricot, and chocolate. Another variation of markings that the Peekapoo might have is phantom, which is black with tan markings.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep a Peekapoo’s delicate coat healthy and untangled. He needs some attention to keep the dirt and debris out of the Pekingese-based wrinkles and folds around the eyes, snout, ears, and nose.
The Peekapoo can be cropped for simpler maintenance, but he still has to be brushed and bathed frequently. If his coat is kept long, daily brushing will be necessary to prevent tangles and matting. The eyes can occasionally become irritated by hair. If this occurs, routinely remove the problematic hair.
Once a week, check the ears for debris, redness, or an unpleasant smell that may be an infection. To avoid issues, you should also clean them out once a week with a cotton ball soaked with a mild, pH-balanced ear cleaner.
In order to get rid of tartar formation and the bacteria that lurk inside it, brush your Peekapoo’s teeth at least twice or three times every week. Even better than twice-daily brushing is prevention of foul breath and gum disease.
If your dog doesn’t naturally wear them down, you should frequently trim his nails. They are too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Your legs are protected from scratches when your short Peekapoo jumps up to welcome you thanks to short, beautifully clipped nails.
As soon as your Peekapoo puppy is old enough, start exposing him to brushing and examinations. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws frequently and examine his lips and ears. Lay the framework for simple veterinarian checks and other handling when he’s an adult by making grooming a rewarding experience full with praise and rewards.
Check your feet, nose, mouth, and eyes while you groom for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms including redness, pain, or inflammation. Clear eyes without any redness or discharge are ideal. You can identify any health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.
Personality and Temperament
The Peekapoo is a devoted family dog who is kind and obedient. He is the ultimate lapdog and enjoys taking part in all family activities. He rarely engages in conflict and is kind. He is a smart dog who prefers to be with his owner, especially when they are in the wide outdoors. He will use every bit of that little physique to protect his family.
Numerous elements, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an impact on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and playful, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner.
Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable around you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult.
The Peekapoo needs early and continuing socialization because he is naturally wary of strangers and new dogs. He can be a little aggressive or timid if not properly socialized. That holds true for all dogs, but it is especially true for those who have a propensity to be apprehensive of strangers.
Your baby Peekapoo will benefit greatly from enrolling in a puppy kindergarten programme as you begin the socialization process. His social skills will also improve if you often host guests, take him to crowded parks and establishments that accept dogs, and take him on leisurely walks to meet the neighbors.
Training and Exercise Needs
Peekapoos are extremely smart dogs. They can occasionally pretty obstinate as well. They can be quite difficult to train due to this combination of qualities. When you first bring your Peekapoo home, it will be crucial to begin teaching him or her right away. This will assist in teaching commands and expectations to your Peekapoo before their intransigence becomes more pronounced.
Positive reinforcement-based training techniques are the most effective for raising Pekingese Poodle hybrids. When you start training your Peekapoo, keep this in mind. Once your dog has had all recommended vaccinations, you might also want to think about enrolling him in an obedience class.
You should start socializing your Peekapoo as soon as you start training him, which should happen very early on. Take your Peekapoo puppy with you to various locations so they can meet various people and animals. Additionally, if your puppy will be around kids in the future, you should make sure they are exposed to them from an early age. By doing this, you can be sure that your Peekapoo understands how to behave around various situations and people.
Due to their high level of activity, peekapoos need to be exercised every day. They don’t need as much activity as some other breeds, though. Take your Peekapoo for a walk and play with them every day if you can.
It’s also crucial to emphasise that you should exercise your pet moderately and not overdo it. Peekapoos have flat faces because they are brachycephalic canines. They are more prone to overheating and respiratory difficulties.
If their appetite for exercise isn’t satisfied, Pekingese Poodle hybrids may become destructive. To ensure that your Peekapoo receives the activity they require to stay healthy and out of trouble, keep this in mind and prepare a plan.
Peekapoo Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Peekapoo puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Peekapoo puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Peekapoo puppy. Ask if there are any Peekapoo pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Peekapoo
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Peekapoo:
- As soon as you bring your Peekapoo home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Peekapoo getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Peekapoo can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
Purebreds are frequently prone to a variety of genetic diseases that are handed down through inbreeding, such as the Peekapoo, which is a cross between the Poodle and the Pekingese. They may share some of these genetic predispositions, but because they are a mixed breed, their chances of acquiring a genetic disorder may be a little lower than those of a purebred dog. Before buying a new dog, always pick a reputable breeder and request to check the health records of both parents.
We’ll list a few potential health problems that your pet might have below. Although some of these problems are a little more common in Peekapoos, this does not always guarantee that your dog will experience them.
Progressive retinal atrophy, also known as PRA, is one potential health issue to be aware of. This illness causes the retina in the eye to progressively degenerate. Peekapoos may initially lose their ability to see at night, but the disease frequently develops to complete blindness.
Another health issue to watch out for is patellar luxation. Kneecap slippage is known as patellar luxation. When a Peekapoo walks, the knee joint glides out and then slides back in. If you suspect your Peekapoo has patellar luxation, you should consult your veterinarian right away because it is an extremely painful condition.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder. The thighbones do not fit snugly inside the hip bone because the hip joint’s bones have not formed appropriately. The bones rubbing against one another as a result might be painful. Some Peekapoos will also experience difficulty walking, particularly as the illness worsens. A Peekapoo with hip dysplasia is more likely to develop arthritis as they age.
In summary, the following health issues could affect Peekapoos:
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
Choosing the Right Peekapoo for You
If you’re interested in getting a Peekapoo, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Peekapoo:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Peekapoo might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Peekapoo is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Peekapoo?
A Peekapoo is a hybrid breed. They are a cross between a Poodle and a Pekingese. Peekapoos were bred to be a hypoallergenic dog, and while some do shed, many do not and are a good choice for people with allergies. Peekapoos were first bred in the 1950s, making them one of the first poodle crossbreeds. Peekapoos are intelligent, loving, and gentle. They can also be stubborn, which can make them more challenging to train than some other dog breeds.
How big does a Peekapoo get?
The exact mix of genes a Peekapoo inherits will determine its size. Because of this variability, Peekapoos can range between 4 pounds and 20 pounds. Peekapoos that weigh less than 8 pounds are considered Miniature Peekapoos.
What can a Peekapoo eat?
As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Peekapoo, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times.
What color is a Peekapoo?
Peekapoos come in a variety of colors including silver, gray, white, sable, red, cream, apricot, chocolate, buff and black. They may also be black with tan markings.
Are Peekapoo good dogs?
The Peekapoo is a loving and loyal dog who is dedicated to his family. An ideal lapdog, he delights in being part of every family activity. He is gentle and rarely combative. He is an intelligent dog who is happiest with his owner, especially out in the great outdoors.