Peekapoo Basics
Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Loyal and affectionate, this breed is attached to his family – so much so that he may be quite protective of you in certain circumstances. Naturally, due to their petite size, they don’t make good guard dogs- but their tendency to act like one will definitely amuse you to no end!
As their name suggests, Peekapoo is a mixed breed dog whose parents are a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both his mom and dad have a lot of impressive traits, and their offspring will inherit a good portion of them- if not all.
A wonderful companion to those who have mild allergies, the Peekapoo is a true “Doodle” dog, which means he has a low- to non-shedding coat that won’t set you off into sneezes. But that’s not the only reason why the Peekapoo makes a great pet. Low-maintenance when it comes to their activity and grooming needs, and with a friendly, sweet temperament, the Peekapoo has a lot to offer to many pet owners. Seniors and retirees, as well as singles, will find this designer dog a perfect companion, but families with older children might also enjoy the Peekapoo’s goofy antics and eagerness to please.
Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households.
Origin
Developed in the 1950s in the United States, the Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds. In fact, these hybrids had their start even before the term designer dogs was coined in the first place- and their long history is just a testament to their many qualities. Bred to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog, the Peekapoo gained popularity by the early 1960s and is still a popular breed today.
Pedigree
The Peekapoo is the cross of purebred Pekingese dogs and purebred Miniature or Toy Poodles. This hybrid is usually a first-generation cross, which means the parents are purebred – multigenerational breeding between Peekapoos are rare. The reason for this is that breeders believe that further inter-crossing of certain breeds can lead to certain health issues emerging again and that direct crossbreeds (first generation or F1 mixes) are the healthiest one.
However, the fact that a dog is an F1 mix means that there is a certain degree of unpredictability in their appearance. You can never know with certainty if the litter of puppies will be a mix of both parents’ looks or favor one over the other. This lack of uniformity is one of the reasons why the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize designer dogs, Peekapoo included. As a result, these hybrid dogs are not eligible for registration, and therefore, official pedigree papers.
Don’t let the lack of appreciation and recognition discourage you, though. Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds around- five decades of history speak volumes about this hybrid breed’s qualities.
Food / Diet
Dogs are omnivores and need a diverse, nutritionally complete diet. Most owners decide on dry food to make sure their pet is getting all the nutrients he or she needs. The Peekapoo also does well on a diet of high-quality kibble. Choose only premium brands who use high-grade ingredients in their food, and avoid cheap kibble full of fillers and poor in protein content. Ideally, you would find kibble that is suitable for your pet’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), size and activity level- usually dry food for small breeds has all a Peekapoo needs to be healthy.
Serving size depends on the brand, but the average amount would be 1/4 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day. From time to time, you can treat your pet with kibble toppers such as wet canned food or cooked lean meat and dog-safe veggies. But this shouldn’t be done too often, as these calorie-dense treats can contribute to rapid weight gain. Obesity is a serious issue and Peekapoo is particularly prone to it due to its small size and big appetite. Never overfeed your dog and make sure you’re not going overboard with treats. Split the daily dose of kibble into two separate meals, too- it will prevent bloating.
The Peekapoo is an intelligent breed, which makes him a joy to train.
Training
The Peekapoo is an intelligent breed, which makes him a joy to train. Use positive reinforcement methods to train new skills, as harsh treatment will not get you far. Treats and other rewards, along with gentle and firm reinforcement, are key to training. And with the right training, there’s no reason why your Peekapoo can’t be a successful therapy dog. Crate training is also recommended, so your dog has a den to call his own – perfect for naps or for when you don’t want him to get into things he shouldn’t. Be advised that your dog shouldn’t be in the crate all day – he needs to run around and get ample exercise.
The Peekapoo does well children, other dogs and pets, as long as he is socialized from an early age.
Weight
There are no breed standards for the Peekapoo, but you can see a range of sizes in this hybrid dog. The Peekapoo can stand up to 11 inches in height and weights anywhere between 4 and 20 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
A loving and loyal dog, the Peekapoo is an attentive and active member of the family. He’ll want to go where you go and loves cuddling up on your lap anytime you sit down. Intelligent and gentle, this dog is eager to learn and likes to be around children.
A great watchdog, he’ll let you know when a stranger (or suspicious-looking squirrel) is approaching your home. The barking can be annoying, but you can rest assured that no one is getting by this little guard!
The Peekapoo makes a wonderful companion dog, but this also means that he will want to always be with you. Do not leave your dog alone for extended periods of time. This can lead to separation anxiety, as well as excessive barking and chewing.
Common Health Problems
The Peekapoo can inherit health issues prevalent with its parent breeds. Some common issues include Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Patellar Luxation and hip dysplasia. They can also suffer from respiratory problems due to its flatter face, so you should keep your Peekapoo in an air conditioned home during the summer.
Life Expectancy
The Peekapoo has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
Active and energetic, the Peekapoo needs daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Don’t let his small size fool you – he’ll give you a run for your money. Bring him along on walks, hikes and jogs, as he’ll keep up with you. But ensure that he’s not overheated by excessive exercise on warm days – this breed is susceptible to respiratory issues. He likes to be outside, so a yard is recommended (but not necessary) for this breed.
Because of his small size, this dog can live quite happily in an apartment or a condo. As long as you get in a vigorous daily walk, your dog will be quite content in a smaller living space.
A loving and loyal dog, Peekapoos are attentive and active members of the family.
Recognized Clubs
The Peekapoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).
Coat
Soft in texture, the Peekapoo’s coat should be wavy and of medium to long length. He doesn’t sport an undercoat and the overall coat is low shedding.
Coats comes in many colors. They range from silver, gray, white, buff, and sable, to red, cream, apricot, chocolate and black. It can also boast a variety of different markings.
To keep it healthy and tangle-free, you’ll need to groom your dog’s coat on a regular basis. If you don’t want to be bothered with the long-hair upkeep, you can have your dog clipped, but he will still need brushing and bathing.
Puppies
The key to a well-adjusted Peekapoo is to ensure he is socialized at an early age. Be sure to take him to the dog park and other new environments so they can meet new people and animals. As well, ensure that your puppy plays well with children – teaching him proper puppy manners will cut down on over-eager nipping.
Photo credit: Lindseywb/Flickr; Rosa Say/Flickr; Christine Olson/Flickr
