Peekapoo Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

1.8-9 kg

Height

28 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the Peekapoo

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

A Peekapoo is a beautiful cross-breed dog that is suitable for almost everyone.

A Pekingese-Poodle mix, this small dog breed is loyal and loving. Although they aren’t good guard dogs because of their small stature, they will try to defend their families to the end.

Read on to find out more about the Peekapoo dog breed.

What is the history & origin of the Peekapoo?

The Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds in the world. This breed was developed in the 1950s – long before the term “designer dogs” was even coined! Their long history and continued desirability mean that these dogs are well-loved and will continue to be adored by all for many years to come.

The Peekapoo was bred by crossing a Pekingese with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. The reason for this crossing was to create a hypoallergenic, small companion. Originally bred in China, this small dog has since spread across the globe.

Although not recognised by the American Kennel Club as it is a mixed breed, the Peekapoo is already recognised by the following notable clubs:

Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Dog Registry of America, Inc.

What is a Peekapoo breed?

The Peekapoo is a cross between two purebred parents – the Pekingese and the Poodle. As both of these dogs are excellent companions and family pets, you can quickly comprehend that their offspring will be exceptional.

It’s a mixed-breed dog that barely sheds, which makes it a great match for people with allergies. This is only one excellent trait of the Peekapoo.

They are loving, loyal and calm, making them great companions for older people as well as children. They love snuggling on your lap as much as they enjoy running around the yard, making them the perfect fit for a variety of households.

A Peekapoo is a first-generation cross, which means both parents are purebred dogs. Peekapoos are not often bread with other peekapoos, as this may result in health conditions.

Since these dogs are first-generation mixes, there is no breed standard and there is some unpredictability in the size and colour of Peekapoo puppies. A litter can either take after their Pekingese or Toy Poodle parentage, resulting in a variety of colours and coat lengths.

Who is a Peekapoo best for?

A Peekapoo is a great canine companion for almost everyone: they are great with children, elders and singletons. They do well in apartments but also thrive in homes with large yards.

They get on well with other dogs and can be trained to be socialised with cats and other pets.

Peekapoo Grooming & Shedding

Peekapoos are not known to shed a lot, and their short, dense coat requires less care than fluffier breeds.

They will still require a lot of brushing though to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing them daily will remove any dead hair, spread natural skin oils, and also remove any dirt stuck to the coat.

The coat length of your Peekapoo puppy will depend on its parents. Dogs with longer coats from their Pekingese parent will require more frequent brushing than those that take after their Poodle parent. Those with longer coats will require occasional trimming to manage their long coats.

Nails should be either clipped or filed, especially if they don’t wear down naturally. You should also check the ears weekly for dirt, swelling, or any signs of inflammation. If you notice any dirt, wipe the ears with a damp cotton ball.

Do Peekapoos bark a lot?

Considering its small size, this dog has a very loud and annoying bark. Of course, the barking tendencies depend on the individual dog, with some dogs barking frequently at any noise, while others are quiet and barely make a sound.

You can eliminate or reduce their barking tendencies with proper training.

What is the average weight & height of a Peekapoo dog?

Because this dog is a mixed breed, there is no breed standard and the weight and size provided below are averages. The exact size will depend on the parents, and whether the Pekingese was crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle.

Weight:

1.8 – 9 kg

Height:

up to 28 cm

Are Peekapoos easy to train?

Because it is a Poodle mix, the Peekapoo is an intelligent dog. Your Peekapoo pup will respond quickly to training if you use positive reinforcement and consistent commands.

With small dogs, it is recommended that you use crate training so they have a space in the home where they feel safe. As with other dogs, your Peekapoo should enjoy spending time in its crate, and shouldn’t be forced to stay in its crate for a long time.

If you socialise your Peekapoo, it will get on well with other dogs and pets. They take naturally to children and enjoy playing with them.

Although the Pekingese is ranked 132nd on the list of intelligent dogs (yes, this list exists!), the Poodle is listed second. A Peekapoo that takes after his poodle parent will therefore be extremely intelligent and fun to train.

How do Peekapoos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The temperament of the Peekapoo can be described as intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and active.

These dogs enjoy spending time with their families and are always willing to cuddle on the couch. They are also active little dogs and require plenty of daily exercise to keep them entertained and stimulated.

Despite their small size, they are great watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of a perceived threat or stranger. Although these barks are loud and annoying, at least you will know you are safe (and you can use training to reduce their barking tendencies).

Since they love their families so much, the Peekapoo will always want to be by your side. They may act aloof around strangers and will become distressed when left alone for a long time. A Peekapoo’s temperament makes it a great companion dog, and it can also be trained as a service or therapy dog.

Does the Peekapoo have any common health issues?

Although mixed breeds are considered healthier than purebred dogs, the Peekapoo can inherit some health problems from its parents. Here are some common health conditions that can afflict your Peekapoo puppy:

Patellar Luxation: This condition causes the knee cap to slip out of place. It can be managed with pain medication but can affect the ability of the dog to walk as it gets older.
Entropion: This condition is when an eyelid turns inward into the eye.
Sebaceous Adenitis: This is an uncommon skin disease that causes an inflammatory response against the sebaceous glands, and can completely destroy the glands.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This condition causes loss of vision and eventual blindness. It cannot be treated.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Common in brachycephalic dogs, this type of dermatitis can be seen as irritated, red skin in the skin folds on the dog’s face.
Addison’s Disease: Occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
Mitral Valve Disease: A heart condition due to an oversized mitral valve.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: This causes difficulty breathing and upper-airway dysfunction.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: This disease restricts blood flow to the femur, which can cause the bone to degenerate and die.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition in purebred dogs and is due to a malformed hip joint.
Ear Infections: Frequent due to their floppy ears.

What is the lifespan of a Peekapoo?

The life expectancy of the Peekapoo is 10 to 15 years.

How much does a Peekapoo need to be fed?

Just like other Poodle mixes, the Peekapoo requires a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet. Peekapoos do well when fed quality kibble (dry food). It is best to avoid low-cost kibble that is filled with wheat, additives, preservatives, and fillers.

Try looking for dry food that will match the size, age, and activity level of your Peekapoo. If you are uncertain, consult your vet for advice.

In general, your Peekapoo should eat between 1/4 to 3/4 cups of dry food a day, spread over two meal times. The actual amount will depend on the size of your dog. You can also add canned food or vegetables to their food.

These little dogs love food and can quickly become obese, so it is up to the owner to make sure they have an adequate diet and plenty of exercise.

How much can you expect to pay for a Peekapoo in Australia?

The average price of a Peekapoo puppy is $275-1450.

Peekapoo FAQs

Is a Peekapoo ideal for a first-time dog owner?

A Peekapoo is great for a first-time dog owner because of its trainability and loving nature.

Do Peekapoos suffer from separation anxiety?

A Peekapoo can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. This dog will express its displeasure at being left alone by barking and displaying destructive behaviour.

Are Peekapoo hypoallergenic dogs?

The Peekapoo is hypoallergenic because it is a Poodle mix, making it a great dog for allergy sufferers. They are low-shedding and do not drool.

Will a Peekapoo need professional grooming?

If your Peekapoo has longer hair, then it will require the help of a professional groomer.

At home, you can brush the hair and trim the nails, but hair cutting or stripping will be required from time to time, and this is where a groomer will be useful.