Peekapoo – Choosing a Peekapoo

Peekapoo…. a unique name for a remarkable, little character. The Peekapoo, a cross between the Pekingese and the Poodle, is a mixed breed dog which is more affectionately referred to today as a designer or hybrid breed. These designer breeds with fancy, fun names are quite popular and often sold for high prices, but they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as they are not purebred.

The Pekingese has roots as far back as 618 A.D. where it was a sacred companion during China's Tang Dynasty. During this time, the Pekingese was so highly valued that anyone attempting to steal one of these dogs would be put to death. During the 19th Century, several Pekingese, abandoned during war, were brought to England by British officers. In 1909, the breed was officially recognized by the AKC, and today it is a very popular toy breed pet.

Records of the Poodle date back as far as the 13th century, when the breed is believed to have originated in Germany as a water retriever. Poodles are famous for carrying supplies and messages during World War II and performing in circuses and French dog playhouses. The Poodle gained great popularity in France, becoming the country's national dog. The AKC recognizes three sizes of the poodle, the toy (a member of the AKC's toy group), the miniature, and the standard (members of the AKC's non-sporting group).

Because the Peekapoo is a mixed breed dog, it has many looks. The ears are floppy, and the tail is usually left long and may curl over the dog's back, like the Pekingese tail. The muzzle is usually short and may even have a pushed-in appearance, like that of the Pekingese. Because the parenting breeds both have a wide range of colorings, so does the Peekapoo. The Peekapoo can be nearly any solid color or combination of colors. The Peekapoo's coat is usually very soft and medium to long in length. The small dog weighs in at 5-15 pounds and is 10 – 15 inches in height at the shoulder.

Because the Poodle's coat is low-shed and low-allergy, the Peekapoo may also inherit this characteristic. In this case, the Peekapoo may be ideal for families with allergies or asthma.

Regular brushing and grooming is very important to maintain a healthy Peekapoo coat, as it is prone to uncomfortable matting.

The same as physical characteristics, personality and temperament may be difficult to predict in the Peekapoo because any combination of traits can be inherited from the Pekingese and Poodle. The Pekingese is quite independent and often stubborn. This dignified breed becomes very fond of its family but often is not interested in socializing with anyone else. It is also known for being territorial, which can make the Pekingese a good watch dog. This dog is content in a lap and does not typically desire much exercise.

Opposite this personality stands the Poodle. The Poodle is playful, eager to please, extremely intelligent and people-friendly. This easily-trained dog, famous for guiding the blind and bringing therapy to the ill, desires physical and mental stimulation and activity, without which he will quickly become bored.

It is easy to see that the Peekapoo's personality may be completely different in each breed member. For this reason, when purchasing a Peekapoo pup careful evaluation of temperament may be crucial in finding the right dog for your family.

Listed below are several diseases and health problems that commonly affect the Pekingese and the Poodle. These ailments may also be a concern for the Peekapoo.

Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.

Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

Intervertebral disk disease is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

Peekapoos may also be intolerant of hot weather, have trouble delivering puppies, and have problems with ear infections and tear staining.

The Peekapoo's average life span is 13 – 18 years.

To learn more about the Peekapoo's parenting breeds, please read PetPlace's breed profiles on the Pekingese and the Poodle.