Unveiling The Charm: A Comprehensive Look At The Peekapoo Dog Breed
A miniature or toy poodle and a Pekingese were likely the parents of the cute and devoted Peekapoo. This breed is a mix between the two. The “designer” dogs are notorious for their loud barking, even though they are quite small in size.
It is widely acknowledged that the Peekapoo was one of the first “designer” or hybrid canine breeds.
The first Pekingese-poodle hybrids were produced in the 1950s to satisfy the need for tiny dogs with low-shedding, “hypoallergenic,” coats, and the breed is still popular today.
Pekingese-poodle mixes were bred to suit the demand for small dogs with low-shedding, “hypoallergenic,” coats. Adult Peekapoos are modest in stature, standing less than 11 inches tall and weighing between 4 and 20 pounds.
This is in keeping with their parent breeds, which are also petite in stature. The tiniest variety of Peekapoo is called a teacup Peekapoo and is bred from a Pekingese and a toy poodle. But what these dogs lack in size, they acquire for their personality.
“Pekingese are independent and stoic, and poodles prefer to be the heart of the party,” says Jennifer Hart, founder of Hart-2-Heart Rescue in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Pekingese are more aloof, while poodles can be quite clingy,” she adds.
“Poodles like to be the life of the party.” “By breeding a Pekingese with a poodle, it’s possible to create a dog who is not only autonomous but also independent-minded and affectionate,”
Peekapoos are descended from Pekingese dogs, which were originally intended to protect palaces and emperors in Asia. As a result, these dogs are not hesitant to bark when they sense that an intruder is around.
They are quite outspoken and believe it is their role to act as their owners’ alarm system, therefore the adage, “Their bark is bigger than their bite” holds true with the breed.
When it comes to its family, the Peekapoo is devoted and affectionate. Because of his poodle ancestry, he is a low-energy breed that exemplifies the description of a lap dog.
He thrives on constant companionship and lives up to the name “lapdog.” People in their golden years will find him to be the ideal fuzzy companion.
Appearance
As the Peekapoo is not a purebred dog, there is no official breed standard that dictates how the Peekapoo pups should appear in terms of their physical characteristics.
Their physical features can be fairly variable and sometimes comprise a mixture of characteristics inherited from both their Pekingese and toy or miniature poodle parents.
The Peekapoo, like the miniature poodle and the Pekingese, is a breed of dog that is considered to be a little dog.
Depending on whether their parent poodle was a toy or miniature breed of poodle, the puppies can grow to a maximum height of 11 inches and can weigh anything from 4 to 20 pounds.
These teeny-tiny puppies have coats that range in color from silver and grey to black and chocolate as well as white, cream, apricot, and buff.
The breed, which was designed for owners who suffered from allergies, is characterized by a coat that sheds relatively little and is regarded as hypoallergenic.
Even while there is no such thing as a pet that is completely hypoallergenic, the Peekapoo may be an excellent choice for anybody who experiences symptoms such as itchy eyes or a stuffy nose when they are around other dogs.
However, low allergen does not necessarily equate to low maintenance. Some Peekapoos have longer coats that require brushing daily, while others have short or clipped coats that only need to be combed once per week.
Temperament
Poodles and Pekingese have several positive characteristics, including intelligence, devotion, and loyalty; these qualities are accentuated in Peekapoos.
These are the types of dogs that adore spending time with their owners, and while they are content to accompany them on (very brief) walks or errands, they would much rather be snuggled up in your lap.
According to Hart, “the challenges of social isolation can be very difficult for any poodle mix.” However, it’s possible that the “love me, love me” nature of the Peekapoo doesn’t extend to strangers. Hart observes that this mix can be standoffish with new people.
Dogs of this breed make good watchdogs because they tend to bark when new people approach. The Peekapoo is a breed that typically has low levels of energy and would rather take sleep on the couch than go after a ball.
Even though most of them will get along well with other laid-back dogs that match their activity levels (or lack of it), Hart warns that the breed might not be the greatest choice for families with young children because they tend to be overly hyperactive.
Their delicate bodies are more likely to sustain unintended injuries from children’s play due to their diminutive size and propensity to get crushed underfoot.
Always keep an eye on children while they are playing with any dog, and make sure they know how to behave around animals. It is essential to provide Peekapoos with consistent training based on positive reinforcement to assist them in learning basic commands.
Training will not only aid give much-needed cerebral stimulation to your Peekapoo but will also benefit the parent breeds, which are both known for their high levels of intelligence. And as a reward, he’ll be thrilled to acquire some tasty snacks!
Trainability
Peekapoos are normally quite bright, but they also tend to be stubborn.
This is a carryover from the Pekingese, which is one of the breed’s less admirable qualities. In general, they are eager to please their owner, and as a result, they are capable of being trained to a fairly high standard.
However, during training sessions, they may require additional motivation in the form of low-calorie treats in addition to the praise and affection that is necessary for all dogs.
When teaching these small dogs, raising your voice or physically correcting them is ineffective because they can get resentful or sullen if they feel as though they are being pushed too hard.
Living Needs
Peekapoo was bred to be a companion pet. The breed requires only a moderate amount of physical activity; typically, a short jaunt around the neighborhood is sufficient to wear out one of these little canines.
After that, he’d rather be snuggled up on the couch with his owner than do anything else. The Peekapoo’s insatiable need for company is one of his most endearing—and difficult to satisfy—characteristics.
Peekapoos are the type of dog that do best in households where their owners are around most of the time. Peekapoos, similar to other little breeds of dog, do not require a significant amount of area.
It’s not a problem to live in an apartment with them, although they do have a propensity to bark, which may disturb the other residents.
Although Peekapoos get along well with other animals, including cats and other dogs, these puppies favor being the focus of attention. Peekapoos get along well with other animals, including cats and other dogs.
Because of its small stature, this breed is best suited for households that have children that are at least a little bit older. In cases where there is uncertainty, Hart recommends inquiring with Peekapoo rescue groups about the dog’s demeanor in his foster home.
“If you select the rescue way [to adopt a Peekapoo], the foster will know how the dog is with children, cats, and other dogs,” she continues. “If you choose to adopt a Peekapoo from a shelter, no one will know how the dog is with children or cats.”
Early socialization can assist your Peekapoo puppy in learning how to coexist peacefully with other pets and will teach him to be less wary and vocal around strangers. This is especially important if you plan to bring your new puppy home from a Peekapoo breeder.
Care
Regular brushing is necessary to maintain the low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat of a Peekapoo.
It may be necessary to brush dogs with longer coats daily, but dogs with shorter coats — even Peekapoos with short haircuts that are considered fashionable — just need to be brushed once a week.
If you want his coat trimmed, you should make plans to visit a professional groomer every six to eight weeks so that they can do it for you.
Peekapoos, like other dog breeds, need to have their nails trimmed regularly, and receiving dental care regularly will help them maintain healthy teeth and gums.
When compared to other breeds, Peekapoos require far less attention and effort in terms of physical activity. His demand for exercise might be met with a brisk walk around the block, but you should make sure to give him ample time to investigate their new surroundings.
According to Hart, “Exercise is just as much about social enrichment as it is about physical activity.” It is beneficial for Peekapoos to get the cerebral stimulation that comes from exploring their surroundings.
Because they have such short noses, these dogs run a significant danger of overheating in warm weather.
When the weather is too hot for Peekapoos to go outside and play, it is a good idea, according to Hart, to provide them with opportunities to use their brains in other ways, such as with puzzle feeders, interactive toys, training games, and other such activities.
Health
Because of the unpredictable nature of breeding, even while the vast majority of Peekapoos enjoy good health, some of them will be born with or acquire diseases that are typical of either the Poodle or the Pekingese, or both.
The following is a list of the more widespread of these:
The Syndrome of the Brachycephalic Airway
A collection of anatomical abnormalities that restricts the flow of air. Exercise or overheating can bring on symptoms of respiratory distress in individuals who have narrowed nostrils, a shorter muzzle, an elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, and an underdeveloped trachea. The severity of these symptoms is proportional to the degree to which each of these characteristics is present.
Trachea That Is Collapsing
A flaw in the construction of the primary airway causes it to collapse under negative pressure when the dog is rapidly breathing (e.g. during exercise). in contrast to the anomalies that were observed in the brachycephalic airway condition that was described earlier.
Diseases of the Teeth
Peekapoos that have very small jaws are more likely to experience dental issues such as overcrowding, periodontal disease, and other dental issues than Peekapoos with larger jaws. It is critical to clean your teeth every day.
Anemia caused by hemolysis
A disorder caused by autoimmunity in which the red blood cells are attacked and broken down, resulting in a decreased capacity to deliver oxygen. Depending on how quickly this condition manifests itself, it may induce ambiguous symptoms such as lethargy and an elevated respiratory rate; it may also bring severe symptoms such as collapse or even abrupt death.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is known as KCS.
Another autoimmune disorder causes a decrease in the amount of tears produced in either one or both eyes. Ocular pain, crusting, and recurring infections are all signs that this condition is present. In the absence of treatment, this condition can result in significant scarring and damage to the surface of the eye.
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap dislocation refers to the process of the kneecap moving out of its natural place within a groove located above the knee joint. Resulting in skipping steps on either one or both of the hind limbs.
Atrophy of the Retina in Progression
Degeneration of the eye’s nerve cells in older dogs can lead to gradual or complete loss of vision. The carrier status of this genetic ailment can be determined with a blood test, which is available and highly recommended for all breeding Poodles due to the prevalence of the condition in this breed.
The Disease Associated with Von Willebrand
a tendency toward heavy and uncontrollable bleeding as a consequence of abnormally low platelet function. This condition can go unnoticed in young dogs until they are neutered, at which point prolonged postoperative bleeding may ensue.
Activity Levels and Exercise Routines
The majority of Peekapoos are exceptionally energetic dogs who enjoy going for long walks or even jogging alongside their owners.
Although this hybrid is very versatile and can adjust to an indoor lifestyle, Peekapoos are known for their high level of activity.
Those who are affected by brachycephalic airway syndrome, on the other hand, may not be able to perform activities of this nature and may be required to lead lives that are more sedentary.
Grooming
The wavy, light coat requires daily maintenance with a brush or comb, and the majority of Peekapoos require a wash once a month to keep the coat clean and free of debris.
Regular trimming, which may need to be done every six to eight weeks depending on how quickly the hair grows, can be a huge help in this at-home practice by reducing the amount of time it takes to accomplish it.
Many Peekapoos will acquire tear staining, which appears as a dark line running down each side of the face and is caused by excess tear fluid flowing from the eyes.
Even if the related discoloration of the hair is mainly a cosmetic concern, it can be reversed or prevented by using a tear stain remover solution or wipes. This is because this may need to be dried multiple times a day to prevent the underlying skin from getting painful.
Brushing the Peekapoo’s teeth regularly should begin when the dog is still a puppy to create a habit that is both stress-free and comfortable for the dog. Dental hygiene is of particular significance in the Peekapoo.
History Of The Breed
Even though the Cockapoo most likely came before it, the Peekapoo was one of the very first hybrids to receive popular notice and to be sought for, as opposed to being the product of unintended matings between different breeds.
Even though its primary role has always been that of a companion dog, it has earned a reputation for being an excellent guard dog due to its almost comical level of ferocity when faced with potential threats.
It can be overly vocal, and if it is allowed to be unattended, it will undoubtedly bark loudly and nonstop, as is the case with many other dogs that possess this characteristic.
This is the kind of dog that needs to go everywhere with its owner since it is prone to destructive behaviors if left alone for too long or if it is upset in any other way.
Because practically all Peekapoo puppies are the result of first-generation crosses and Peekapoo to Peekapoo breeding is extremely uncommon, it is somewhat surprising that Peekapoo breeders do not appear to have any intention of ever establishing this breed as a breed in its own right.
Because of this, individual Peekapoo litters typically produce puppies with a wide range of personalities and physical characteristics due to the high level of genetic variability present in the breed.
Although both parent breeds contribute positively to the characteristics of the Peekapoo, the facial conformation of the Pekingese causes significant lifelong problems.
The Pekingese’s shortened and often narrowed airways restrict airflow, and the Peekapoo’s protruding eyes are poorly protected and therefore prone to injury.
Both of these issues are caused by the Pekingese’s shortened and often narrowed airways. For this reason, anyone choosing from a litter of Peekapoo puppies would be well advised to steer clear of those with foreshortening of the face.
This is true although, at first glance, these puppies typically appear to be the cutest and most adorable of the bunch.
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