The Peekapoo is a designer dog gaining popularity in recent years as a fabulous companion dog. Technically not an independent dog breed, and sometimes spelled “peke-a-poo” or “pekapoo,” the Peekapoo is a hybrid dog cross between a Pekingese and a toy poodle or a miniature poodle. Like designer dog breeds the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle, the Peekapoo was created to help dog owners with allergies. The hypoallergenic poodle coat combines with the luxurious locks of the Pekingese for a pretty, loyal dog. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and make ideal lap dogs.
The Peekapoo isn’t considered a purebred dog. Keep in mind that a Peekapoo doesn’t have breed standards per se. An individual Peekapoo can vary quite a bit depending on the parent breeds. Unlike other designer dog breeds, a Peekapoo isn’t typically the result of multigenerational breeding, which means that breeders don’t cross a Peekapoo with a Peekapoo. Instead, each Peekapoo litter is a first-generation cross.
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Training a Peekapoo
Peekapoo puppies are adorable furballs with a tendency towards separation anxiety and domineering behaviour towards very young children or other dogs. Like other small dogs, Peekapoos sometimes bark quite a bit to assert their personalities. They’re quite loyal dogs and thus, suspicious of strangers at first.
With positive reinforcement training and early socialisation, however, they mature to well-behaved adults. Crate training helps create an extra sense of security for the Peekapoo, as well.
Peekapoo temperament and health issues
The Peekapoo does well with daily exercise. Despite their small size, they’re an energetic dog! Having a poodle parent means they’ve inherited an instinct to hunt and retrieve. As energetic puppies, especially, they benefit from extra play, activity, and training. And if you can’t be around as much as you’d like to be, you can find a local sitter on Rover.com who offers dog boarding and can give your dog all the attention they deserve while you’re gone.
This designer breed doesn’t experience many health problems, though it’s a good idea to have your Peekapoo screened for hip dysplasia. Less commonly, Peekapoo puppies sometimes suffer from Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, which manifests as limping and can be corrected by surgery.
From their Pekingese parent, a Peekapoo inherits the brachycephalic tendency towards heat exhaustion, so be careful on hot days and give this little dog plenty of shade and water. They can also inherit the respiratory problems or the airway syndrome that goes along with the “smush-faced breeds.”
Fortunately, like many small breeds, Peekapoos have a long life expectancy.
How to groom a Peekapoo
As a Pekingese poodle mix, a peekapoo’s coat can vary depending on the exact gene combination inherited. Regardless, they’re a low-shedding toy dog and generally considered hypoallergenic dogs. A Peekapoo dog does need a regular groom, with various haircut styles being appropriate.
If you opt to keep a Peekapoo’s coat naturally long, daily brushing is required. However, a clipped Peekapoo will only need a couple of brushings a week.
Because a Peekapoo can be skittish at the groomer, they can benefit from an in-home grooming session. Check with your local groomer to see if they make house calls.
Regular grooming at home or with a pro is necessary.
Getting a Peekapoo puppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new Peekapoo puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced Peekapoo puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Peekapoo puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic small dog breed addition to your home.
Adopting Peekapoo puppies
It may be surprising to know, but adopting a Peekapoo puppy is possible.
Most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out that that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures.
Finding a Peekapoo rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. Social media may have dedicated breed groups, as well, with more information.
Finding a Peekapoo breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and contact different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Peekapoo puppy seems to good to be true, there’s likely something going on.
