Peekapoo: Pekapoo Breed Information to the Pekingese Poodle Mix

Peekapoo Standing Outside

Meet the Pekapoo 

From Labradoodles to Goldendoodles, Poodles seem to be the secret ingredient for creating the trendiest canine companions. But have you heard of the Pekapoo? In recent years, crossing poodles with other breeds has become popular, as current and future pet owners closely consider the traits they’d prefer in a furry companion.  The Pekapoo is a designer breed that came about from breeding Miniature Poodles with Pekingese dogs. Both are small in stature, bred for companionship, and known for their affectionate and energetic personalities. This combination has resulted in a popular companion dog, well-suited for those seeking a loving and energetic friend in a compact package.  

Quick Facts About the Pekapoo 

Name: (the exact spelling may be up for debate) 

  • Pekapoo 

  • Peekapoo 

  • Peek-a-poo 

  • Pekingese – Poodle mix 

Origin: 

  • Pekapoo breed origin can’t be precisely traced, but likely came about in the last 100 years. 

  • The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese breed dating back at least 2 millenia. They were prized companions of emperors and enjoyed a life of luxury. 

  • The Poodle is a French breed dating back at least 400 years. Originally bred for water retrieval, Poodles later transitioned into roles as performers and beloved companions. 

Size:

No breed standard exists but they typically fall within the size guidelines for each breed 

  • Pekingese: weighs less than 14 lbs. and stands under 10 inches at the shoulder. 

  • Miniature Poodle: weighs under 15 pounds and measures less than 15 inches at the shoulder. 

Lifespan:  

  • 13 – 14 years 

Appearance: 

  • Small bodied, and varying between fine boned and stocky 

  • Long coat that ranges from curly to wavy 

  • Coat color varies 

Temperament:  

  • Intended for companionship 

  • Affectionate 

  • Social and playful 

  • Trainable and intelligent 

  • Independent 

Compatibility: 

  • Committed groomers 

  • Busy professionals 

  • Apartment dwellers 

  • First time dog owners 

  • Families with older children 

Intelligence:  

  • Quick learners (with a stubborn streak) 

  • Moderate training needs 

  • Require mental stimulation 

Exercise and Energy:  

  • Either athletically inclined, a “couch potato,” or somewhere in between 

  • Moderate exercise is recommended 

  • Use caution in dogs with an especially short snout (brachycephalic) 

Grooming needs:  

  • Likely to be low-shedding 

  • Coat may be curly, wavy, or both 

  • Requires regular trimming 

  • Frequent brushing 

Training:  

  • Likely to be intelligent and trainable 

  • Basic obedience training 

  • Candidates for advanced training including some sporting and agility 

Health:

Possible health conditions from either original breed: 

  • Brachycephalic (short snout) - small nares (nostrils) or long soft palate 

  • Prone to eye injury due to shorter muzzle 

  • Dental issues due to shorter muzzle and displaced teeth 

  • Orthopedic conditions (luxating patella, hip issues) 

  • Ophthalmic disease including progressive retinal atrophy 

Highlights: 

  • Ideal for small living spaces 

  • Good for dog enthusiasts who need a compact companion 

  • First time dog owners who don’t mind a dog with higher-maintenance grooming needs 

  • Someone looking for a smart and adaptable lapdog 

Pekapoo Appearance 

Because habits and gene pools between Pekapoo breeders may vary (since there is no breed standard) the appearance of dogs from different breeders and regions may be inconsistent. 

All are expected to be small in stature, as they typically fall within the size guidelines for either original breed. They may be either fine-boned or stocky and are likely to weigh less than 15 pounds. 

The coat may be wavy or curly, but will require regular grooming including brushing, bathing, and trimming. Color will fall on a wide spectrum depending on the breed history for both contributing parents.

Pekapoo Temperament 

A Pekapoo’s personality is likely to be friendly, affectionate, and playful since they’re intended to be companion dogs. Given that they’re social—though somewhat protective—they are likely to fit well into a family situation even with children and even other animals, provided that there are adults in the household who can supervise the behavior of young children and ensure all animals in the household are well equipped to interact safely. Because of their small size, young children can easily harm them by playing too roughly, so supervision is required at all times. 

Responsible owners should still commit to obedience training and appropriate socialization, as these can promote a long life of safe interaction with humans and animals and minimize stress and anxiety in dogs in a variety of situations. Mental stimulation in the form of training, interactive toys, and social interaction are also beneficial. Both are known to keep dogs brains sharp and reduce boredom that can lead to undesirable behavior. 

Pekapoo Being Groomed

 

Pekapoo Care 

This designer breed may not shed much (if at all), but that doesn't mean their grooming needs are low maintenance. Pekapoo coats require moderate to intensive grooming and maintenance, so it’s important for potential owners to consider whether or not this fits into their lifestyle. The coat may range from curly to wavy but will grow out quickly and needs to be brushed, occasionally washed, and regularly trimmed. A Pekapoo’s coat color will vary along a wide spectrum depending on coat colors in the genetic heritage of either original breed. 

Pekapoo dogs are small and can adapt to small living spaces but should still be given the opportunity to get physical exercise and explore. They’re intelligent, so mental stimulation is important, and going on regular walks is good for the body and mind. 

A Pekapoo can thrive on any high quality, age-appropriate dog food that meets AAFCO nutritional standards. There are no specific nutritional needs for this breed, though caution should be taken when managing feeding amounts – because Pekapoos may be maintained with longer coats, it can be difficult to see when they start to get pudgy, and carrying extra weight isn’t healthy for them. Treats can be used for reward-based training but should be given in moderation, as even 1 small treat has greater caloric impact in a small dog than it would a large dog. Commercial low-calorie training treats are great options, as are fresh fruits and vegetables that dogs eat: blueberries, green beans, carrots, popcorn, and more.  

Pekapoo Health 

Because this breed is a cross between two others, it’s hard to say what, if any, negative breed characteristics might present themselves. While Pekapoo dogs don’t necessarily have a track record of specific health conditions, Poodles and Pekingese breeds both carry some risk for inherited diseases or disorders. 

If the Pekapoo adopts the shortened snout (brachycephaly) of its Pekingese ancestors, veterinary evaluation of nares (nostrils) and soft palate are recommended to detect upper airway abnormalities that are common in many brachycephalic breeds (including Pugs, French bulldogs, and others). Caution should be taken when handling the face as the eyes may be prone to injury due to the shortened muzzle. 

If the Pekapoo has adopted physical attributes of the miniature poodle, they may be at risk for a variety of known health issues. 

Miniature poodles are prone to certain orthopedic conditions including luxating patellae, where the kneecap doesn’t sit properly in place on the hind legs. While some dogs go a lifetime without issues, others may require surgical correction to maintain healthy knee joints. Miniature poodles may also be at increased risk for development of Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) which leads to blindness. 

Owning any mixed breed dog comes with the possibility of inheriting health conditions from either parent breed. Pekapoos are no exception. While a Pekapoo may not necessarily develop any of these conditions, choosing a responsible breeder can help mitigate the risk. 

Pet Insurance and the Pekapoo 

Pekapoos, those adorable bundles of fluffy charm, inherit a playful spirit and affectionate personality from their Poodle and Pekingese parents. Unfortunately, they can also inherit some of their parents' health concerns. Conditions like patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) can require surgery, easily reaching costs in the thousands of dollars. Even routine eye problems or respiratory issues can quickly add up at the vet's office. 

Here's where pet insurance can be a lifesaver. Enrolling your Pekapoo puppy early, before any pre-existing conditions develop, ensures they're covered from the start. This means unexpected health issues won't become a financial burden, allowing you to focus on your pup's recovery and well-being. Early enrollment also typically comes with lower premiums, making it a smart financial decision for the long haul.  

How does dog insurance work? You choose a plan with a specific monthly premium and coverage amount. If your Pekapoo develops a covered health condition, you'll pay the vet upfront and then file a claim with your insurance provider. They'll reimburse you for a portion of the costs, depending on your chosen plan and deductible. Early enrollment is key, to ensure a pet’s policy is in place before any conditions arise, as pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions and there is a waiting period after enrollment before coverage is available. During enrollment, coverage and reimbursement can be customized to the your needs to balance up-front costs with the potential need for coverage in the future. Once enrolled, you can seek care knowing that your pet insurance company has your back. 

Pekapoo History 

The Pekapoo’s designer breed history is murky, as the original crossing of these dogs can’t be precisely identified, but it likely happened within the last century, when crossing of established breeds became popular. The Pekapoo is a cross of the miniature poodle (whose origin can be traced back hundreds of years to the Standard Poodle in France) and the Pekingese (whose origin dates back at least 2 millennia to ancient Chinese ruling class families. 

Getting a Pekapoo 

While there’s some debate over the ethics of intentionally crossbreeding and the creation of designer breeds, it’s still possible for a breeder to be responsible in the selection and breeding of their dogs, giving potential pet owners a safer and more ethical source for Pekapoo dogs.  

Regardless of one's belief in the theory of “hybrid vigor”, if a breeder is intentionally crossing any breeds that are known to carry an inherited risk for certain diseases or conditions, they should be working with a veterinarian to thoroughly screen their breeding stock for indications of those diseases. For the Pekapoo, that means veterinary examinations to assess the nares (nostrils) and soft palate, and avoidance of breeding dogs whose nares and soft palate pose a problem. This also means screening any Miniature Poodle mix for inherited Poodle-linked conditions such as PRA, luxating patellas, eye disorders, epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, von Willebrand's disease, and immune-mediated disorders. 

Pekapoo dogs may be purchased as puppies or adopted as adults, and all routine healthcare recommendations including regular veterinary exams and appropriate vaccines are recommended. 

Pekapoo FAQ’s 

Do Pekapoo dogs bark? 

Pekapoo dogs may be talkative and vocally expressive whether happy or upset, but are not known to be big barkers. Individuals may vary depending on their temperament and the social and behavioral influence of other dogs they interact with. 

Are Pekapoo dogs aggressive? 

The Pekapoo breed, and its original breeds (the Pekingese and Miniature Poodle) are not known for aggressive tendencies, they generally make safe and affectionate companion dogs. 

Are Pekapoo dogs friendly with other dogs? 

Pekapoo dogs that have been well socialized can be friendly with other dogs – it's important to start good behavioral habits early. Socializing your Peekapoo with other friendly breeds like the Havanese Poodle mix can be beneficial, as they have similar temperaments and sizes. Proper socialization, basic obedience training, and ensuring your dog is healthy and comfortable are good foundational steps. 

Potty training Pekapoo dogs, is it easy? 

Pekapoo dogs are a mix of two intelligent breeds and should be relatively easy to train. If a pet owner wants their Pekapoo to learn to only go potty outside, it’s best to teach that behavior at the start to avoid confusion. 

How often should Pekapoo be groomed? 

Grooming frequency may depend on the individual, but typically Pekapoo dogs should be groomed (including a trim) every 4 – 6 weeks. Bathing should be done as needed, and brushing should be done frequently to prevent hair knots and matting.