Peekapoo

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 11-15 years
The bouncy Peekapoo, also known as a Pekaepoo or Peke-a-Poo, is a cross between a Pekingese and a Poodle. These pups, unfortunately, are usually plagued with health issues, but most of those health problems can be avoided, or at the very least, managed properly to let your Peekapoo live a happy life. Regular vet visits are paramount for this crossbreed, as a reputable vet will be able to detect any diseases or conditions as they develop, most of the time.

Cryptorchidism

This condition is a birth defect that occurs when one or both testicles fail to drop into the scrotum. While this problem is often painless for the pup, it can become problematic as the dog reaches maturity. Undescended testicles require surgery to remove, as they can become cancerous over time.

Intervertebral Disk Disease

This disease is caused when the cushions between the vertebrae begin to bulge through the spinal cord spaces. This caused great discomfort and pain to your pup. The discs pinch nerves, so if left untreated, this condition could cause a permanent limp, nerve damage, or paralysis. Surgery is a must to correct this problem.

Other health conditions that your Peekapoo could encounter include eye problems, heart problems, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, cleft palate, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. Despite their genetic predisposition to several diseases and major health conditions, the Peekapoo boasts an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Cuddly and adorable at first glance, the Peekapoo is a snuggler who seeks a close bond with his owner. He is social with his loved ones but wary and cautious around strangers. It takes more than treats and compliments to win this pup over. New owners, especially ones of older adopted Peekapoos, should be determined and patient when it comes to bonding with their new pup. These crossbreed canines are known for being fickle and temperamental around people they don’t know, but kindness and positivity are certain methods to bringing out the affectionate side in your Peekapoo.

The Peekapoo is protective of loved ones, especially children who he’s grown up around. However, he is best-suited for families with older children, as younger children could bring out his grumpy side with their chaos and noise. These dogs, while a bit yappy under stress, are otherwise quiet and pleasant to be around. Peekapoos are naturally smaller crossbreeds, so you should teach your children how to handle them gently with respect. These pups will leap into your lap for a snuggle, but they don’t like to be held too far above the ground.

When frightened, the Peekapoo has a habit of barking incessantly and loudly. You can train him out of this habit, but it takes time and patience. Training-wise, these pups are stubborn and easily distracted. Use rewards, praise, and encouragement to urge compliance from your Peekapoo. If he misbehaves, be firm and consistent in your tone and commands until he complies. Always avoid hitting or yelling at your Peekapoo. These dogs are sensitive, so negative actions are forever ingrained in their memory, and they can certainly hold a grudge against those who hurt their feelings.

Peekapoos are very active, but they run out of energy quickly. Their small bodies simply aren’t built for long periods of high-impact playtimes. These pups are prone to obesity, so make sure he gets plenty of exercise to avoid weight and breathing problems. Walk him twice a day and invest in toys for indoor playtimes. Or, take him to a dog park to socialize with other small pups. Even better, let him roam your fenced-in backyard, but make sure the fences are climb-proof.

Grooming

The Peekapoo has a low-shedding, sometimes-curly coat that can become unruly if left to nature. It grows quickly, so a trim every six weeks is needed if you prefer a pup without lengthy fur. He is a percentage hypoallergenic, but how much depends on how closely his coat resembles that of a Poodle. Use a gentle dog shampoo to bathe your Peekapoo once a month. Brush him three times a week to remove excess hair and tangles.

Trimming a dog’s toenails is part of the job description of being a reliable pet owner. The Peekapoo needs his nails trimmed every 6-8 weeks. If you feel uncomfortable cutting them yourself, take him to a professional groomer. Upon request, the groomer will also clean his ears and brush his teeth.

Diet

Peekapoos are compact, small pups, but they have huge appetites and are prone to overeating. Maintain a meal schedule for these crossbreeds to keep their weight and hunger pangs in check. Feed him at least twice a day with a ½ cup of dry, high-quality kibble per meal. He needs nutritious, wholesome dog food with plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats packed into every bite. Ask your vet for recommendations regarding the best kibble for your Peekapoo.
 

Find A Peekapoo Breeder

Peekapoo Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Peekapoo

Cost

Peekapoos are in high demand because of their compact size and overall cuteness. Do your research to find a reputable, reliable breeder if you decide to go the puppy route. Some breeders care more about cash than their dogs, so it’s important to look around for someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of their Peekapoo pups. A Peekapoo puppy costs anywhere between $300 to $1,500, depending on breeder requirements.

To give an older Peekapoo a chance at a new life, check your local animal shelters. Adoption fees run between $150 to $200, but this usually covers a first-time vet visit, health history documentation, and initial vaccinations. Other costs that you might want to consider include micro-chipping, spaying or neutering, emergency medical expenses, and toys.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. On the Paws ‘N’ Pups scale, the Peekapoo ranks a solid 2. There are both positives and negatives to owning a Peekapoo. On the downside, these pups take a while to bond with new people. They need constant love and friendship to feel safe and secure in their home. On the upside, everything else. These dogs make great snugglers and lapdogs—the perfect television-watching companion or bedtime buddy.

 

Pekingese

Poodle

Yorkshire Terrier

Maltese