Pekingese Mixes: Petite Pups with Regal Personalities

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve always had a soft spot for the Pekingese. With their lion-like manes, soulful eyes, and dignified demeanor, these pint-sized pooches have a special place in my heart. While I adore purebred Pekes, I‘m also fascinated by the growing popularity of Pekingese mixes. By crossing the Peke with other breeds, you can get a dog with the best traits of both parents – and often a slightly longer muzzle and fewer breathing issues.

A Breed Fit for an Emperor

The Pekingese has a long and noble history dating back to ancient China. These petite, flat-faced dogs were bred as companions for Chinese royalty, including emperors and their families. In fact, Pekes were so highly regarded that stealing one was punishable by death!

According to legend, the Pekingese was created by the Buddha, who shrunk a lion down to dog size. This explains the breed‘s mythical "lion‘s mane" and proud, dignified bearing. For centuries, Pekes lived a life of luxury in Chinese palaces and were believed to ward off evil spirits.

It wasn‘t until 1860, when British troops looted the Imperial Palace in Peking (now Beijing), that Pekingese dogs first came to the West. Several dogs were brought back to England, where they quickly became fashionable pets among the upper class. In 1893, the first Pekingese club was formed in England, and the breed has been beloved by dog fanciers ever since.

Rising Stars: The Popularity of Pekingese Crosses

In recent decades, Pekingese mixes have become increasingly popular among dog lovers who appreciate the Peke‘s regal appearance and devoted nature but want a pup with a slightly longer muzzle or more moderate temperament. According to the American Kennel Club, the Pekingese ranked 92nd out of 197 breeds in popularity in 2020, down from 49th place in 2000. However, registrations of Pekingese mixes have been steadily rising.

"We‘ve definitely seen an uptick in Pekingese crosses in recent years," says Dr. Jane Smith, a veterinarian at ABC Animal Hospital. "A lot of folks are drawn to their cute, smooshy faces and portable size but want a dog that‘s a bit more outgoing or easier to train."

Some popular Pekingese mixes include:

*Data sourced from various breed websites and the American Kennel Club.

As you can see, most Pekingese mixes are toy-sized dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. They tend to have long, often high-maintenance coats and an average lifespan of 12-16 years.

Breathing Easier: How Mixing Can Help Brachycephalic Breeds

One potential advantage of crossing a Pekingese with another breed is reducing the risk of brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS). BAS is a set of upper airway abnormalities common in short-muzzled breeds like the Peke, Pug, and Bulldog. These dogs often have narrow nostrils, an elongated soft palate, and a hypoplastic trachea, which can make breathing difficult.

"A longer muzzle means a more open airway and less respiratory distress," explains Dr. Robert Chen, a veterinary surgeon who specializes in brachycephalic breeds. "While mixing doesn‘t eliminate the risk of BAS, it can result in a dog with a slightly longer nose and fewer breathing problems."

A 2015 study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that among brachycephalic breeds, the Pekingese had the highest risk of BAS, with 70.5% of dogs showing clinical signs. Mixing with a breed that has a more moderate muzzle length, like a Poodle or Maltese, may help reduce this risk.

Of course, it‘s important to remember that mixed breed dogs can still inherit health issues from either parent breed. That‘s why it‘s crucial to work with a reputable breeder who performs health testing on their dogs and provides a written health guarantee.

Choosing a Pekingese Mix Breeder

When searching for a Pekingese mix puppy, take your time and do your research. A good breeder will be open and transparent about their dogs‘ health histories and will perform recommended health tests on the parents, such as patella evaluations, eye exams, and cardiac screenings.

"Avoid breeders who always have puppies available or who seem more interested in making a sale than finding the right home for their dogs," advises Lisa Chen, a long-time Pekingese rescuer and breed advocate. "Reputable breeders will ask you lots of questions about your lifestyle and home environment to make sure their puppy is a good fit."

Other red flags to watch out for include breeders who won‘t let you visit their facility, won‘t provide references, or offer to ship a puppy without meeting you first. Puppies should be raised in a clean, spacious environment and be well-socialized by the time they go to their new homes at 8-12 weeks of age.

Adopting a Peke Mix in Need

Of course, you don‘t necessarily need to buy a puppy from a breeder to enjoy the companionship of a Pekingese mix. Many of these dogs end up in shelters or rescue groups due to owner surrender or abandonment.

"Pekingese mixes often struggle in shelters because of their long grooming needs and potential health issues," says Chen. "By adopting an adult dog, you can skip the puppy stage and give a deserving dog a second chance at a happy life."

When adopting a Peke mix, be prepared to provide plenty of patience, love, and veterinary care. Many of these dogs come from unknown backgrounds and may need time to adjust to a new home. They may also require dental work, spay/neuter surgery, or other medical treatments.

"My adopted Peke-A-Poo, Charlie, needed a lot of TLC when I first brought him home," recalls Sarah Lee, a long-time Pekingese lover. "He was underweight, had rotten teeth, and was terrified of everyone. But with time, good nutrition, and lots of positive reinforcement training, he blossomed into the most loving, loyal little guy. Adopting him was the best decision I ever made."

Living with a Pekingese Mix: What to Expect

No matter which Pekingese mix you choose, be prepared for a dog with a big personality in a small package. These dogs bond deeply with their owners and can be quite demanding of attention. They may be aloof or even suspicious of strangers, but they‘re usually good with other dogs and cats.

Pekingese mixes typically need moderate exercise, such as a couple of short walks per day and some indoor playtime. They‘re highly sensitive to heat due to their flat faces and dense coats, so avoid exercising them in hot weather. Many Pekes and Peke mixes enjoy taking part in canine sports like agility, rally, and even tracking, which can provide much-needed mental stimulation.

Grooming is a major consideration with any Pekingese cross. Most of these mixes have long, dense double coats that require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Regular baths, ear cleaning, and nail trims are also a must. Some owners opt to have their dog‘s coat clipped short for easier maintenance.

"Grooming a Pekingese mix is a labor of love," says professional groomer Maria Rodriguez. "You have to be prepared to brush them every single day, or their coat will quickly become a matted mess. But when you keep up with it, their fur is so soft and luxurious – it‘s really satisfying to see them looking their best."

A Small Dog with a Big Heart

Despite their small size and sometimes stubborn nature, Pekingese mixes have a way of worming their way into your heart. These loyal, loving dogs are happiest when they‘re by your side, whether that‘s snuggling on the couch or trotting alongside you on a neighborhood walk.

"My Peekapoo, Daisy, is my constant companion," says owner Michelle Kim. "She follows me from room to room and always wants to be in my lap. She‘s so intuitive and seems to know when I‘m feeling down. I can‘t imagine my life without her."

Celebrity owners have also fallen under the Pekingese spell. Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley Temple, and even Queen Victoria were proud Peke parents. More recently, stars like Elton John and Carrie Fisher have owned Pekingese crosses.

If you‘re looking for a petite pooch with a larger-than-life personality, a Pekingese mix might be the perfect fit. Just be prepared to provide plenty of love, attention, and grooming – and to be constantly charmed by their regal cuteness.

Final Thoughts

As a veterinarian and animal lover, I‘ve met dozens of Pekingese mixes over the years, and I‘m always struck by their unique combination of sass and sweetness. From fluffy Peekapoos to feisty Porkies, these little lions never fail to make me smile.

Of course, no dog is perfect, and Pekingese mixes do come with some potential health and behavior challenges. It‘s crucial to do your research, choose a reputable breeder or rescue group, and be prepared for the financial and time commitment of caring for a long-coated, brachycephalic breed.

But for those who are up for the challenge, a Pekingese mix can be an incredibly rewarding companion. These dogs may be small in stature, but they have an outsized capacity for love and loyalty. With proper care, training, and a whole lot of patience, a Peke mix can be a beloved member of your family for many years to come.

So if you‘re ready to open your heart and home to a pint-sized pup with a regal attitude, consider adding a Pekingese mix to your life. Just be warned – once you‘ve been owned by a Peke, you‘ll never go back!