The Peekapoo: A Comprehensive Guide to this Adorable Designer Dog
As a dog lover and veterinary expert, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many different breeds over the years. But there‘s one breed in particular that always stands out for their cute looks, charming personality, and devoted nature – the Peekapoo. This designer dog has won the hearts of countless owners with their fluffy coats, expressive faces, and affectionate temperament.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Peekapoo, from their history and physical characteristics to their care requirements and ideal lifestyle. Whether you‘re considering adding a Peekapoo to your family or are already a proud Peekapoo parent, this article will provide valuable insights and information to help you better understand and appreciate this wonderful breed. Let‘s dive in!
History of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a relatively new breed that was first developed in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. The goal was to create a small, hypoallergenic companion dog by crossing a purebred Pekingese with a purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle. The Pekingese contributed their bold, affectionate nature and short muzzle, while the Poodle added intelligence, trainability, and a low-shedding coat.
One of the earliest known Peekapoo breeders was Josephine Curnier, who began intentionally crossing Pekingese and Poodles in the 1950s. Other breeders soon followed suit, and the Peekapoo gained popularity as one of the first "designer dogs" bred specifically for companionship.
While the Peekapoo is not recognized as a purebred by the American Kennel Club, they are acknowledged by several designer breed registries, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more. The Peekapoo Club of America was established in 1998 to promote the breed and connect Peekapoo owners and breeders.
Today, the Peekapoo remains a fairly rare breed compared to more mainstream dogs. According to a study by the University of Georgia, there are an estimated 5,000-10,000 Peekapoos in the United States. However, their popularity continues to grow as more people discover the joys of this delightful little dog.
Physical Characteristics
One of the first things you‘ll notice about the Peekapoo is their adorable appearance. They have a small, sturdy body on short legs, with a rounded head, dark expressive eyes, and a cute underbite that gives them a pouty look. Their ears are medium-sized and can be floppy or slightly perky.
As a crossbreed, Peekapoos can vary quite a bit in size depending on whether they are bred from Toy or Miniature Poodles. On average, Peekapoos stand 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 4-20 pounds when fully grown. Here is a size chart to give you an idea of what to expect:
| Peekapoo Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | 8-10" | 4-10 lbs |
| Miniature | 10-11" | 10-20 lbs |
| Standard | 11"+ | 15-20 lbs |
Sources: Peekapoo Club of America, American Canine Hybrid Club
Of course, these are just averages and individual Peekapoos may fall outside these ranges. It‘s important to discuss expected adult size with your breeder or rescue to ensure your Peekapoo will be a good fit for your living situation.
Another notable physical feature of the Peekapoo is their coat. They can inherit different coat types and textures from their Pekingese and Poodle parents:
- Curly coats are thick, dense, and tightly curled like the Poodle. This is the most low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat type.
- Wavy coats are a mix of curly and straight hair, giving the coat a soft, fluffy look. They are low-shedding but require frequent brushing.
- Straight coats are long, sleek, and flat like the Pekingese. They are the highest shedding coat type and less ideal for allergy sufferers.
Peekapoo coat types – curly (left), wavy (center), straight (right). Source: Peekapoo Club of America
Peekapoos come in a wide variety of colors including white, cream, apricot, buff, sable, chocolate, black, and parti-color. Often, their coat will lighten or change shades as they transition from puppyhood to adulthood.
As cute as the Peekapoo‘s coat is, it does require quite a bit of maintenance to keep it looking its best. Peekapoos should be brushed at least 2-3 times per week, if not daily, to remove tangles and mats. Many owners find it easier to keep their Peekapoo in a shorter "puppy cut" clipped by a groomer every 6-8 weeks. Monthly baths and regular nail trims are also important.
"I love the Peekapoo‘s fluffy, teddy bear-like coat, but it definitely takes some work to maintain. Daily brushing and regular grooming appointments are a must to prevent matting and keep them clean and comfortable." – Sarah K., Peekapoo owner
Temperament and Personality
Peekapoos are known for being outgoing, friendly, and affectionate little dogs. They are happiest when they are with their favorite humans, whether that‘s snuggling on the couch, going for walks, or playing games. They crave companionship and will follow their owners from room to room just to be close to them.
As a toy breed, Peekapoos are well-suited for apartment living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are moderately active and enjoy short walks, play sessions, and trips to the dog park. Training is also important for the intelligent Peekapoo to prevent boredom and keep their mind sharp.
Peekapoos tend to be good with children, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. However, because of their small size, Peekapoos can easily be injured by rough handling or play. Children should always be supervised around Peekapoos and taught how to gently interact with them.
While Peekapoos are not known for being aggressive, they can be territorial and suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized. Early exposure to new people, animals, and environments is key for raising a confident, well-rounded Peekapoo. Enrolling in a puppy class or taking your Peekapoo to the dog park can help them learn valuable social skills.
One potential challenge with the Peekapoo‘s devoted nature is that they are prone to separation anxiety. They can become stressed and destructive when left alone for long periods. Peekapoos do best with owners who are home often or can bring them along to work or on errands.
"My Peekapoo hates to be alone and will whine and pace if I leave the room without him. I have to give him puzzle toys and calming aids when I leave for work, otherwise I‘ll come home to chewed up pillows. It‘s definitely something to consider if you‘re away from home a lot." – Mark R., Peekapoo owner
Overall, the Peekapoo‘s friendly, affectionate nature makes them a wonderful companion dog for many different types of households. They get along well with other pets, love to cuddle and play with their owners, and are adaptable to most living situations as long as they are given plenty of love and attention.
Health and Lifespan
The Peekapoo has a lifespan of 10-18 years, with an average of 13-15 years. According to a 2010 health survey by the Peekapoo Club of America, the leading causes of death for Peekapoos were:
- Old age (25%)
- Cancer (20%)
- Kidney/liver failure (10%)
- Heart disease (8%)
- Accidents/injury (5%)
As a small breed, Peekapoos are also prone to certain health issues including:
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps)
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing problems due to short muzzle)
- Eye issues like cherry eye, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Tracheal collapse
- Allergies and skin problems
Reputable Peekapoo breeders will health test their dogs for genetic conditions and work to produce the healthiest puppies possible. The Peekapoo Club of America recommends that all breeding dogs receive the following health clearances:
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certification for patellas
- OFA or PennHIP certification for hips
- Ophthalmologist evaluation for eye disorders
- Cardiac exam for heart conditions
Keeping your Peekapoo at a healthy weight, providing regular dental care, and scheduling annual vet check-ups can also help prevent or catch health issues early. Pet insurance is highly recommended for Peekapoos to help cover unexpected medical expenses.
"I lost my first Peekapoo to kidney failure at age 12. It was heartbreaking. Now I‘m much more proactive about annual blood work and urinalysis for my current Peekapoo to hopefully catch any issues sooner." – Jennifer M., Peekapoo owner
Lifestyle and Living Situation
Peekapoos are adaptable and can thrive in many different living situations, from apartments to large homes. They are fairly low-key indoors and don‘t need a huge amount of space as long as they get regular walks and playtime.
Peekapoos are also known for being low to moderate barkers, so they usually do well in apartments or condos without disturbing the neighbors. However, they may sound the alarm whenever someone comes to the door or passes by outside. Training can help curb excessive barking.
Families with children can be a good fit for Peekapoos as long as the kids are old enough to understand how to respectfully interact with a small dog. Toddlers and younger children should always be supervised around Peekapoos to prevent accidental injury from rough handling.
Seniors and retirees often find the Peekapoo to be a wonderful companion thanks to their small size, moderate exercise needs, and lovable personality. Peekapoos are happy to cuddle on the couch, go for leisurely strolls, and provide affection and entertainment to older adults.
"I retired last year and my Peekapoo has been the perfect companion. She gets me out walking every day, loves to sit on my lap while I read or watch TV, and is just a joy to have around. I can‘t imagine life without her!" – Robert D., retired Peekapoo owner
While Peekapoos are not especially athletic, they do enjoy being active and trying new things with their owners. Some Peekapoos excel in dog sports like agility, rally, and even tracking. They are also naturals at learning tricks and performing for an audience.
Of course, it‘s important to remember that as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, Peekapoos are sensitive to heat and humidity. Strenuous exercise should be avoided on hot days, and plenty of water and shade should always be available. Many Peekapoo owners use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on their delicate trachea.
Bringing Home a Peekapoo
So you‘ve decided that the Peekapoo is the right breed for you – congratulations! Whether you choose to purchase a Peekapoo puppy from a breeder or adopt an adult dog from a rescue, there are some important things to consider before bringing your new furry friend home.
If you‘re getting a puppy, it‘s crucial to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs, raises the puppies in a clean and stimulating environment, and provides a written contract and health guarantee. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a well-bred Peekapoo puppy, and be prepared for a waitlist.
For those interested in adopting an adult Peekapoo, start by searching for Peekapoo-specific rescue organizations or let your local animal shelters and rescue groups know that you are looking for a Peekapoo or Peekapoo mix. Adopting a Peekapoo typically costs $200-$500, which includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Once you bring your new Peekapoo home, it‘s important to have all the necessary supplies on hand, including:
- High-quality dog food and bowls
- Collar or harness and leash
- Bed or crate for sleeping
- Puppy pads or litter box for indoor potty training
- Toys and puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
- Grooming supplies like brush, comb, nail clippers, etc.
Start socializing your Peekapoo right away by inviting friends and family over to meet them, taking them to puppy class, and exposing them to different sights, sounds, and experiences in a positive way. Establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty training, playtime, and rest.
The first few weeks with a new Peekapoo can be challenging as you both adjust to your new life together. Be patient and consistent with training, and don‘t hesitate to reach out to your breeder, rescue organization, veterinarian, or a professional trainer for guidance.
Conclusion
The Peekapoo may be small in size, but they are big on personality, affection, and charm. From their adorable teddy bear looks to their loyal and loving nature, it‘s easy to see why this designer breed has captured the hearts of so many dog lovers.
While Peekapoos do require a bit more grooming and attention than some other breeds, they reward their owners with a lifetime of companionship, laughter, and unconditional love. Whether you live in an apartment or a house, have kids or are an empty-nester, the adaptable Peekapoo can fit into almost any lifestyle.
If you‘re looking for a small, fluffy, affectionate dog to share your life with, the Peekapoo might just be the perfect match. With their growing popularity and increasing availability from reputable breeders and rescues, there‘s never been a better time to add a Peekapoo to your family.
As a veterinarian and dog lover, I highly recommend the Peekapoo to anyone who wants a devoted, entertaining, and low-allergen companion. Just be prepared for lots of cuddles, playtime, and admiring comments from everyone who meets your adorable little fluffball!
"My Peekapoo is more than just a pet – she‘s a member of the family. She brings so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives every single day. I can‘t imagine coming home and not being greeted by her happy little face and wagging tail. She‘s truly the best thing that ever happened to us." – Amy K., proud Peekapoo owner
