The Pekehund: A Comprehensive Guide to a Charming Crossbreed

If you‘re looking for a pint-sized pup with a huge heart, the Pekehund may be the one for you! This delightful designer dog is a cross between the daring Dachshund and the regal Pekingese, inheriting some of the most endearing qualities from both parent breeds. With their compact size, charming looks, and devoted personalities, it‘s no wonder Pekehunds are gaining popularity among dog lovers seeking the perfect apartment companion.

As a proud Pekehund owner myself, I‘ve experienced firsthand the joy and laughter these little dogs bring to daily life. But before you fall head over heels for those adorable eyes, it‘s important to understand the Pekehund‘s needs, characteristics, and potential challenges to ensure they are the right fit for your lifestyle. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Pekehund, from their fascinating history to their ideal home environment.

Breed Overview

Sources: Various Pekehund Breeder Websites, PetFinder

The Pekehund‘s small-but-sturdy build reflects their parent breeds‘ original purposes. Dachshunds were bred in Germany to flush out badgers and other den-dwelling animals, while Pekingese served as companions to Chinese nobility for centuries. Together, these ancestors give Pekehunds a unique look and personality that is both tenacious and tender.

Pekehunds stand 7-9 inches tall and weigh 10-20 pounds on average, with males slightly larger than females. Their low, elongated bodies are reminiscent of the Dachshund, but they have the flatter face, large round eyes, and lush coat associated with the Pekingese. Most Pekehunds sport straight, medium-length fur that is soft to the touch, sometimes with longer feathering on the ears, legs and tail. They come in a range of colors including tan, cream, black, brown, red, and fawn, frequently with white markings on the chest, face or paws.

Pekehund Personality: Loyal, Loving, and a Little Mischievous

"Pekehunds bond very deeply with their owners and thrive on being the center of attention. They are excellent companion dogs but may become anxious if left alone for long periods. Early socialization is essential to help them adapt to new people and situations." – Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM

Living with a Pekehund is never dull! These spunky, affectionate dogs have larger-than-life personalities packed into petite bodies. From my experience, the breed‘s most notable traits are:

• Devotion to family – Pekehunds are deeply loyal and protective of their loved ones, often following their favorite humans from room to room. They relish being a lapdog and snuggling companion.
• Engaging personality – Humorous, curious and social, Pekehunds thrive on interaction with people. They love playtime and make amusing, endearing companions.
• Alertness – With their Dachshund genes, Pekehunds are vigilant watchdogs who will bark to announce visitors or unusual sights and sounds. This can develop into a nuisance barking habit without training.
• Intelligence with a stubborn streak – Like their parent breeds, Pekehunds are bright and perceptive but may have an independent "what‘s in it for me" outlook on training. They get bored easily, so keep sessions short and fun.
• Sensitivity – Closely attuned to their people, Pekehunds don‘t respond well to harsh corrections or being left out of family activities. Positive reinforcement is key.

While generally good-natured, Pekehunds aren‘t always ideal for homes with very young children, as they may snap if handled roughly and can be injured by accidental falls or rough play. Socialization helps them learn to accept new people and pets, but some may remain aloof with strangers. As with any dog, it‘s essential to supervise and guide interactions between kids and Pekehunds.

Exercise and Play

Though they love to lounge, Pekehunds need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Aim for 30-60 minutes of low-impact activity per day, such as a few short walks and play sessions. Pekehunds enjoy games like fetch and hide-and-seek, and their clever minds love food puzzles that reward problem-solving.

Pekehunds have a strong prey drive and are surprisingly agile for their size, so a securely fenced yard or leashed walks are a must to keep them safe. It‘s also crucial to limit jumping, as their long backs are prone to injury. Many Pekehunds do well in canine sports like Earthdog trials that let them use their natural digging and hunting instincts.

Training and Socialization Tips

"Pekehunds are whip-smart, but they tend to be freethinkers. It‘s important to start training early and keep it positive to hold their interest. Socializing puppies extensively between 3-16 weeks of age produces more confident, adaptable dogs." – Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA, dog trainer and author

Like many small breeds, Pekehunds can develop a stubborn streak and "small dog syndrome" without proper training. These key tips can help your Pekehund puppy become a well-mannered family member:

• Start right away – Begin positive reinforcement training, housebreaking, and crate training as soon as you bring your Pekehund puppy home (usually around 8-10 weeks old). Early training sets a foundation for good habits.
• Keep it short and upbeat – Pekehunds bore quickly and respond best to training that feels like a game, with plenty of treats and toys as rewards. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a couple times a day.
• Attend puppy classes – A beginner obedience class provides structure and socialization for Pekehund puppies in a safe, controlled environment. Puppy playtime teaches valuable doggy social skills.
• Expose them to the world – Carry your puppy to new places and introduce them to different people, sights, sounds, and surfaces. Make it fun and positive with treats and praise.
• Curb unwanted behaviors early – Don‘t let your Pekehund practice bad habits like barking, jumping up, or nipping. Interrupt the behavior and redirect them to something positive, like a chew toy or trick.
• Be a kind, consistent leader – Pekehunds look to you for guidance, so set clear boundaries and expectations. Use positive methods like clicker training and never punish out of anger.

With patient training and leadership, Pekehunds can be obedient, well-socialized companions. Just remember that their sensitive nature means harsh corrections will only damage your bond – keep it fun and rewarding.

Grooming and Care

The Pekehund‘s luxurious coat is actually quite low-maintenance, requiring only 1-2 brushing sessions per week to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. They shed moderately year-round and may lose more in spring and fall. Regular brushing and the occasional bath will keep their coat healthy.

To minimize tear stains and skin irritation, clean your Pekehund‘s face wrinkles and ears weekly with a damp cloth or cotton ball. Dental care is also important for this breed, as small dogs are prone to plaque buildup and early tooth loss. Brush your dog‘s teeth daily if possible or give dental chews and toys to promote oral health.

Like Dachshunds, Pekehunds need their long nails trimmed monthly to avoid painful snags and splits. You can do this carefully at home or have it done by a groomer or vet. It‘s also wise to use a harness instead of a collar on walks to avoid putting pressure on your Pekehund‘s delicate neck and back.

Health and Lifespan

"As a hybrid of two breeds, Pekehunds may inherit health issues common to either parent. Potential concerns include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), luxating patellas, eye disorders, and dental problems. Know the risks and invest in preventative care to give your Pekehund the healthiest life possible." – Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club

The average Pekehund lifespan is 12-15 years with proper care. However, like their parent breeds, they can be prone to certain inherited health problems, such as:

• IVDD – Up to 25% of Dachshunds suffer from this spinal disc degeneration, which can cause pain, weakness, and paralysis. Keeping Pekehunds slim and limiting high-impact activities can lower the risk.
• Luxating patellas – Small breeds often have unstable kneecaps that can pop out of place, leading to pain and lameness. Severe cases may require surgery.
• Eye issues – Pekehunds may inherit disorders like cherry eye, dry eye, cataracts, and inherited eye diseases from the Pekingese side.
• Dental disease – Small mouths mean overcrowded teeth and a higher rate of tooth and gum problems. Regular dental care is a must.
• Brachycephalic syndrome – The Pekingese‘s flat face can cause breathing difficulty, heat intolerance, and snoring in some Pekehunds.
• Skin fold dermatitis – Deep wrinkles can trap moisture and bacteria, causing irritation and infection if not kept clean.

Sources: Dachshund Club of America, Pekingese Club of America

The best way to avoid health issues is to find a reputable breeder who health tests their Pekehunds for genetic conditions and breeds for sound structure and temperament. Adopting an adult Pekehund from a shelter or rescue also lets you skip the riskiest puppy period.

Preventative care like regular vet check-ups, staying current on vaccinations and parasite control, maintaining a healthy weight and providing dental care and joint supplements can all help your Pekehund live a longer, healthier life. Be prepared financially for unexpected illnesses or injuries – pet insurance can offset some costs but having a dedicated savings account for vet bills is smart. On average, owning a Pekehund costs $500-$2000 per year, not including emergency expenses.

Finding Your Pekehund

Whether you choose to buy a Pekehund puppy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue, it‘s crucial to do your homework. Sadly, puppy mills and irresponsible breeders churn out many small mixed breeds like Pekehunds in poor conditions, leading to health and behavior issues down the road.

"Around 2 million puppies per year come from puppy mills, and 99% of puppies sold in pet stores are from these mass-breeding facilities. Mixed breeds like Pekehunds are especially popular with mills and less-than-ethical breeders because they aren‘t held to breed club standards. Buyer beware – always visit the breeder in person, meet the puppy‘s parents, and ask for health certifications." – The Humane Society of the United States

A responsible Pekehund breeder will health test their dogs for issues like IVDD and eye disorders before breeding, provide a written health guarantee, and insist on meeting you in person – often multiple times – before sending a puppy home. They breed on a small scale, often specialize in just Pekehunds, and put great care into socializing and vetting their puppies. Expect to pay $500-$2500 for a well-bred Pekehund puppy and be prepared for a waitlist.

Pekehund rescue organizations are also a great place to find a dog in need of a home. Most rescues thoroughly vet their dogs‘ health and temperament before adoption and can help match you with the right Pekehund for your lifestyle. Adoption fees are usually $75 to $500.

If you go the breeder route, watch for red flags like puppies always being available, multiple different breeds offered, pressure to send a deposit without meeting the breeder or puppies, lack of health certifications, or no take-back contract. Reputable breeders focus on quality, not quantity.

Fun Facts About the Pekehund

1. Dachshunds were originally bred in two sizes – standard and miniature – to hunt badgers and rabbits respectively. Most Pekehunds have the mini Dachshund as a parent.

2. Queen Victoria of England owned multiple Pekingese dogs in the late 1800s and helped popularize the breed in the West.

3. Playwright Eugene O‘Neill was an early Dachshund devotee who owned many throughout his life and included them in his work. His dog Blemie was the subject of the famous last lines of his poem "The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog."

4. The Pekingese was believed to be a gift from the Buddha, who shrunk a lion down to dog size as a blessing. In ancient China, stealing a Pekingese was punishable by death.

5. Famous Pekingese owners include Queen Elizabeth II of England, US President Theodore Roosevelt, and celebrities Elizabeth Taylor, Shirley Temple, and Betty White.

6. The red Pekingese named Rascal on the TV show "The Secret Life of Pets" is based on a real dog owned by the film‘s director.

7. Dachshunds have many nicknames including wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, Doxie, Tweenie, and Dackel.

8. The Pekehund‘s small size and lap-loving nature make them a popular choice for seniors and apartment dwellers.

Conclusion

As a committed Pekehund owner for the past 10 years, I can attest to the boundless love, laughter, and companionship these little dogs provide. From their endearingly quirky looks to their outsized personalities, Pekehunds never fail to brighten my day and keep me on my toes.

But as with any dog, Pekehunds require thoughtful care, training, and attention to thrive. While generally a healthy hybrid, they can inherit challenges like back problems and stubborn streaks that need proactive management. Pekehunds do best with owners who can be present for much of the day, provide mental stimulation and positive training, and safeguard them from injury – they aren‘t a low-maintenance lap ornament.

If you‘re looking for a pint-sized companion to share adventures, snuggles, and a whole lot of love, a Pekehund may be your perfect match. Just be sure to invest time in finding a responsible breeder or rescue, prepare your home for safety, and commit to being the patient, positive leader your sensitive Pekehund needs. In my completely biased opinion, the loyalty, laughs, and love you‘ll receive in return are well worth it.