Meet the Peekapoo: The lapdog with the courage of a lion

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

Also called the Pekepoo, Peke a Poo, or Pekingese Poodle mix, this endearing designer dog combines some of the best characteristics of its parents.

With the affectionate smarts of a Poodle and the regal confidence of the Pekingese, the Peekapoo forms a unique package that will charm you to pieces – even as they’re barking your ear off. 

Ready to bring one home? Here’s what to know.

What exactly is a Peekapoo dog?

The Peekapoo is a crossbreed between a miniature or toy Poodle and a Pekingese. It has been around since the 1950s, which makes it one of the oldest hybrids in the canine world. 

Unlike most mixed breeds, breeders want to maintain the Peekapoo (F1 generation) by using the Poodle and the Pekingese as the breeding stock instead of mating the hybrid offspring to another Peekapoo.

This strategy of sticking to purebred parents has its positives and negatives. It may have a good effect on their health, but they’re also quite unpredictable as no Peekapoo is like another.

But because they’re so integral to the breeding process, let’s get to know the Poodle and Pekingese breeds.

Meet the clever Poodle

Toy poodle puppy graceful lying down on a white background
Toy Poodle

The Poodle is known for being one of the smartest dogs out there, and despite their reputation as being fancy, they’re an athletic and dignified breed. 

Miniature Poodles, which are the ones most commonly used to breed with a Pekingese to create Peekapoos, are 15 inches (38 cm) high and can weigh up to 17 pounds (8 kg).

Toy Poodles can also be used to create the Peekapoo. Their height doesn’t exceed 10 inches (25 cm), and they only weigh 4 to 6 pounds (2 to 3 kg).

One of the Poodle’s most distinguishing characteristics is its curly, hypoallergenic coat. Poodles actually have hair, not fur, and they don’t shed, which is beneficial if you have allergies – or if you hate vacuuming up dog hair.

This proud breed can be found in different coat colors such as apricot, black, blue, brown, cream, gray, red, silver, silver beige, and white.

Meet the regal Pekingese

Black Pekingese dog. Portrait on a white background
Pekingese

Simply called Pekes, this stocky little breed is instantly recognizable, thanks to their lion-like mane and smooshed-in face.

They were first bred to live in the palaces of China with emperors, and they retain some of that independent regal attitude you’d expect from a royal dog. They also make exceptional watchdogs, which makes up for their tendency to bark a lot.

Sticking out of all that fantastic hair is the distinctive Pekingese face. They have a broad skull and a flat face, wide-set eyes and heart-shaped ears.

Weighing up to 14 pounds (6 kg) with only a height of 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm), they’re seriously courageous despite their small stature.

This pooch has a long, coarse coat that isn’t hypoallergenic and does shed. Coat colors come in biscuit, black, black and tan, cream, fawn, fawn sable, gray, red, red able, white, and fawn brindle.

Does the AKC recognize the Peekapoo?

As a crossbreed, the AKC (American Kennel Club) doesn’t recognize the Peekapoo.

However, other canine organizations out there do recognize them, including the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Designer dogs don’t have breed standards as purebreds do, because they can vary in size, color, weight, and coat. That doesn’t mean we can’t make some generalizations.

What does a Peekapoo look like?

A Peekapoo dog posing for the camera
Source: @shota0021102 / IG

Most Peekapoos have a face with a slightly longer nose and narrower skull than a Peke.

They usually have dark eyes and a dark nose, though sometimes you’ll see variations with pink noses or light-colored eyes that can be blue or hazel. If your hybrid friend is more like its Pekingese parent, then she might also inherit its underbite.

They can either have a high-set tail that’s curled and carried over the back like a Peke or slightly straighter like a Poodle.

How big do Peekapoos get?

Most Pekingese Poodle mixes are between 4 to 20 pounds (2 to 9 kg). That’s quite a range, but most fall in the upper to the middle part of the scale. For the most part, their height is under 11 inches (28 cm) at the shoulder.

Their legs are usually proportionate to their bodies, but they can have short or long legs, depending on which characteristics they inherit.

Some people try to breed their Peekapoos on the smaller end of the scale to create a mini or toy version.

With regards to their living conditions – thanks to their size – this mixed breed can live in all types of houses, even apartments.

Coat & Color: Do Peekapoo dogs shed?

The Pekingese-Poodle cross doesn’t have an undercoat, which contributes to their low-shedding trait. That’s not to say that they’re all hypoallergenic. Some may inherit the non-shedding hair of the Poodle – while some get a more Peke-like coat.

Most of the time, the coat is wavy and medium in length, somewhere between the curliness of a Poodle and the double-coat heaviness of a Pekingese.

You can find this crossbreed in silver, gray, buff, sable, red, white, cream, apricot, chocolate, and black or any combination of these colors. 

Sounds pretty adorable no matter what characteristics they inherit, right? 

This little lapdog has a big personality

As you can imagine from a dog that has two parents with so much character, they have tons of personality. If you could sum them up, it would be that they’re smart, opinionated, refined, loyal, and they can be a little stubborn. That makes them the perfect companion for many people.

You can watch this video of Mogli to see what it’s like to own a Peekapoo pup:

These dogs are good with kids, even young ones, so long as you teach your youngsters to play nicely.

Pekingese are known for not being willing to take much nonsense, and Peekapoos can retain this behavior. That doesn’t mean they’re biters – in fact, they’re exceptionally gentle.

With that said, both the Poo and the Peke are known for being such loving canine friends. If they aren’t busy checking for things to bark at, their favorite place to be is on your lap or your side. They’re so loyal that you may have a hard time convincing them to let you leave them alone at home every now and then. 

Their sweet nature makes them a good fit for novice owners, too.

When it comes to other pets, you should have no problem with an early socialized Peekapoo. But since they naturally have a medium prey drive, be cautious for the safety of your smaller house critters. Although the Peke-A-Poo would prefer to have all your attention and affection, they’re also friendly with other dogs.

These little sweethearts aren’t the kind of dog to run up and play with a stranger. They like to stick with their humans and take their time getting to know new people.

How long can a Peekapoo be left alone?

The Pekingese-Poodle cross is one of the breeds that can be left alone for long periods, which means up to 8 hours max.

If you’ll be away longer than that, keep in mind that this crossbreed is a companion dog. It can be a problem to leave them alone too long, as it can lead to separation anxiety, and eventually, destructive behaviors.

For those full-time workers who are hoping to get a Peekapoo of their own, make sure that a family member keeps their pet company or that they go straight home after work.

Other than that, training this intelligent hybrid will keep their belief that they’re superior and in control, and will keep the naughtiness at bay. You can use this breed’s eagerness to learn and please their human by teaching it simple tricks like putting its own toys away.

These smart canines would not only enjoy a level up from the usual run around the neighborhood, such as an agility course, but they also thrive with mental stimulation. Even simple puzzles like interactive feeders can help keep your pet sharp and entertained.

Taking care of your Peekapoo’s needs

Aside from thinking about the good and the bad about the breed you’re interested in, you should be aware of what care requirements a responsible owner should fulfill.

If you’re really interested in this breed, you’d be happy to know that the Poodle & Pekingese mix is a low maintenance pooch.

Eating habits: How much should you feed your Peekapoo?

Peekapoo looking at owner right before mealtime
Source: @ohkaylee / IG

When it comes to feeding your Peekapoo, a good rule of thumb is giving her 40 calories per pound of her weight per day, or about ¼ to ¾ cup of high-quality dry kibbles formulated for toy breeds.

For a more specific range, Peekapoo puppies are recommended to consume 500 to 1,300 calories a day, while adults should be satisfied with 300 to 800 calories daily.

Keep in mind that the type and amount of food to give your pet should always be based on her size, age, activity level or metabolism, and in some cases, even health.

Peekapoos should eat well-balanced, meat-based dog food. Some Peekapoos are prone to obesity, while others seem to regard meal times as a necessary inconvenience.

Watch the number of treats you give your pooch as well. The first reason is that these dogs can get overweight if you aren’t careful. The other reason is that Poodles can be picky eaters, and they’ll turn their nose up at their healthy dog food to wait for a treat if they know it’s coming. 

Grooming a Peekapoo

The amount of time spent on maintaining your pet’s hair in tip-top condition will depend on her type of coat. If you keep your Peekapoo’s fluff in full glory, brushing every other day is needed to avoid tangles. You can always trim her hair short to make grooming easier. 

Bathing your pup should be done once a month, and be sure to brush her teeth daily since some Peekapoos are prone to having dental issues. 

Keep an eye on your dog’s ears. They can get ear infections, which can cause them to itch or scratch at their ears. A standard grooming step with Poodles and their mixes, such as Doodles, is ear plucking. If your Peekapoo has hair growing inside her ears, then this is a must-do.

Here’s a useful video on how to pluck excess hair from your dog’s ears, if necessary. The Doodle owner gives great tips, too! Check it out:

Don’t forget to clip your canine pal’s nails every eight weeks to keep her paws in good shape. 

How much exercise do Peekapoos need?

While we mentioned that they’re small in size, Peekapoos are active dogs that can be energetic. Up to an hour a day of playing, walking, or jogging is sufficient to keep your four-legged pal happy. Being outdoor lovers, they’ll even accompany you on a hike.

The thing to watch out for is overheating. Because of their flatter faces, they tend to overheat more quickly than some dogs.

If you live in a place that can get really hot, especially during summer, we recommend checking out other Poodle mixes that have longer muzzles. This will help you avoid panting and breathing issues in the heat with your pup.

If you’re certain you want a Peekapoo and you live in a hot area, be sure to turn on the air conditioning when it gets hot. There’s nothing wrong with spoiling your fur baby with some nice, cool air. Not unless you don’t mind keeping your Peekapoo cool with the air conditioning turned on whenever it gets too warm. Then go ahead and spoil your fur baby with that comfort!

All about the Peekapoo’s health

While we’re on the topic of overheating, it’s probably smart to understand the health of the Peekapoo. Generally, this breed is quite healthy and has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.

While they’re healthier than some crossbreeds out there, they still face some health challenges. They can either inherit diseases from their purebred parents or develop those ailments as they age. You’ll need to watch out for:

Patellar luxation – this is when the dog’s kneecap slips out of place. It can usually be corrected by surgery.

Hip dysplasia – far too many dogs suffer from this disorder, including Peekapoos. It’s when the hip socket and the hip ball don’t fit properly, causing pain and lameness.

Retinal atrophy – this can lead to blindness, and there is no cure.

Respiratory problems – their short faces can make breathing difficult when it’s warm or when they’re excited.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease – this disease causes limping and lameness. It’s a disorder of the hip joint often seen in small dogs. 

Buying: How much does a Peekapoo cost?

A cute Peekapoo puppy
Source: @yohyan.p / IG

A Peekapoo can have a litter of 2 to 6 puppies, and each Peekapoo puppy can cost around $275 to $1500.

The price can vary depending on different factors such as the breeder’s location, the superiority of the breeding stocks’ bloodlines, the popularity of the breeder or kennel, and it can include charges for shipping the pup.

Watch out for careless breeders and do your research before buying. As a buyer, you should ask plenty of questions, and expect some from the breeder as well.

Request to visit the kennel or where the parents and puppies are born and raised. This will give you a chance to observe their living situation and see how they react to new people.

While you’re there, the breeder should be confident in showing you the papers and medical records of the parents of the pup you’re interested in. If the litter already had checkups and vaccinations, take a look at them, too.

Peekapoo breeders

It’s quite easy to browse available puppies from kennels just by going online. To help you start your search, these websites or breeders are worth checking out:

  • Perfect Peks Kennel (Opelousas, Louisiana)
  • Team Kennels (Polk County, North Carolina)

Marketplaces such as the Greenfield Puppies and listings like PuppyFind have a lot of Peekapoo puppies for sale, too.

Don’t forget to apply the tips we provided you for dealing with breeders or puppy sellers. Always make sure that you’re buying from a responsible breeder.

Peekapoo for adoption & rescue

Currently, there isn’t a specific rescue organization for Peekapoos, but it’s possible that adoption sites for its Poodle and Pekingese parents to offer mixes, too.

Here are some of the adoptable dogs waiting for a second chance to have a new home and life:

  • Carolina Poodle Rescue
  • Pekingese Rescue
  • PNC Pekingese Rescue & Rehoming

Why not take a look at these other dogs and pups in Florida Little Dog Rescue (Central Florida) and Tiny Paws Rescue (Texas)? You might fall in love with other purebreds and crossbreeds, too!

Other Poodle mixes and Doodles

If you aren’t sure that the Peekapoo is suitable for your home and your lifestyle, you might want to consider some of the similar Poos & Doodles:

Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles and Poodle mix)

Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix)

Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle mix)

Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle mix)

Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix)

Poochon (Bichon Frise and Poodle mix)

Pros & Cons: Is the Peekapoo right for you?

Teddy, the Peekapoo puppy, enjoying time outdoors
Source: @teddythepekapoo / IG

The Pekingese and Poodle mix is an excellent pet for families, thanks to their friendly, loyal, and playful temperament. Although they’re small, they’re also suitable as a canine companion for your outdoor trips and adventures.

As they bark a lot, some may either consider this as a downside. Others may see it as a useful trait from a dog that will alert you all the time. If it’s a bit much, they can be trained to know when it’s okay to use their loud voice and when they need to keep quiet.

Then there’s the overheating issue, which can be a real problem if you live in a hot climate. 

Peekapoos are pretty incredible fidos. They pack a lot into a tiny little frame. Whether you’re looking for a lapdog that can watch your house like a professional, or you want a hiking buddy to go the distance with, they can do it all. 

Have you ever had a Peekapoo? Tell us about your pooch – including your favorite thing about them.

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