Introduction to the Peekapoo
Dogs are man’s best friend, and owning one comes with many benefits as they are loyal companions and provide emotional support when needed. One of the popular designer hybrid dogs available in the market is the Peekapoo.
This small-sized dog breed is a result of cross-breeding between a Pekingese and a Poodle, and it is renowned for its friendly, outgoing nature, and other admirable traits that make them ideal for people living in apartments. As a result, in this article, we will take a deep dive into understanding the Peekapoo, its origins, lifespan, and other essential things you need to know.
Description of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is particularly renowned for its cute and fluffy appearance, which leaves many people drawn to them. They usually weigh between 4 to 20 pounds and have a height of 11 inches and require low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
They have a curly coat, which varies in length, and they also come in different colors, such as cream, black, silver, apricot, and white. What makes this breed stand out is their friendly and loyal nature, which makes them a perfect companion for people of all ages.
Furthermore, their outgoing and playful personality makes them an ideal playmate for children.
Popularity and Suitability of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is relatively new to the dog breeding world, having only been around for the last few decades. This designer hybrid dog is known for its endearing personality, loyal nature, and adaptability, which has made it a popular choice for many pet owners.
Moreover, their versatility has made them suitable for people living in apartments, as they require less space for exercise, and they do not bark excessively. Therefore, if you are looking to get a furry friend, the Peekapoo could be the perfect match for you.
Origins and Lifespan of the Peekapoo
Accidental Breeding and Popularity of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a first-generation crossbreed, which is a result of an accidental breeding between a Pekingese and a Miniature Poodle. These dogs were first bred in the 1950s, but they only gained popularity when people started looking for hypoallergenic dog breeds that would be suitable for people with allergies.
Due to their cute appearance and endearing personality, the Peekapoo became a designer dog breed that quickly rose to popularity.
Lifespan and Health Concerns
The Peekapoo has a lifespan of about 12-15 years, which is relatively long compared to other dog breeds. However, like every other breed, Peekapoos are prone to certain genetic health conditions that are worth noting.
Some of these health conditions include cataracts, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and mitral valve disease. As a result, it is vital to keep up with regular vet visits to ensure their health is in good shape.
Similarly, since the Peekapoo is a crossbreed, it is essential to consider checking the health history of its parents and grandparents to mitigate the potential risks of health problems.
Genetic Pool
To ensure that the Peekapoo is healthy, it is crucial to maintain its genetic pool. A good genetic pool helps to promote the overall well-being of the breed by ensuring that its genetic material is healthy and free from genetic defects that may arise from extensive inbreeding.
As a result, avoiding inbreeding is essential if you want to help maintain the good health of the Peekapoo breed.
Conclusion
The Peekapoo is a delightful crossbreed that is a perfect match for people looking for a small-sized, loyal companion, adaptable to all kinds of living arrangements. As with all dog breeds, it’s important to get to know the breed well, their origins, lifespan, and potential health concerns, before making the decision to bring one home.
With regular vet visits, proper care, and attention, the Peekapoo can be an excellent addition to any household. So, if you’re thinking of getting a Peekapoo, there’s no better time to welcome them into your family.
Physical Appearance of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a charming designer dog breed, known for its appealing physical appearance. Despite being a mixed breed, this furry friend has distinctive features that make it stand out.
In this section, we will delve into the physical traits of the Peekapoo, including variations in size and weight and coat colors and texture.
Variations in Size and Weight
Peekapoos come in different sizes, depending on the breed of the Poodle used in its breeding. Suppose a Toy or Miniature Poodle is used; the Peekapoo will be smaller in size.
In contrast, if a Standard Poodle is used, the Peekapoo would be bigger. Generally, Peekapoos weigh between 4 to 20 pounds and have a height of approximately 11 inches.
This small size of the Peekapoo makes them perfect for apartment living and allows them to be carried as a companion for trips or errands.
Coat Colors and Texture
The Peekapoo is renowned for its soft, curly, and low-shedding coat. This breed comes in different colors such as cream, black, silver, apricot, and white.
Their wavy, glossy fur gives them an adorable appearance and distinguishes them from other breeds. However, due to their thick and curly fur, they require regular grooming to avoid matting and tangling.
Regular grooming for these furry friends helps in maintaining their coat texture and glossy appearance.
Grooming and Care for the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo may have a low-shedding coat, but it requires regular grooming to maintain good hygiene and overall health. In this section, we will explore the essential grooming needs and care for the Peekapoo.
Regular Grooming Requirements
Grooming is necessary to avoid matting and tangling of the Peekapoo’s thick curly fur. It is recommended to brush their fur at least once a week using a slicker brush to get rid of any tangles and matting.
Metal combs with widely spaced teeth should also be used to lift the fur and detangle it completely. Furthermore, bathing should only be done occasionally, using a good quality pooch shampoo and conditioner to maintain their glossy coat appearance.
It is also essential to use a conditioning spray after every bath to keep their coat soft and shiny. Maintenance of Folds, Teeth, Nails, and Overall Health
Besides regular grooming, Peekapoos require maintenance and care for their folds, nails, teeth, and overall health.
It is important to maintain good oral health by brushing their teeth two to three times a week using a dog toothpaste to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Failing to maintain good oral hygiene may lead to bacterial infection and bad breath.
Peekapoos also require regular nail trimming to avoid overgrown nails that may cause discomfort, leading to limping or even suffering from joint problems. It is advisable to use dog nail clippers, and in case of uncertainty, it is best to seek advice from a pet groomer or vet.
Lastly, being a small breed, Peekapoos are susceptible to skin infections, especially in their facial folds. Therefore, it is crucial to keep their folds clean and dry regularly.
Besides, good hygiene practices, such as cleaning their paws after every walk, helps to prevent infections and keep them in good health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Peekapoo is a small, playful, and lovable companion that requires regular grooming and care to maintain their appealing physical appearance and overall health. Keeping up with grooming needs reduces the risk of matting, tangling, and skin infections.
With proper maintenance of folds, nails, teeth, and overall health, it is no wonder that they continue to be a popular breed among many pet lovers.
Temperament and Behavior of the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo has an adorable appearance and is renowned for its loyal, friendly, and outgoing temperament. Although their personalities vary, there are some traits that the Peekapoo is known for.
In this section, we will delve in
to the Peekapoo’s temperament and behavior, including their loyalty, stubbornness, training, barking, and socialization.
Loyalty and Protectiveness
Peekapoos are loyal dogs that love to be around their owners and are always willing to protect them from any danger. They make excellent watchdogs and will not hesitate to bark or alert their owners if they sense any suspicious activity.
Despite their small size, Peekapoos often think of themselves as big dogs, and their protective instincts can sometimes escalate into stubbornness and aggression.
Stubbornness and Training
Peekapoos can be stubborn at times, particularly when it comes to training. They may require consistent and positive reinforcement to learn new things.
When training a Peekapoo, it’s essential to understand their unique personality traits, such as their independent thinking and stubbornness. Positive reinforcement is the recommended technique when training a Peekapoo.
A good example of positive reinforcement is rewarding your pup with treats or praise for good behavior. Barking, Suspicion, and Socialization
Peekapoos are cautious about strangers, and their protective instincts can lead to barking at any perceived threats or strangers.
Socialization is vital in helping them develop friendly behavior with humans and other pets. Early socialization is essential to avoid overprotectiveness, anxiety, and other behavioral issues.
Activity Level and Nutrition for the Peekapoo
Peekapoos are small and lovable, but they require an appropriate balance of activity levels and proper diet to be healthy and happy. In this section, we will delve deeper in
to the Peekapoo’s activity level and nutritional requirements.
Exercise Requirements and Potential Health Concerns
Peekapoos have a moderate activity level. They enjoy a good walk or playtime in the yard.
However, owners must be cautious of overworking their furry friend due to their brachycephalic nature, which makes them prone to overheating. It’s recommended to avoid outdoor physical activity during hot weather and instead opt for indoor exercise.
Peekapoos are also susceptible to joint problems such as patellar luxation. Therefore, pet owners must maintain a consistent and moderate exercise regime to prevent any potential health concerns.
Balanced Nutrition and Dietary Recommendations
Peekapoos are omnivores and require a balanced diet to maintain good health. A well-balanced diet for your Peekapoo should comprise high-quality protein, a limited amount of fat, and healthy whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
It’s recommended to feed your Peekapoo dry food and avoid feeding them table scraps or human food, as they can cause digestive problems. It’s also necessary to maintain a consistent serving portion as Peekapoos are prone to obesity due to their small size.
The serving size should be customized based on their activity level and overall health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Peekapoo is a lovable companion that requires proper training and socialization to develop good behavior. Pet owners must prioritize balanced nutrition and a moderate exercise regime to maintain their overall well-being and prevent potential health concerns.
Understanding the Peekapoo’s unique temperament and behavior is essential in providing them with proper care and ensuring they remain the perfect furry friend for you and your family.
Health Issues and Adoption Cost for the Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a hybrid dog breed that may be prone to some genetic health conditions. Thus, it is crucial to understand the potential health concerns, how to prevent them, and the cost of purchasing or adopting a Peekapoo.
In this section, we will explore the possible health issues and the cost of acquiring a Peekapoo.
Potential Health Conditions and Clearances
Like any other dog breed, Peekapoos may suffer from genetic health conditions. As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of these potential health concerns and maintain regular vet checkups.
Some of the possible health conditions include:
1. Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic condition in small and toy breed dogs, including Peekapoos.
This condition results from the kneecap sliding out of its normal position, which causes pain and discomfort. A regular vet check-up helps to detect this condition earlier, and a surgical intervention may be necessary to correct the condition.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a genetic condition that causes deterioration of the retina in the eye.
This eventually leads to vision loss and sometimes blindness. The condition is inherited, and dogs should be screened before breeding.
Therefore, reputable breeders often get health clearances for their breeding dogs, which include PRA testing. 3.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, leading to mobility problems and possible arthritis. The condition is characterized by improper development of the hip joint and can cause pain, discomfort, and even lameness.
It’s important for Peekapoo breeders to obtain health clearances and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification for their breeding dogs to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. 4.
OFA Clearance and CERF Clearance
OFA or CERF clearance for a Peekapoo is proof that the Peekapoo’s breeding parents are free from genetic diseases and conditions. Clearances ensure that the Peekapoo has a higher likelihood of good health and a longer lifespan.
Cost of Purchasing and Adopting a Peekapoo
The cost of purchasing or adopting a Peekapoo varies, depending on the quality of the breeder and location of the breeder. The price range of a Peekapoo from a responsible breeder may range from $800 to $2500.
It is important to note that purchasing from a reputable breeder will provide you with additional benefits such as establishing your dog’s health history and early socialization of your dog. Furthermore, boutique breeding is expensive, and quality breeders who are reputable invest a lot of time, energy and financial resources in breeding healthy dogs.
Another option is adopting a Peekapoo from a rescue shelter. Peekapoo rescue shelters save abandoned Peekapoos, and the cost of adoption usually includes any necessary vaccinations, spaying, neutering, or microchipping.
The cost of adoption ranges from $50 to $500, depending on the rescue shelter and age of the Peekapoo up for adoption.
Conclusion
Peekapoos are a hybrid breed that requires responsible breeding and regular veterinarian check-ups to prevent potential health concerns such as hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Invest time and conduct research to find reputable breeders or adopt from rescue shelters.
Ultimately, responsible pet ownership involves proper pet care, which includes regular veterinary check-ups and providing appropriate love and care throughout their lifespan. In conclusion, the Peekapoo is a charming and friendly mixed breed dog that requires proper grooming, socialization, and regular vet check-ups to maintain their health and overall well-being.
Understanding their physical appearance, temperament, activity level, and nutritional requirements, as well as potential health concerns such as Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and Hip Dysplasia, is essential for all pet owners. Moreover, investing time in finding reputable breeders or adopting from rescue shelters is vital in acquiring a Peekapoo that is happy and healthy.
For all pet owners, responsible pet ownership includes providing appropriate care, love, and attention throughout the life of their furry friend.