Breed History:

The Peekapoo is a designer companion crossbreed developed by crossing the Pekingese with the Poodle, usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle. The breed was first intentionally developed in the United States during the mid-20th century as one of the earliest popular “designer dogs.”

Breeders aimed to combine the affectionate and loyal personality of the Pekingese with the intelligence and lower-shedding coat of the Poodle. The result was a small companion dog known for being playful, loving, and adaptable to indoor family life.

Today, the Peekapoo remains a popular companion breed valued for its friendly temperament and fluffy appearance.

Size: Small

Life Expectancy: 12–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Peekapoo is a compact, fluffy, and charming small dog with a soft companion-dog appearance.

The breed commonly features:

• Round expressive eyes

• Short to medium muzzle

• Drop ears with feathering

• Compact balanced body

• Plumed tail carried over the back or curled

Its coat is soft, wavy, or curly depending on genetics inherited from the Poodle parent.

Common coat colours include:

• White

• Cream

• Black

• Brown

• Apricot

• Grey

• Parti-colour combinations

The coat is often dense and teddy bear-like in texture.

Breed Type – Companion Dog:

The Peekapoo is an affectionate, playful, and people-oriented companion breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal and loving

• Intelligent and alert

• Friendly with family

• Playful and adaptable

• Good indoor companion

The breed usually forms strong bonds with owners and enjoys being included in family activities.

Peekapoos are often alert watchdogs despite their small size.

Training:

The Peekapoo is intelligent and generally responds well to training, though occasional stubbornness may appear from the Pekingese side.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• House-training consistency

• Basic obedience

• Confidence building and mental stimulation

The breed performs well in:

• Trick training

• Obedience

• Therapy companionship

• Interactive indoor games

Gentle and reward-based methods work best because the breed can be emotionally sensitive.

Health & Care:

The Peekapoo may occasionally be prone to:

• Patellar luxation

• Eye disorders

• Dental disease

• Respiratory issues in flatter-faced individuals

• Skin allergies

Routine veterinary care, healthy weight management, and regular dental maintenance help support long-term health.

Responsible breeding practices can reduce hereditary issues.

Living Conditions:

The Peekapoo adapts very well to apartments and indoor homes.

The breed prefers:

• Indoor family living

• Human companionship

• Comfortable resting areas

• Moderate daily activity

Because of its affectionate temperament, the breed may develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently.

Exercise:

The Peekapoo has low to moderate exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Short daily walks

• Indoor play sessions

• Interactive toys and games

• Gentle training exercises

The breed is playful but generally manageable indoors after moderate activity.

Grooming:

The coat requires regular maintenance.

• Brushing several times weekly to prevent tangles

• Regular trimming or professional grooming

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately depending on coat type.

Advantages:

• Affectionate and loyal companion

• Compact size suitable for apartments

• Intelligent and trainable

• Often lower shedding than many small breeds

• Playful and family-oriented

• Good companion for seniors and families

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular grooming and coat maintenance

• Can develop separation anxiety

• May inherit stubborn tendencies

• Sensitive to harsh handling

• Needs consistent dental care

• May bark excessively if bored or under-stimulated