Pet Wiki

Peekapoo

Also called Peke-a-poo, Pekepoo, Pekapoo

CrossbreedShort profile

From United States, developed in the 1950s-1960s.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight1.8 to 9.1 kg12
Lifespan10 to 15 years1
Sizesmall

4-20 lb; size depends on the Poodle parent (toy or miniature). Height is given only as up to 11 in (about 28 cm) at the shoulder.

devoted lap dog
bright and alert
gentle and playful
123

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, soft, often curly or wavy

A small, fluffy companion with a soft coat that can be curly like a Poodle's or long and flowing like a Pekingese's. The coat is low-shedding.12

Colourssilvergreywhitesableredcreamapricotchocolatebuffblackphantom markings1

Personality what they are like

An affectionate, loyal little dog that loves being close to its person. Peekapoos are clever and alert, playful at home, and often form a special bond with one main carer. They can be a little reserved with new people at first and like to announce visitors.123

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: daily walks and play sessions. Many enjoy walks, car rides and outings with the family.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

High-maintenance coat. Brush daily if kept long, or a couple of times a week if clipped short, with a professional groom about every 4-6 weeks.123

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to flats, though access to a fenced garden is a bonus.1

Company who they like around

Loves companionship and does best with older children and other pets when socialised from puppyhood.12

The story where it all began

The Peekapoo is one of the earliest designer dogs, first bred in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Breeders paired the Pekingese with a toy or miniature Poodle to combine a lovable lap dog with the Poodle's low-shedding coat. Most Peekapoos are first-generation crosses.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The Peekapoo is counted among the very first designer dog crosses.1

  2. 2

    Most breeders pair a Pekingese with a Poodle rather than breeding two Peekapoos together.2

  3. 3

    The name is spelled many ways, including Pekepoo, Peke-a-poo and Pekapoo.3

  4. 4

    Some Peekapoos have 'phantom' markings, a two-tone pattern in specific places.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Peekapoo' is a portmanteau of its parent breeds: the Pekingese and the Poodle.4

Name ideas for your new friend

CocoMochiButtonsPoppyMimiGizmoLuluTeddyPepperSunnyBellaOreo

A day in the life told by a Peekapoo

I woke up in my cozy bed and padded over to my human, who was still asleep. I licked their nose gently until they opened their eyes. Then we went for a short walk, and I greeted every person with a wagging tail. Back home, I played fetch with my favorite squeaky toy, then curled up on my human's lap while they worked. I watched the window and barked once at a passing mailman. In the afternoon, we went for a car ride, and I stuck my head out the window, feeling the breeze. At night, I snuggled close, purring like a little engine. Perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Major kennel clubs
Not recognised by major kennel clubs as a breed; it is a crossbreed.3
Designer/hybrid registries
Listed by American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Peekapoo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Peekapoo, and at what times?

Feed your Peekapoo at least two meals a day for adults, or three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion and routine. Always follow the portion guide on your dog food label and check with your vet for the right amount.5

What should a Peekapoo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their size and age is best. Keep your Peekapoo safe by avoiding dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet before introducing new treats.6

How often should I bathe a Peekapoo?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Their coat may need more frequent baths if they get dirty, but avoid overbathing to keep their skin healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Peekapoo need brushing?

Brush your Peekapoo daily if you keep their coat long, or a couple of times a week if clipped short. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily is ideal for a tangle-free, soft coat.123 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Peekapoo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Peekapoo need?

Your Peekapoo needs moderate daily exercise like walks and play sessions. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play to keep them happy and healthy. They also enjoy car rides and outings with the family.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Peekapoo's teeth and ears?

Brush your Peekapoo's teeth a few times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution, never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Peekapoo live?

A Peekapoo typically lives between 10 and 15 years, bringing many years of affectionate companionship. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a loving home, they can enjoy a long, happy life.1

Is a Peekapoo good with children and other pets?

Yes, when socialised from puppyhood, Peekapoos do best with older children and other pets. They are affectionate and loyal, though they may be a little reserved with new people at first. Early positive introductions help them thrive.12

Can a Peekapoo be left alone?

Peekapoos love companionship and form a strong bond with their person, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the day. If left alone, provide toys and a comfortable space, but consider a pet sitter for longer absences.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Dogtime: Peekapoo dogtime.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, origin
  2. Rover: Meet the Peekapoo rover.comused for history, breeding, temperament, grooming
  3. Dog Breed Info: Peek-a-poo dogbreedinfo.comused for other names, registries, temperament, grooming
  4. chewy.com chewy.com
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.