Peekapoo
Also called Peke-a-poo, Pekepoo, Pekapoo
From United States, developed in the 1950s-1960s.1
At a glance the quick version
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.
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
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
The Peekapoo is counted among the very first designer dog crosses.1
- 2
Most breeders pair a Pekingese with a Poodle rather than breeding two Peekapoos together.2
- 3
The name is spelled many ways, including Pekepoo, Peke-a-poo and Pekapoo.3
- 4
Some Peekapoos have 'phantom' markings, a two-tone pattern in specific places.1
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 Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Peekapoo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Pekingese
Shih-poo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Dogtime: Peekapoo dogtime.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, origin
- Rover: Meet the Peekapoo rover.comused for history, breeding, temperament, grooming
- Dog Breed Info: Peek-a-poo dogbreedinfo.comused for other names, registries, temperament, grooming
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.