Owning a Peekapoo pros and cons
Potential Peekapoo dog owners may wonder what are the cons and pros of owning a Peke-A-Poo. In order to understand the Peekapoo designer dog breed it is important to remember that Peekapoo dogs were developed by crossing a Pekingese breed with a Toy Poodle or with a Miniature Poodle. The offspring of Peke Poodle mix often shows the characteristics of both of these breeds in various proportions. Each Peekapoo dog is unique in terms of temperament and physical appearance that come from very different breeds and result in a truly fascinating companion dog that combines many positive as well as negative traits from his or her parents. Let's dive into a detailed review of the Peekapoo dog.
When selecting the ideal companion dog, it is important to consider the dog's energy level, whether the dog is suitable for an apartment if you happen to live in the city, grooming needs of the breeds you are interested in, shedding amount as well as whether the dog is easy to train or not and potential health issues of the breed of your choice. Peekapoo dog pros and cons are described in detail below.
Is Peekapoo dog a good family pet? The pro to owning a Peekapoo dog is that he is suitable for families with older children or for adults of any age. Peekapoos make ideal pet companions for the elderly - the Pekingese Poodle mix dog loves nothing more than getting all the attention for himself. Even though Peekapoo may be a wonderful companion for families with older children, this breed is not ideal for families with babies or toddler age kids. Small kids may unintentionally hurt the dog during play. Also, the con to owning a Peekapoo dog for families with young children is that the Pekingese Poodle Mix dog may compete for time and attention with children, which is not a desirable situation. Adding a Peekapoo puppy to a family is in many ways similar to having a new baby and the amount of time that a Peekapoo puppy requires for training, walking, socializing, grooming and caring for may be overwhelming for a family with little kids who need a lot of attention at all times. If you are really set on getting a Peekapoo dog and have young children in the family, it makes sense to wait a few years until kids are old enough for you to comfortably add a pet such as the Peekapoo to your family.
There's one factor to consider for any potential Peekapoo owner - are you ready for extensive grooming needs of this dog? Grooming a Peekapoo is a daily ritual that involves a lot of brushing and removing any tangles from the fluffy Pekapoo coat. Maintaining the dog's lovely coat is not an easy task and only people who are prepared for this grooming challenge may consider getting a dog that has so many good qualities.
Another benefit of owning a Peekapoo dog is that this dog is really not picky about his living conditions. Peke-A-Poos are comfortable even in a small apartment as long as they get to spend plenty of time each day with their beloved owner. Training a Peekapoo dog to use an indoor dog toilet from an early age can help to keep your pet's needs met anytime the nature calls without having to run outside for a bathroom break. Peekapoo dogs have reasonable exercise needs, which is another reason why Pekingese Poodle mix dogs are so popular among people who live in apartments. How much exercise do Peekapoo dogs need daily? As an owner of a Peekapoo, be prepared to give your pet three to four daily walks that last about half an hour each and don't forget some indoor playtime because Peekapoo dogs love to play and have a good time. Have some chewable toys as well as treat dispenser toys and watch your Peekapoo enjoying the fun. Peekapoos are full of positive energy and they are very appreciative of owners to like to join in the fun.
Are Peekapoo dogs easy to train? If your Peekapoo has more of a Poodle personality, he will be more than happy to please you and will surprise you with the way he quickly learns new commands. On the other hand, if your Peekapoo is more like a Pekingese in terms of temperament, then you may have to be more patient during training and invest more time and energy into the training sessions to get good results. Generally Peekapoo dogs respond best to positive motivation training techniques such as treat rewards or praise or even some playtime. The level of stubbornness may vary from one Peekapoo to another especially in F1 generation.
Since Peekapoos feature a thick coat, this dog can easily get overheated during very hot and humid days, which is a con that Peekapoo owners need to be aware of. What are some of the ways to help your Peekapoo stay well during extreme weather? Some Peekapoo owners choose to trim the dog's coat short for the summer months to keep the dog more comfortable. Another way to keep your Peekapoo healthy in the summer is by keeping the dog in an air conditioned area during very hot days. Also, take the dog for walks during the cooler hours of the day - early in the morning or later in the evening when the summer heat is not in full force. Keep fresh water available for your Peekapoo to drink at all times - the dog may easily dehydrate especially in the summer. Do not exercise your Peekapoo when the weather is humid or hot to prevent heat stroke. Never leave your Peekapoo in the car alone during warm or hot weather - even with windows open the dog may die from overheating as temperature in the car is a few degrees higher than outdoors, making your pet vulnerable to a heatstroke.
What are some other positives and negatives to owning a Peekapoo dog? One of the most noticeable pros to owning a Peekapoo is that this hybrid dog produces significantly less shedding and other pet allergens than purebred Pekingese dogs. The hypoallergenic and low-shedding coat quality of Poodle dog breed is frequently inherited by the Poodle mixes such as the Peekapoo.
Cons of owning a Peekapoo
Peekapoo dog is likely to inherit serious health problems such as the BOAS
Peekapoos incur expensive vet treatments
If not socialized early, Pekingese Poodle mix dog can be prone to protective behaviors
Peekapoo dogs have above average grooming needs
Due to the thick coat, a Peekapoo is prone to overheating in hot and humid weather
Peekapoos may be banned by some airlines since they are brachycephalic dogs, which is a con for people who like to travel with their pets. Check with your airline before booking a flight with your Peekapoo.
Pros of owning a Peekapoo
Peekapoo has a playful and friendly temperament that makes this dog a great companion pet
Peekapoo dogs are low-shedders
Peekapoos are great family pets for families with older, sensible kids
Most Peekapoo dogs are much easier to train than purebred Pekingese dogs
Peekapoo health problems
Being crossbreed dogs, Peekapoos are generally healthy. However, there are a few conditions they are likely to inherit from their purebred parents. Peekapoo health issues include:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease that is caused by a decrease of femur's blood supply, and causes pelvis breakdown.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Inherited from the Pekingese, and occurs in the retina where rod cells can die to make a dog blind.
Patellar Luxation whic is characterized by walking issues caused by knee slip-out from its place.
Overactive tear ducts that causes eye irritation and stains to appear on the fur surrounding the eye.
Hip Dysplasia.
These health problems are not bound to affect your Peekapoo pup. Actually, your Pekingese Poodle mix can leave a long healthy life without being affected by any of these diseases. Be sure to get your pup from a reputable breeder who has had the Peekapoo parents screened for any health issues. Being brachycephalic dogs, Peekapoo dogs do well in a cool environment during hot summer days.
What is a Peekapoo?
Poodle breed cons and pros
Pekingese breed cons and pros
|
