Peekapoos are a combination of two classic companion breeds. With their parents being some of the most affectionate dog breeds, it’s no surprise that a Peekapoo tends to be an affectionate, cuddly dog as well. Their favorite thing is to be around their family, so they will also likely follow you from room to room to stay nearby.

Although they are small dogs, they can get protective over their favorite humans. This can make them suspicious of strangers and can become a cause of aggression if they are not properly socialized and trained.

A well-socialized, well-trained Peekapoo tends to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets and will warm up to strangers once introduced. They can be prone to barking a lot, so it’s a good idea to train your dog to stop barking early on and keep it from becoming a nuisance.

A Peekapoo is a highly adaptable dog. Although they don’t like to spend long periods of time alone, they can adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They do well in most climates.

As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when temperatures drop.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Peekapoo include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand’s disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, and luxating patella.

Good breeding practices make a big difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking about the health of both of the parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

Peekapoos are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and thrive on attention and praise. Although they may try to push boundaries sometimes and use their cute face to get what they want, they still tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels.

As long as training is kept consistent with clear expectations and plenty of praise and reward, Peekapoos tend to respond well and pick up on things quickly. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits that make them a good idea even if you don’t necessarily need them for help with training.

Although a Peekapoo can inherit the non/low-shedding Poodle coat, it’s not a guarantee. If they take more after their Pekingese parent, they will shed moderately year-round. Either way, their coat needs some work. If you keep a Peekapoo in a short clip, they’ll need grooming every 4-6 weeks, brushing a few times a week, and the occasional bath. If their coat is longer, you will need to brush them every day in addition to regular visits to the dog groomer.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Peekapoo’s nails, ears, and teeth. The groomer may be able to help with some of this during appointments, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between appointments. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues.

Ear checks on a weekly basis with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Peekapoo is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life, which makes good dental care for dogs early and consistently throughout your dog’s life important. Daily tooth brushing plus cleanings at the vet as needed are a good start.

A Peekapoo may have bursts of energy and will be energetic when they play, but they tend to be a more low-activity breed. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for these little dogs. They’ll likely be happy to join you with whatever you’re doing; just make sure they aren’t overheating or overexerting themselves trying to keep up.

A fully-grown Peekapoo usually stands up to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 4-20 pounds.

Peekapoos generally live for 10-15 years on average.